Thursday, November 13, 2008
Opinion: Let’s talk about sex!
The Advocate teamed up with Hendrix Health to answer students’ questions about sexual issues. Inquiries are published anonymously.
Q: My boyfriend wants to have anal sex, but I’m not sure about it. Is it safe?
A: Safe has many meanings. If you are asking if it is physically or medically safe the answer would be yes, with a couple of cautions.
Having anal sex might make you more susceptible to bacterial infection. The lining around the anus is thinner than other parts of the body so it is more susceptible to tearing.
These tears take longer to heal which could put you at risk for infection. With tearing also comes bleeding which puts you at risk for viral infections such as Hepatitis C or HIV.
STD/STI’s can be passed from person to person during anal sex so using a condom is a must.
Since you are not sure if you want to engage in anal sex this brings up the issue of emotional safety for you.
Any time anyone engages in sexual activity it has to be their choice. Remember, no one should force or coerce you into doing something that you don’t want to do.
Sexual experimentation is fine as long as the persons involved are giving their consent. An interesting Web site to visit is http://www.goaskalice.columbia.edu this is the Columbia University online health service.