Just because you’re pregnant doesn’t mean your sex life will suffer. Experts say that anal sex during pregnancy is safe, as long as you feel well and have no pregnancy complications
1. Is it okay to have anal sex during pregnancy?
Whether or not anal sex is okay during pregnancy is something that some women are concerned about during their pregnancy. Anal sex during pregnancy is a very personal decision, some pregnant women prefer anal stimulation during pregnancy because they believe that increases blood flow increases nerve sensation. However, many women do not like anal sex during pregnancy.
You may be worried about the health of the baby, your own pleasure, or wonder if anal sex during pregnancy will induce labor. In most cases, anal sex is safe, but you should apply plenty of lubricant and ask your partner to be gentle. Any pain or discomfort is a sign to stop "love" immediately.
2. Safety tips for anal sex during pregnancy
If you decide to have anal sex during pregnancy, it's important to understand the safety concerns. According to experts, anal stimulation can irritate hemorrhoids for starters. Itchy, painful varicose veins are also common in the anus and rectum during pregnancy, and they become more uncomfortable when stimulated.
Anal sex can also irritate fissures. These small tears can be formed in the anus due to constipation (another common condition during pregnancy), and they can tear or bleed easily. Anal fissures and fistula are usually not dangerous to the baby, but they can be uncomfortable for the mother.
If you decide to have anal sex during pregnancy, it's important to understand the safety concerns. According to experts, anal stimulation can irritate hemorrhoids for starters. Itchy, painful varicose veins are also common in the anus and rectum during pregnancy, and they become more uncomfortable when stimulated.
Anal sex can also irritate fissures. These small tears can be formed in the anus due to constipation (another common condition during pregnancy), and they can tear or bleed easily. Anal fissures and fistula are usually not dangerous to the baby, but they can be uncomfortable for the mother.
In some cases, anal sex can lead to bacterial infections — usually when the man switches from anal sex to vaginal sex without changing condoms or “washing” his penis. These dangerous infections can also occur when moving a sex toy from the anus to the vagina without washing it. Infections that can result from anal sex include:
- Bacterial Vaginosis: Increases the risk of miscarriage, as well as premature labor and birth;
- Urinary tract infections (UTI): If left untreated, UTI can cause kidney infections, putting women at risk of premature birth and low birth weight;
- Giardiasis: Caused by the parasite called Giardia lamblia, giardiasis is associated with malnutrition, dehydration, and weight loss. These problems can negatively impact on the health of your pregnancy;
- In addition to bacterial infections, anal sex during pregnancy increases the risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Some STIs can be passed to the baby during birth (and rarely through the placenta), leading to long-term health consequences. For example, gonorrhea is related to premature birth and stillbirth; herpes virus can lead to neonatal herpes and neurological problems; HPV often causes complications during childbirth; hepatitis B can damage the liver.
So, to stay safe during anal sex during pregnancy, you should:
- Use condoms: The aim is to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases that can be passed to the baby. If you switch from anal to vaginal sex, change the condom or wash your penis first to be safe and prevent infection;
- Use lubricants: The anus does not naturally lubricate, so use a water-based lubricant to avoid friction. This can prevent anal fissures from tearing and hemorrhoids from outbreaking. You may need to use more lubricant during anal sex;
- Make love slowly: The aim is to avoid rectal tears;
- Stop anal sex immediately if you feel pain or discomfort.
Note that any type of sex may feel different when you are pregnant. If you feel uncomfortable or painful, tell your partner directly to stop.
3. When should you not have anal sex?
To ensure the safety of you and your baby, you should not have anal sex during pregnancy if you have the following health problems:
- Has hemorrhoids: Anal sex can make your hemorrhoids bleed a lot and it can be dangerous for you and your baby;
- Has a low-lying placenta (placenta previa): Anal sex can damage the placenta if it covers all or part of your cervix. There is a thin bulkhead structure between the vagina and rectum, if the penis pushes against the placenta, it can cause vaginal bleeding;
- Has a cut in the anus (anal fistula). Constipation is common during pregnancy and straining can lead to the formation of fissures. Therefore, you may bleed and have pain during anal sex;
- You or your partner has an STD: It's easier to transmit STDs through anal sex than vaginal sex, making you more susceptible to infection.
So yes, anal sex during pregnancy is possible. Although there are some risks to anal sex during pregnancy, you can still go ahead and enjoy it if you follow the right safety precautions, unless your doctor tells you not to.
To arrange an appointment, please call HOTLINE or make your reservation directly HERE. You may also download the MyVinmec app to schedule appointments faster and manage your reservations more conveniently.
