Whether you’re a man or a woman, straight or gay, it’s important to protect yourself against the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including HIV, when having anal sex.
The lining of the anus is thin and can easily be damaged, which makes it more vulnerable to infection. This means that you have a higher risk of STIs and HIV from anal sex than many other types of sexual activity.7
STIs that can be passed on during anal sex include:
Using protection during anal sex is important to reduce your risk of catching an STI. For penetrative sex, make sure you use a condom and lots of lube – some people feel safer using extra-thick condoms for anal sex,9 and dental dams also offer good protection for rimming.
It’s a good idea to use condoms if you’re using sex toys for anal sex too, making sure you change them between partners and use a fresh one if you use the toys to stimulate the vagina afterwards.
If you’ve had unprotected anal sex and are worried about possible HIV infection, go and see your healthcare professional straight away. You may be able to take post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) to prevent HIV infection, but it has to be taken within 72 hours to be effective. However, PEP is not a replacement for condoms and isn’t available everywhere.
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