Anal sex
Anal sex principally means the insertion and thrusting of an erect penis into a person's anus or rectum for sexual pleasure. This definition often serves as the baseline, yet sources note that anal intercourse can sometimes denote only penile-anal penetration while anal sex covers any form of anal activity. Other forms include anal fingering, the use of sex toys, anilingus, and pegging. People may experience pleasure from these activities through stimulation of anal nerve endings. Orgasm may be achieved through anal penetration by indirect stimulation of the prostate in men. Women may find orgasm through indirect stimulation of the clitoris or an area in the vagina known as the G-spot. Some people also find anal sex painful, which may be due to psychological factors in certain cases.
The abundance of nerve endings in the anal region makes anal sex pleasurable for both men and women. Internal and external sphincter muscles control the opening and closing of the anus. These sensitive membranes facilitate pleasure or pain during anal sex. Human Sexuality: An Encyclopedia states that the inner third of the anal canal is less sensitive to touch than the outer two-thirds but more sensitive to pressure. The rectum is a curved tube about 12 centimeters long with the capacity to expand like the anus. In a male receptive partner, being anally penetrated produces a pleasurable sensation when the object rubs against the prostate through the anal wall. Prostate stimulation can produce a deeper orgasm described by some men as more widespread and intense. The prostate is located next to the rectum and is the larger homologue to the female Skene's glands. Indirect stimulation of the clitoris through anal penetration occurs via shared sensory nerves like the pudendal nerve. Although the anus has many nerve endings, their purpose is not specifically for inducing orgasm. A woman achieving orgasm solely by anal stimulation remains rare.
Research indicates that anal sex occurs significantly less frequently than other sexual behaviors despite its association with taboo. In a 2010 clinical review, Kimberly R. McBride investigated non-intercourse anal sex behaviors among 1,299 men and 1,919 women. The report found that 51% of men and 43% of women had participated in at least one act of oral-anal sex or manual-anal sex. Among heterosexual couples reporting anal intercourse in the past 12 months, 69% of men and 73% of women were in exclusive monogamous relationships. A 2010 study from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior showed that 13% to 15% of men aged 25 to 49 practiced insertive anal intercourse. Women engaged in anal intercourse less commonly than men. Among adolescents, a 2000 study found that 22.9% of college students who self-identified as non-virgins had anal sex. They used condoms during anal sex 20.9% of the time compared with 42.9% of the time for vaginal intercourse. Reports regarding prevalence among men who have sex with men vary widely. One survey indicated that roughly three-fourths of homosexual men have had anal sex at least once.
Different cultures have held varying views on anal sex throughout human history. Ancient Sumerians had relaxed attitudes toward sex and did not regard anal sex as taboo. Priestesses were forbidden from producing offspring and frequently engaged in anal sex as birth control. Male-male anal sex was not universally accepted in Ancient Greece but appeared in Athenian comedies as a subject of jokes. Aristophanes mockingly alluded to the practice claiming citizens were wide-arsed. In Rome, a male citizen taking the passive role in anal intercourse was condemned as immodesty. Free men could take the active role with young male slaves. Records show some males in Japan engaged in penetrative anal intercourse with other males. Moche people of Peru created erotic vases depicting male-female anal intercourse significantly more than any other sex act. Religious texts often prohibit the practice. Judaism's Mishneh Torah states a man may have intercourse naturally or unnaturally provided he does not expend semen to no purpose. Christian texts sometimes refer to anal sex as the sin against nature. Islam prohibits same-sex sexual activity interpreted as referring to Lot's people. Iran's Penal Code Article 110
states those convicted of engaging in anal sex will be executed.
Up Next
Common questions
What is the definition of anal sex?
Anal sex principally means the insertion and thrusting of an erect penis into a person's anus or rectum for sexual pleasure. This definition often serves as the baseline, yet sources note that anal intercourse can sometimes denote only penile-anal penetration while anal sex covers any form of anal activity.
How does anal sex produce pleasure in men and women?
The abundance of nerve endings in the anal region makes anal sex pleasurable for both men and women. In a male receptive partner, being anally penetrated produces a pleasurable sensation when the object rubs against the prostate through the anal wall, while women may find orgasm through indirect stimulation of the clitoris via shared sensory nerves like the pudendal nerve.
What percentage of people engage in anal sex according to 2010 studies?
A 2010 clinical review by Kimberly R. McBride found that 51% of men and 43% of women had participated in at least one act of oral-anal sex or manual-anal sex. A 2010 study from the National Survey of Sexual Health and Behavior showed that 13% to 15% of men aged 25 to 49 practiced insertive anal intercourse.
How have different cultures viewed anal sex throughout history?
Ancient Sumerians had relaxed attitudes toward sex and did not regard anal sex as taboo, while Rome condemned a male citizen taking the passive role in anal intercourse as immodesty. Records show some males in Japan engaged in penetrative anal intercourse with other males, and Moche people of Peru created erotic vases depicting male-female anal intercourse significantly more than any other sex act.