What causes pain during anal sex?

By Kendall @ Planned Parenthood | Aug. 8, 2013, 7:42 a.m.

What causes pain during anal sex? And will it ever go away?

Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn’t usually produce enough lubrication for comfortable penetration, so it’s important to use plenty of lubricant. (You can buy lube like KY and Astroglide at most drug stores.) If the muscles in the anus aren’t relaxed and there isn’t enough lubrication, it’s likely that anal sex will hurt. It’s important to relax, go slowly, stop if anything hurts, and let your partner know how you feel — sex that’s painful or uncomfortable shouldn’t continue. Not everyone likes anal intercourse. So it’s okay if you don’t.

Discomfort from anal sex should go away pretty quickly — if it doesn’t, and you’re still experiencing pain a few days after having anal sex, you should see a nurse or doctor to make sure that nothing has been injured.

Like unprotected vaginal sex, unprotected anal sex is really risky for many sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, herpes, hepatitis, and HIV/AIDS . Use condoms during anal intercourse to reduce your risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Tags: safer sex, anal sex, painful sex