Anal intercourse requires special care to prevent infections and injuries. Some basic precautions include:
Use of condoms: Absolutely essential to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) such as HIV, syphilis, and chlamydia. However, condoms do not offer complete protection against HPV, which can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact.
Gradual and careful penetration: Anal penetration should be done with the consent and cooperation of the partner, avoiding force to prevent injuries that increase the risk of infection.
Use of water-based lubricant: This is necessary to reduce friction and prevent injuries. Oil-based lubricants should be avoided, as they can cause the condom to break.
Avoiding substance use: The use of drugs or other substances that dull pain or impair judgment can increase the risk of injury and unsafe practices.
Limiting the number of sexual partners: Reducing the number of partners lowers the likelihood of infection transmission.
Avoiding corticosteroid use and smoking: The use of corticosteroids and smoking can affect the immune system, making the body more susceptible to infections such as HPV.
Regular medical check-ups: Annual blood tests for HIV, hepatitis, and syphilis, as well as anal swab cultures for gonorrhea and chlamydia, are essential. HIV-positive individuals should undergo more frequent testing, such as annual high-resolution anoscopy to detect HPV-related dysplasia.
HPV vaccination: The 9-valent HPV vaccine provides protection against several strains of the virus and can reduce the risk of infection and the development of warts or cancer.
Gentle bowel cleansing before intercourse: Cleansing should be done gently to avoid injuring the bowel, which could increase the risk of infection.
By following these precautions, the risk of complications is significantly reduced, ensuring a safer and healthier anal intercourse experience.
