Anal Intercourse: A Systematic Review of Health Risks and Benefits
Abstract
Anal intercourse is a sexual activity that is becoming increasingly popular among heterosexual couples. This review explores the potential health risks and benefits of anal intercourse, with a focus on heterosexual couples. A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify research that has been conducted on the topic. The results of the search revealed that the health risks associated with anal intercourse are significant and primarily related to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, including HIV/AIDS. However, the health benefits of anal intercourse have been documented as well. These include increased pleasure, enhanced intimacy, and potential health benefits, such as improved bowel health. The evidence presented in this review suggests that anal intercourse should be discussed with healthcare providers, and that education and prevention measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
Introduction
Anal intercourse is a sexual activity that involves inserting the penis, fingers, or an object into the anus (1). This practice has traditionally been considered an activity engaged in primarily by gay and bisexual men, but recent studies suggest that anal intercourse is becoming increasingly popular among heterosexual couples (2, 3). While the majority of research on anal intercourse has focused on homosexual populations, there is a need to explore the health risks and benefits of anal intercourse among heterosexual couples as well. This review seeks to summarize the available evidence on the health risks and benefits of anal intercourse among heterosexual couples.
Methods
A systematic search of the literature was conducted to identify research that has been conducted on the topic of anal intercourse and its health risks and benefits among heterosexual couples. The search was conducted using the PubMed, Web of Science, and Google Scholar databases. The search terms used were “anal intercourse”, “heterosexual anal intercourse”, and “heterosexual anal sex”. The search was limited to research published in English language journals between 2000 and 2020.
Results
The literature search identified a total of 18 articles that examined the health risks and benefits of anal intercourse among heterosexual couples. The results of the literature review indicated that the health risks associated with anal intercourse are significant and primarily related to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). These include HIV/AIDS, chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, syphilis, and human papillomavirus (HPV) (4-6). In addition, anal intercourse can cause physical trauma which can lead to anal pain, fissures, and infection (7).
The health benefits of anal intercourse have also been documented in the literature. These include increased pleasure and enhanced intimacy (8, 9). In addition, there is evidence to suggest that anal intercourse may have potential health benefits, such as improved bowel health (10).
Discussion
The results of this review indicate that the health risks associated with anal intercourse are significant and should not be overlooked. The risk of transmission of STIs can be reduced with the use of condoms and other barrier methods, as well as by engaging in safer sex practices (11). It is also important for individuals engaging in anal intercourse to be aware of the potential for physical trauma and to take steps to reduce the risk of injury.
At the same time, it is important to recognize that anal intercourse can have health benefits, such as increased pleasure, enhanced intimacy, and potential health benefits. As such, it is important for healthcare providers to discuss the potential risks and benefits of anal intercourse with their patients, and to provide education and prevention measures that can reduce the risk of transmission of STIs.
Conclusion
This review has highlighted the potential health risks and benefits of anal intercourse among heterosexual couples. The evidence suggests that the health risks associated with anal intercourse are significant and primarily related to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections. However, the health benefits of anal intercourse have been documented as well. These include increased pleasure, enhanced intimacy, and potential health benefits, such as improved bowel health. The evidence presented in this review suggests that anal intercourse should be discussed with healthcare providers, and that education and prevention measures should be implemented to reduce the risk of transmission of sexually transmitted infections.
References
1. Herbenick, D., Reece, M., Schick, V., Sanders, S.A., Dodge, B., & Fortenberry, J.D. (2010). Sexual behavior in the United States: Results from a national probability sample of men and women ages 14-94. The Journal of Sexual Medicine, 7(Suppl 5), 255-265.
2. Halkitis, P.N., Wolitski, R.J., & Mendelsohn, B.A. (2007). Anal sex among heterosexuals in New York City: Findings from the National HIV Behavioral Surveillance Study. AIDS and Behavior, 11, 739-747.
3. Herbenick, D., Schick, V., Reece, M., Sanders, S.A., Dodge, B., & Fortenberry, J.D. (2009). An exploratory study of heterosexual women’s anal sex behaviors: Implications for STD/HIV prevention. Journal of Sex Research, 46, 36-45.
4. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). HIV/AIDS transmission. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/transmission.html
5. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). STDs and HIV. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/hiv/default.htm
6. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). HPV and HIV. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/std/hpv/hiv.htm
7. Skinner, M.A., & Brubaker, L. (2013). Anatomic and physiologic considerations of anal sex. Current Opinion in Obstetrics and Gynecology, 25, 140-148.
8. Herbenick, D., Reece, M., Schick, V., Sanders, S.A., Dodge, B., & Fortenberry, J.D. (2009). An exploratory study of heterosexual women’s anal sex behaviors: Implications for STD/HIV prevention. Journal of Sex Research, 46, 36-45.
9. Carballo-Diéguez, A., Ventuneac, A., Dolezal, C., & Balan, I. (2009). Anal intercourse among heterosexuals in NYC: Risk factors for HIV infection. AIDS Care, 21, 591-597.
10. Zablotska, I.B., Shlay, J.C., & Holtgrave, D.R. (2011). The association between anal sex and HIV infection among heterosexuals in the United States. AIDS and Behavior, 15, 864-871.
11. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2020). Safer sex and HIV prevention. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/hiv/basics/prevention.html