The dangers of extreme an*l sex, as Lily Phillips announces ‘backdoor’ challenge

In the age of viral content and online fame, “shock value” has become a currency—and some creators are taking increasingly extreme paths to capture attention. One adult content creator, Lily Phillips, has announced plans to participate in what she describes as an “anal sex challenge” involving a large number of partners on January 21.

Her stated goal appears to be to surpass fellow creator Bonnie Blue, who reportedly engaged with over 1,000 men in a single day—a claim that sparked both headlines and controversy. Now, the two appear locked in an escalating competition, and health experts are speaking out about the potential risks involved in such challenges.

When Popularity Overshadows Safety

While consensual anal sex between adults can be perfectly safe and enjoyable when practiced responsibly, pushing the limits of what the body can handle—particularly in marathon sessions with multiple partners—can carry serious health consequences.

Dr. Deborah Lee, a sexual health expert with the NHS and contributor to Dr Fox Online Pharmacy, warns that even when physical harm isn’t immediately visible, it can still occur. “Just because you can’t physically see the risk doesn’t mean it isn’t there,” she explains. “As a young person, you could well damage your future life irrevocably, and there is no going back.”

What the Body Can—and Can’t—Handle

The anal canal is lined with delicate tissue that is far more vulnerable to injury than other areas of the body. Repeated or aggressive penetration can lead to:

Anal fissures (painful tears in the lining)

Exacerbation of hemorrhoids

Muscle damage to the anal sphincter, potentially resulting in incontinence

Perforation of the bowel, which could lead to life-threatening infections like peritonitis

Dr. Lee warns that a ruptured bowel, although rare, is a medical emergency: “It can allow faecal matter to enter the abdominal cavity and cause severe infection. Surgery may be required, possibly including a colostomy.”

The Elevated Risk of Infections

Anal sex, especially when practiced without precautions, carries a higher risk for the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) than vaginal or oral sex. These include:

• Chlamydia
• Gonorrhoea
• HIV
• Genital herpes
• Hepatitis A, B, and C
• Human papillomavirus (HPV)
• Lymphogranuloma venereum (LGV)

The rectum has a dense blood supply, which can make it easier for bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream. Dr. Lee recommends STI screening before and after participation, use of condoms for each partner, and heavy use of lubrication to reduce trauma.

Immunization against hepatitis B is also advised for those engaging in frequent anal sex, along with a follow-up visit to a sexual health clinic 10–14 days later.

Gastrointestinal Infections: A Hidden Danger

In addition to STIs, engaging in unprotected anal sex can expose individuals to gastrointestinal infections. These include:

• Amoebiasis
• Giardiasis
• Cryptosporidiosis
• Shigellosis

“These can cause abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhoea,” Dr. Lee notes. “Hepatitis A, for example, can also cause jaundice—a yellowing of the skin and eyes.”

The Mental Health Perspective

Challenges that push the human body to its limit also raise serious concerns about emotional and psychological well-being. Psychosexual therapist Natasha Silverman points out that extended sexual activity over many hours is unlikely to remain physically pleasurable and can become distressing.

“The brain and body have limits,” Silverman says. “Having sex when you're no longer aroused can be psychologically harmful. It increases the risk of disassociation, emotional discomfort, and trauma.”

This kind of prolonged, high-pressure activity may also leave lasting mental health impacts—particularly when it's tied to public performance or social media validation.

Where to Draw the Line

The issue here isn’t about judging consensual adult behavior—but rather asking when sensationalism starts to come at the cost of well-being. Pushing the body beyond what it’s designed to endure can have lasting consequences, no matter the attention it garners.

Sexual expression should be about autonomy, safety, and care—not competition. If the conversation around these challenges leads more people to prioritize their health, seek proper education, and engage in safer practices, that may be the one positive outcome.