Anal sex

Anal sex means putting something into the anus (bum) — usually a penis, but sometimes fingers or a sex toy. It's a type of sex that people of any gender or sexuality might have. Like all sexual activity, it should only happen if both people genuinely want it.

• The anus doesn't make its own lubrication, so lube is a must.
• Condoms reduce the risk of STIs during anal sex.
• The age of consent is 16 in the UK — same as for everything else.
• Going slow and talking to each other matters a lot.
• People of all genders and sexualities have anal sex. Plenty don't. Neither is weird.

Why lube matters

Unlike the vagina, the anus doesn't produce its own wetness. Without lube, anal sex is more likely to be painful and can cause small tears in the skin — which also makes it easier to catch an STI. Water-based or silicone-based lube both work well with condoms.

Why going slowly matters

The ring of muscle around the anus (the sphincter) is naturally tight. It needs time to relax. Rushing makes things uncomfortable or painful. If it hurts, that's your body saying stop or slow down — and you should always listen to that.

STI risk

Anal sex has a higher risk of passing on STIs than some other kinds of sex, because the lining inside the anus is thinner and tears more easily. Using a condom makes a big difference. If you use a condom for anal sex and then switch to vaginal sex, use a fresh one — the same condom can transfer bacteria and cause infections like bacterial vaginosis.

Things people get wrong

"Only gay men have anal sex." Not true. People of all sexualities have anal sex. It's also completely fine to never want to try it.

"It always hurts." It doesn't have to. With enough lube, patience, and communication, many people find it comfortable or enjoyable. But it's also fine to try it and decide it's not for you.

Things people ask about anal sex

Can you get pregnant from anal sex?

No — pregnancy needs sperm to reach an egg in the uterus, and that can't happen through anal sex. But if semen gets near the vaginal opening, there's a small risk.

Do you need to do anything to prepare?

Lube is the main thing. Some people go to the toilet beforehand or wash the area — your body's generally cleaner than you'd think. Being relaxed helps a lot.

Is it normal to be curious about it?

Totally. Curiosity about different kinds of sex is normal. Being curious doesn't mean you have to try it.

Where to get help

• Sexual health clinics (GUM clinics) — free, confidential STI testing and advice. No GP referral needed.
• Brook — sexual health info and support for under-25s.

Anal sex means putting something into the bum, usually a penis. It is a type of sex that people of any gender might have. Like all sex, both people need to want to do it.

The bum does not make its own wetness like some other parts of the body. That means lubricant (a slippery liquid you can buy) is really important. Without it, anal sex is more likely to hurt and can cause small tears in the skin. Those tears also make it easier to catch infections.

The ring of muscle around the bum is naturally tight. It needs time to relax. Going slowly matters a lot. If it hurts, that is the body saying slow down or stop.

Using a condom lowers the chance of catching infections passed on through sex. If someone uses a condom for anal sex and then switches to another type of sex, they should use a new condom.

You cannot get pregnant from anal sex. But if the fluid from a penis gets near the opening where a baby could grow, there is a small chance.

Being curious about different types of sex is normal. But being curious does not mean you have to try anything. It is always fine to say no.