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ANAL INTERCOURSE
Anal intercourse is here defined as involving sexual contact between the sex organs of one person and the anus of another.
In most individuals, the anus is highly sensitive to the touch and is, in fact, one of the most important erogenous zones. It is therefore hardly surprising that many people enjoy some form of anal stimulation during their sexual activity. For example, they may insert their fingers or some cylindrical object into their anus while they masturbate, or they may like some anal manipulation during oral and genital intercourse. Some men and women also like having the anus licked or kissed, and their partners may be quite happy to oblige. (In professional language, this practice is known as anilingus (from Latin anus: the recta! opening and linguere: to lick). However, it should be pointed out that without the most scrupulous cleanliness, this practice can, in some cases, lead to an infection with hepatitis.
Finally, it should be mentioned that some men enjoy placing their penis between a woman's buttocks and then moving it back and forth until they reach orgasm. Although in this case there is no penetration or insertion, the woman may nevertheless also experience some pleasure.
It is, of course, also possible for a man to insert his penis into a woman's anus, and there are women who find great pleasure in such anal intercourse. However, unlike the vagina, the anus does not provide its own natural lubrication, and therefore some saliva or artificial lubricant, such as Crisco or some other shortening, or water-soluble cream has to be used. (Vaseline or KY jelly are less preferable.) The lubricant is best applied to the anus itself. This also offers the opportunity for a gentle massage of the anal sphincter or even the insertion of a finger. After this preparation, the penis can be inserted. The insertion itself should be very slow, and, once inside, the penis should not be moved for a while until the anal sphincter is completely relaxed. Then one or both partners can begin some cautious pelvic thrusting.
A woman who is not used to it may, at first, find the insertion of the penis into her anus unpleasant or even painful. However, after several gentle attempts, she may begin to enjoy it even if she does not reach orgasm herself. Her partner can, of course, masturbate her during anal intercourse, and if she does have one or several orgasms, the resulting contractions of her anal sphincter will provide a most pleasant additional stimulation for his penis. (See "The Female Sexual Response.")
Obviously, anal intercourse can be performed in many different positions. In most cases, however, the woman simply lies on her stomach while the man approaches her from behind, or she lies on her back with her knees raised to the sides of her chest while he approaches her face-to-face.
While anal intercourse cannot lead to pregnancy, and while it may be very satisfying to both partners, it is not as common as one might suppose. After all, for centuries it was denounced as sinful and perverse in our culture. Indeed, in many states of the United States today it is still defined as "sodomy" or a "crime against nature" which may carry a penalty of many years in prison. (For a discussion of American sex laws, see "Conformity and Deviance.") Furthermore, many people in our society are conditioned to consider the anus filthy and repulsive because of its excretory function. (To a lesser extent, the sex organs are also seen as disgusting because of their association with the release of urine.) However, as long as the organs of excretion are kept scrupulously clean, there is no valid reason for this attitude. Outside the United States the revulsion against anal intercourse is not always as great as it is here.
Anal intercourse can very well be a healthy experience if both partners want it and truly enjoy it. There is only one important health rule that must be observed: A couple should never switch from anal intercourse to coitus without a thorough washing of the penis in between. Otherwise, rectal bacteria may be carried into the vagina where they can cause infections. Such problems can be prevented by washing the penis with soap and water immediately after withdrawal from the rectum and before resuming any other form of sexual intercourse.
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