Anus

Penis

Activity:

Often called 'anal sex', this can be pleasurable for both the person inserting their penis and the person 'receiving' the penis in their anus. The internal clitoris and/or prostate gland can be stimulating through this kind of sex.

Risks:

Anal sex has a higher risk of spreading STIs than many other types of sexual activity. This is because the lining of the anus is thin and can easily be damaged, which makes it more vulnerable to infection.

How to make it safe:

Use male condoms with water based lubricant.

Objects

Activity:

The anus can be pleasured by placing objects next to the anus or inside it.

Risks:

Sharing sex toys has risks, including getting and passing on infections. If there are any cuts or sores around the vagina, anus or penis and there's blood, there's an increased risk of passing on hepatitis B, hepatitis C and HIV.

How to make it safe:

Keeping objects clean ensures there is low risk of infections being passed on, or using condoms, changing these when changing partner or orifice.

Mouth

Activity:

'Oral sex' or 'rimming'. It can be pleasurable for some people to experience giving and receiving oral sex to the anus. You can explore the anus with the tongue and lips by kissing, sucking and licking the area.

Risks:

There's a risk of getting or passing on STIs if you're giving or receiving oral sex. The risk increases if either of you has sores or cuts around the mouth or vagina.

This is because viruses and bacteria, which may be present in semen, vaginal fluid or blood, can travel more easily into a partner's body through breaks in the skin.

Generally, the risk of infection is lower when you receive oral sex than when you give someone oral sex. However, it is still possible for STIs to be passed on.

How to make it safe:

Using dentals dams over the anus.

Anus

Activity:

Direct anus-anus contact may be difficult to achieve but pushing anuses towards each other and buttocks against each other can be pleasurable.

Risks:

If there are any infections present on the anus, there is a risk infection.

How to make it safe:

There are no barrier methods to protect in this sort of activity, such a dams or condoms. However, regular STI screening will allow you and your partner to know if you have any infections and can be treated if there are any. This would minimise risk or passing anything on. If there is a viral outbreak, such as warts or herpes, refrain from this activity.

Hands and Fingers

Activity:

You can touch, stroke or insert finger(s) into the anus (masturbation). Some people gradually insert the whole hand (fisting).

Risks:

It's not common for STI's to be spread this way. However, if there are any cuts or sores on the fingers or hands, the risk of passing on or getting HIV or other blood-borne infections such as hepatitis B or C increases.

How to make it safe:

Use water based lubricant as the anus does not produce moisture. You can get free water based lubricant from the sexual health service.

Vulva/Vagina

Activity:

Pushing and rubbing vulva and anus together can be pleasurable for some people. The external clitoris can be stimulated this way.

Risks:

If there are any infections present on the vulva or anus, there is a risk infection.

How to make it safe:

There are no barrier methods to protect in this sort of activity, such a dams or condoms. However, regular STI screening will allow you and your partner to know if you have any infections and can be treated if there are any. This would minimise risk or passing anything on. If there is a viral outbreak, such as warts or herpes, refrain from this activity