Gay Love Is OK

Is it safe?

Anal sex, if practised with care, is possible for most couples.  It does, however, carry additional health risks and there are safer sexual practices that couples can enjoy.  The main health risks, which affect both heterosexual and homosexual couples, are described below.

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV):

There is good research evidence that anal intercourse carries a greater risk of transmission of HIV - the virus that can cause acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) than other sexual activities, particularly for the receptive partner.

Human papilloma virus (HPV, wart virus):

This can be transmitted during anal intercourse and lead to anal warts, which in turn can predispose infected individuals to cancer of the anal canal.

Hepatitis A (infectious hepatitis):

Hep A is a viral infection that can cause jaundice and abdominal pain.  It is not usually a serious illness, although sufferers can feel very ill.  It can be transmitted by oral-anal contact.

Hepatitis C:

Hep C is a cause of progressive and sometimes fatal chronic liver disease.  It may be transmitted by anal intercourse, although this seems to be a rare occurrence.  Sharing of equipment for intravenous drug use is a far more important risk for transmission.

Escherichia Coli (E. Coli):

This may cause mild to severe, or even fatal, gastroenteritis.  It is one of many bacteria and viruses that can be transmitted by oral-anal contact.  Some E. coli strains (uropathic E. coli), probably transmitted during anal intercourse, can also cause urinary tract infections, ranging from cystitis to pyelonephritis - a serious kidney infection.

Drugs and anal sex

Muscle relaxant drugs (amyl nitrate, butyl nitrate, glyceryl trinitrate) have been tried to make anal intercourse easier or more comfortable.

Amyl nitrate 'poppers' sold in small bottles for inhalation, are popular in the gay community and have a reputation both for enhancing the intensity of orgasm and helping relax the anal sphincter.  There is no real evidence to support these assertions and its use is NOT recommended.

It is important to remember that amyl nitrate is a potent drug with several side effects, including facial flushing, headaches, dizziness and low blood pressure, which may lead to faintness and loss of consciousness.  Amyl nitrate, when taken with sildenafil (Viagra), may cause a catastrophic drop in blood pressure with potentially fatal consequences.  These drugs must NEVER be taken together.

Local anaesthetics, such as lignocaine (Lidocaine) cream or even locally applied cocaine, have been used to reduce anal pain during intercourse.  By numbing the anal skin there is a real risk of causing serious injury to the anal sphincter through over-vigorous thrusting.

The purpose of pain is to make us aware that we are causing injury and, therefore, local anaesthetics should be avoided.  Another problem with local anaesthetics is that they may make the penis of the insertive partner numb.  This may lead to problems with erection, orgasm and ejaculation.

This advice is by kind permission of   The Lovers Guide  © 2005-8 Lifetime Productions International Ltd, all rights reserved.

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