The Ins and Outs of "Backdoor" Activities

The earliest recorded instances of anal sex in human history can be traced back to around 500 BC, depicted in Greek pottery paintings. Heterosexual anal sex appears in records somewhat later, first seen around AD 300 in Peruvian pottery. Ancient China and Japan also have numerous accounts of heterosexual anal intercourse, and in modern pornography, scenes of heterosexual anal sex are ubiquitous.



**Common Questions About Anal Sex**



There are undoubtedly many questions people have about anal sex but are too shy to ask. Does anal sex feel good? Is the pleasure the same for men and women? Why is anal sex considered a high-risk behavior for HIV transmission? Let's explore these questions one by one.



**Pleasure from Anal Sex**



Men can experience pleasure from anal sex, primarily due to the prostate gland. Where is it? If looking at anatomical diagrams isn't intuitive enough, you can try it yourself—insert a finger about 4 to 5 centimeters into the anus, and if you feel a firmer area on the abdominal side, you've successfully located it (female readers can experiment with a willing male partner). Massaging the prostate can produce pleasure in men and lead to the expulsion of prostate fluid through the urethra. During ejaculation, prostate fluid mixes with semen and is expelled, serving to carry sperm and provide lubrication.



It's important to note that experiencing pleasure through anal stimulation isn't exclusive to homosexual men. Regardless of sexual orientation, men can achieve prostate pleasure through masturbation. Additionally, many men enjoy prostate stimulation during sexual intercourse with a wife or girlfriend, where a finger is inserted into the rectum to massage the prostate. Since this doesn't involve penile penetration of the anus, it isn't technically anal sex, but it is a form of anal sexual activity.



What about women? Although they don't have a prostate, the thin membrane separating the rectum and vagina means that vaginal stimulation can occur indirectly during anal sex. However, given that vaginal orgasms are already challenging for many women to achieve, this indirect stimulation is likely to be even less effective. Generally speaking, any pleasure women might derive from anal sex is more likely to be psychological.



**Risks of Anal Sex**



Anal sex is a high-risk sexual activity for disease transmission. The rectum lacks the natural secretions and lubrication found in the vagina, and it doesn't have the same antimicrobial functions. Additionally, the epithelial cells of the rectum are different from those of the vagina and are more prone to damage during penetration. Therefore, when engaging in anal sex, it is crucial to use artificial lubricants and condoms, and to engage in extended foreplay and massage to relax the anal sphincter muscles. These measures can help avoid most discomfort during anal sex and prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections between partners.



However, even if both partners are free of sexually transmitted diseases and use appropriate precautions, anal sex still carries risks. No matter how careful you are, and even if there is no discomfort or pain, small tears can occur in the rectum during penetration. These tears may not be visible to the naked eye but can be detected using forensic or criminal investigation techniques. When feces are expelled from the rectum again, bacteria can enter through these small tears and cause infection.



**Taboo Desires**



Clearly, anal sex has always been a part of human sexual behavior. But how common is it among heterosexual couples? Since people are often reluctant to admit to such behavior, surveys on anal sex have always been challenging. However, with the increasing threat of HIV/AIDS, the issue can no longer be ignored. A survey conducted in the United States between 1999 and 2000 revealed that 22% of women had engaged in anal sex in the past three months, while the figure for men was 21%.



There is a significant difference in attitudes towards anal sex between men and women. Generally speaking, many men are quite fascinated by this act and may try to persuade their partners to engage in it. This behavior is also frequently depicted in pornography aimed at men. Women, on the other hand, tend to have little interest in it and may even find it repulsive.



**Why Men Are Drawn to Anal Sex**



So, why are men so intrigued by this sexual act? Here are some common explanations: Women who are willing to engage in anal sex are highly attractive to men because it signifies that she is having sex not for the purpose of procreation but out of a desire for sex itself. It also indicates her complete love and trust in him. Moreover, reports suggest that although women are less likely to experience physical pleasure from anal sex, those who are willing to try it are usually more open to exploring sexual pleasure, and thus are more likely to achieve orgasms during sex.



Of course, there are other reasons why men are fascinated by anal sex. For instance, the anal sphincter muscles, which are under voluntary control, can contract more noticeably than the smooth muscles of the vagina, thus providing a more intense sensation for the penetrating partner. Additionally, it cannot be denied that this form of intercourse can satisfy a man's desire for dominance and possessiveness over his partner.



Among women who have experienced anal sex, more than half describe it as a painful experience and express a reluctance to repeat it.



In consensual adult relationships, it's not unreasonable to experiment with different forms of sexual activity. However, compared to traditional intercourse, anal sex carries much higher risks and is more complex. If you decide to engage in this "forbidden game," be sure to take all necessary precautions.