Anal sex or anal intercourse is generally the insertion and thrusting of the erect penis into a person's anus , or anus and rectum , for sexual pleasure. While anal sex is commonly associated with male homosexuality , research shows that not all gay men engage in anal sex and that it is not uncommon in heterosexual relationships. As with most forms of sexual activity, anal sex participants risk contracting sexually transmitted infections STIs. Anal sex is considered a high-risk sexual practice because of the vulnerability of the anus and rectum. The anal and rectal tissues are delicate and do not provide lubrication like the vagina does , so they can easily tear and permit disease transmission, especially if a personal lubricant is not used.

As more couples explore this type of sex, understanding the risks, rewards, and proper strategy is important. According to the Centers for Disease Control CDC , anal sex is primarily growing in popularity with couples under age You might think of anal sex as anal penetration with a penis, but you have a few more options. Anal sex can also be performed with fingers or the tongue. Sex toys , like vibrators , dildos , and butt plugs , are used too.

Yeah, they can! In cisgender men and people assigned male at birth, anal sex can stimulate the prostate and lead to an orgasm. Prostate orgasms are intense enough to send waves of orgasmic pleasure from head to toe. For cisgender women and people assigned female at birth, anal sex can hit two hot spots: the G-spot and A-spot.

Lots of women who've been there and done that say it's a welcome addition to their sexual repertoire. But just like you must walk before you can run, you must have some sort of anal foreplay before you go for the full monty of anal sex. Or, you know, you can do butt play and leave it at that forever, because it's your booty and you make the rules. You hopefully already know the basics: ALWAYS use lube, never put something that was in your butt in your mouth or vagina, and butt plugs are your friend. But there's so much more to know about anal play, and so here, several sexperts break down their best anal foreplay tips for both first-timers and experienced butt travelers.