Sent by email... questions about anal sex.

"My boyfriend enjoys anal sex but my friend told me that I can get a serious infection if I do.  Is this true?

                                                                                                             Anal about anal"

Dear Aaa,

The answer is yes.  But don't let it dissuade you.  While anal sex has all sorts of risks, including infection, it doesn't mean that measures can't be taken to avoid it.  I could go on and on about the the various aspects of anal sex but to focus on your question I'll stick to the matter at hand.

I always recommend and strongly advise to use of condoms when engaging in anal sex.  This is especially helpful if one chooses to engage in a variety of sexual activities in the course of a passionate encounter.  If it is your intentions, I suggest oral or vaginal penetration prior to anal penetration if for no reason than to decrease the risk of contamination of the mouth or vagina with fecal bacteria. I realize that often one can't be bothered with rationalizing the prevention of  infectious disease processes while engaging in really hot sex.  Therefore, I find that it's a good habit to use the condom as a barrier so that if one does decides to go from anal to vaginal or oral, its simply a matter of removing the condom before penetrating other places to decrease contamination. 

Enemas prior to anal sex is often thought to act as a means to avoid cross contamination.  While an enema can be helpful in decreasing  the obvious associations one has with putting something in their bottom, it does not render it free from bacteria.  If you do choose an enema prior to a fun-filled event, allow yourself some time between "giving" and "getting". Have your enema  far enough in advance of the activity you plan so that you can be sure that you don't experience any lingering effects from it.  Additionally by doing so well before time, it  allows your body to replenish its normal hydration and flora ( to some extent ) and decreases the risks of tearing or abrasions of the mucosa during the act if done with care.  Speaking of... be sure to use plenty of water based or silicone lubricant to minimize this risk to yourself and the condom!  Do not use oil based lubricants with condoms as these have a tendency to deteriorate and risk breakage.   I hope this answers your question.

Michelle