BARRIER METHODS FOR PROTECTION DURING ANAL SEX
Receptive anal intercourse is practiced by both men and women, though many opposite-sex couples are reluctant to admit that they practice anal sex because they fear its stigma as a “gay” sex practice and its reputation as a route for transmitting HIV. Nevertheless many couples, whatever their sexual orientation, find pleasure in anal intercourse. But with the onset of the HIV epidemic, the practice of anal sex has become less common, especially among men who have sex with men, because of the risk of HIV transmission from an infected partner. On the other hand, some heterosexual couples, particularly teenagers, operate under the mistaken belief that anal sex is “safe sex” because there is no risk of getting pregnant.
Receiving anal sex from and giving it to an infected partner is the highest-risk sexual practice for becoming infected with HIV with receiving anal sex a higher risk than giving it. This may be because there is a higher risk for small tears to occur in the anal mucosa while receiving anal sex, and these tears can facilitate the transmission of infection. Having unprotected anal sex with a partner whose status for infections is unknown puts you at risk for acquiring a sexually transmitted infection.
If a couple are in a monogamous relationship and both have been tested for HIV and other infections and are not infected, then anal sex is safe and can be practiced if it is mutually enjoyable to both partners. (This last condition of course applies to all types of sexual practices.) Once again, if you are not certain that your partner is or will be faithful, then it is a good idea to stay safe and use condoms.
Condoms should be used during anal intercourse with anyone whose status for infection is not known. The only way to know a person’s status is for her or him to be tested for STDs (all of them, not just HIV); being symptom free is not enough. If the person has not been tested, or has been tested and is known to have an infection, then condoms with adequate lubrication offer the best protection against becoming infected during anal sex. As noted previously, condoms are not 100 percent reliable, but they are the best protection available for anyone engaging in anal sex with unknown or untested partners.
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