Using a barrier - be it a condom, finger cot, dental dam, or other method - greatly reduces the risk of STIs. Put a dark towel or sheet down to keep any mess discreet and off your sheets… or hardwood. An enema pushes water into the rectum for a deeper clean. Soap and water will suffice, but if you’re worried about the poo thing to the point that it might interfere with your pleasure, consider using an enema. Unkempt nails increase the likelihood of tearing the thin and delicate skin of the anus and spreading bacteria.Ĭlip or file your nails to eliminate sharp edges, then wash well and scrub under the nails before and after anal play. What can you do to reduce the risk of injury or infection during anal sex? Cut your nailsĪnal fingering is a great way to get started, but clean, trimmed nails are a must.

Head to the nearest emergency room if you experience heavy or prolonged rectal bleeding and abdominal pain following anal penetration with a penis, toy, or other object. Colon perforationĬolon perforation is rare, but possible. There’s also the potential contact with bacteria that could potentially lead to other infections, like urinary tract infections (UTIs) or gastrointestinal illnesses, depending on the sort of contact made.

Likewise, the receiver’s anal secretions or blood can transmit an STI to the person performing oral-anal, fingering, or penetrative anal sex. STIs transmitted through vaginal or anal secretions, semen, or blood can enter the body through anal fissures. InfectionsĪlthough any type of sex without a barrier increases your risk of contracting or transmitting a sexually transmitted infection (STI), the risk is a tad higher with anal play. You might also consider a stool softener to prevent hard poop from irritating the fissure further. Taking a break from anal play can help speed things along.

Small but deep, fissures can cause severe pain and bright red bleeding after anal play or a bowel movement.Īnal fissures usually heal on their own in a few weeks. The delicate skin of the anus is more susceptible to tiny tears or anal fissures. What risks are possible with penetrative anal sex and other anal play? Anal fissures

Deep anal penetration