ANAL SEX DURING PREGNANCY: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW

Being pregnant does not mean that you cannot have sex. But if it involves anal sex, many precautions have to be put in place. 

There are a lot of hormonal changes that happen when one is pregnant. According to Bartellas et al. (2020), sexual urges decrease during pregnancy. If you want or plan to have anal sex, it is important to think about the precautions to follow, the risks you will get yourself into, and when to avoid them. You need to remember that this time, sex will not be normal for you as it was when you were not pregnant. According to Staruch et al. (2016), some women have anal contact in their last trimester of pregnancy. Furthermore, you have to adapt to pregnancy, and your sex life changes. When having anal sex, you must avoid complications that will harm you and the baby.

When Not to Have Anal Sex

Certain factors need to be checked if you plan on having sex while pregnant. Some of the factors include;

Hemorrhoids   

These are the veins that are swollen in the anal regions. According to Mott, Latimer, & Edwards (2018), when one has anal sex, the hemorrhoids may bleed. This will cause some reactions and irritations, which is not okay because of the complications when giving birth. If you get yourself bleeding or are told to have hemorrhoids, you must avoid having anal sex until you are okay.

Fissures

This will occur when you have forced penetrative sex or have frictions when you are having sex without lube. It will cause the anus to have some cracks. Fissures are likely to bleed when they are disturbed, and they may even be painful. Try not to have anal sex when you experience a fissure. Let prevention be the better cure for you.

Risks Associated With Anal Sex

Hemorrhoids and Fissures

You are likely to have swollen veins and cracks in the anal region. Most people tend to ignore that they are uncomfortable and feeling some pain, and they keep up with the pain until the whole sexual activity is done. This is risky, and you need to talk to your partner and explain why you do not want to continue having anal sex. Also, try not to have rough sex.

Miscarriage 

When having intercourse, practice hygiene. Do not swap from anal to vaginal sex without cleaning up. Cleaning is essential so that you do not transfer bacteria from the anus to the vagina. If the bacteria gets into the vagina, you will likely have bacterial vaginosis. This condition is likely to cause miscarriage. You can also use a condom and remove it while switching to vaginal sex or wash off your penis before switching.

Uterine Contractions  

Having anal sex may make one have contractions in the uterus. This may sound like a common thing, but it depends on the trimester you are in. if you are in the first and second trimesters, it will be a big deal for you, and you should be worried. If you feel these contractions, you should stop having anal sex and get checked by the doctor.

Constipation

Constipation is common in most pregnant women. If you get that you are constipated, you mustn't have anal sex, or you may get complications. Your condition may even be worse than what you have at the moment.

Precautions To Take When Having Anal Sex 

There are always precautions that one has to take when having sex. They include:

Use Lube

Make sure to use lube when having penetrative anal sex. According to Wilson et al. (2017), lubricants are used during procreative intercourse to moderate the amount of wetness in the genitals. The anus does not have a natural lubricant. It is important to use lube when having anal sex to avoid fissures and cracks on the butt area. If you fail to use the lube, you are likely to experience some friction and feel some pain.

Disease  

If any of you has any sexually transmitted diseases, you are likely to pass the disease to your partner, and it may affect the baby. It may also bring complications when giving birth. 

Be Cautious  

Your partner should know that you are now pregnant, and they should be gentle with you. If you feel uncomfortable, you must tell them to stop and not force the whole situation. Discomfort or pain is a sign that the body is not responding well to the actions. Try not to ignore the pain and discomfort. 

Conclusion

Fissures, hemorrhoids, and constipation are conditions that one should take as a sign not to have anal sex. If you engage yourself in anal sex while experiencing such conditions, you are likely to bleed, which will affect the pregnancy. You might end up having complications when giving birth or even having a miscarriage. If you wish to have anal sex, make sure you are emotionally and physically relaxed. Do not be forced into it. It will end up being rough for you. Try also not to have anal sex if both your partner and you have any sexually transmitted infections. You sure do not want to pass it to your partner. Other than waiting for a cure, try and practice prevention. 

References

Bartellas, E., Crane, J. M., Daley, M., Bennett, K. A., & Hutchens, D. (2000). Sexuality and sexual activity in pregnancy. BJOG: An International Journal of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, 107(8), 964-968.

Wilson, S. L., Adam, J. K., & Krishna, S. B. N. (2017). Effects of vaginal lubricants on in-vitro progressive spermatozoa motility. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 21(3), 96-101.

Staruch, M., Kucharczyk, A., Zawadzka, K., Wielgos, M., & Szymusik, I. (2016). Sexual activity during pregnancy. Neuroendocrinol Lett, 37(1), 53-8.

Mott, T., Latimer, K., & Edwards, C. (2018). Hemorrhoids: diagnosis and treatment options. American family physician, 97(3), 172-179.