We can have blockages to the idea of practicing sodomy. Fear of pain, fissure, hemorrhoids, incontinence or sexual infection? An update on the real (and false) risks associated with anal penetration.
“There sodomy has become very commonplace over the last fifty years“, comments Ifop in a 2021 survey focusing on the sexual practices of French women over 18 years old. According to this survey, in 2021, 51% of French women have already practiced sodomy. They were 14% in 1970. But if women are more and more adept at this anal penetration “they are not always aware of the risks that we can have when doing it or depending on how we do it” notes Dr Thierry Higuero, proctologist, interviewed for the occasion.
1. Pain (when you are not well prepared)
We speak of anodyspareunia when we have pain during anal penetration, “These pains sare more common in women” indicates our interlocutor. They can sometimes be associated with anal and rectal irritations. What causes pain: too brutal penetration, a contracted anus, a lack of lubrication, a lack of stimulation of the anus beforehand (for example digital massage for example) or a psychological blockage in the acceptance of sodomy.
2. A decrease in anal tone
“When we have anal intercourse, the anal tone decreases, we are more flexible at the level of the internal sphincter” explains Dr. Higuero. These effects also depend on the practice: “They are not the same when you do it with your husband or with several people in the same evening and/or if you use sexual objects of larger or smaller size”. Two muscles exist at the level of the anus corresponding to two sphincters:
► An internal sphincter that we cannot control. It opens when you have a bowel movement or in case of gas. “It contributes to 50-60% of the closing pressure called “resting pressure” which allows the anus to be completely closed and watertight.”
► An external sphincter which tightens when you squeeze the anus, it is a “voluntary” pressure (which allows for example to hold back when you want to have a bowel movement).
3. A risk of cracking (rare, unless the sodomy is brutal)
The absolute risk of cracking does not exist, replies Dr. Higuero. A study published in 2009 confirmed this and showed that anal intercourse did not increase the risk of fissure. Unless the sodomy is poorly prepared or violent : “There it can tear just as it can tear at the vulva” adds the specialist. And to remind: “The most important thing is toensure sufficient lubrication even if it’s not the first time and Don’t forget the foreplay.“
4. Risks of hemorrhoids
“There is no no risk of hemorrhoidal problems when it is well done and well prepared” explains the proctologist. “However, if the person has a pre-existing hemorrhoidal disease, this can be unpleasant or even increase the symptoms depending on the intensity of the act (or the number of partners in the evening or the size of the sexual accessories used)“ he tempers.
► Caution in case of hemorrhoidal surgery: “Certain surgical treatments can hinder anal sex. When you have a hemorrhoidal disease that requires surgical treatment, you should not hesitate to tell the doctor that you have anal sex and that you wish to continue it because certain surgical techniques such as the Longo procedure can lead to difficulty or even an impossibility in having intercourse by this method. warns Dr. Higuero.
5. Risks of anal incontinence
If sodomy makes the anal sphincters more flexible, “it’s not not necessarily correlated with a continence disorder” reassures the specialist.
► In survey carried out in 199340 homosexual men having an average of 2.5 passive anal intercourse per month described more frequent anal incontinence (flatulence, liquid stools) than the 18 controls.
► In study carried out in 2018 Among 1,000 women, 32% had had at least one anal intercourse and 12% regularly. 70% of them reported anal incontinence and 10% considered that it was linked to their anal sexuality.
► In a third work conducted on 4,170 adults (2,100 men and 2,070 women), anal sex was correlated with more frequent fecal incontinence.
► What to remember according to our proctologist : “The figures say that people who have anal sex have a little more continence problems but for what type of anal sex (classic or not)? Furthermore, these disorders may be related to obstetric history – traumatic childbirth for example – and/or anal surgery not specified in this work. We need to continue research before concluding that there is a real risk for “classic” anal sex.”
6. A risk of sexual infection
Sexual infections are increasing very rapidly in France. Sodomy is a well-identified risk factor. “It is an epidemic with many co-infections (two infections at the same time). The most affected are male homosexuals and women under 40 with a probable multiplicity of sexual partners“ notes Dr. Higuero.
► Why? “An explanation for young people was provided by a study which showed that frequently viewing pornographic images is associated with earlier sexual activity, a greater number of sexual partners and casual partners, from anal penetration, to less prevention of sexually transmitted infections.”
► What infections can you contract during sodomy? There syphilisgonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B and C and HIV causing AIDS.
► Why does sodomy transmit these infections? “In the event of unprotected intercourse, there may be small lesions of the mucous membrane which may bleed” explains the doctor. The only way to protect yourself is to wear a condom if having sex with occasional partners.
Thanks to Dr Thierry Higuero, medical-surgical proctologistPresident of the proctology commission of the Club de Réflexion des Cabinets et Groupes d’Hépato-Gastro-enterologie (CREGG), member of the board of directors of the Société Nationale de Colo-Proctologie (SNFCP) and co-author of the book “Ma bible of health issues” by Jessyca Falour.
- Ifop / The Poken company survey carried out among 5,026 women aged 18 and over living in Spain, Italy, France, Germany and the United Kingdom, by self-administered questionnaire from March 1 to 5, 2021.