Is It Safe To Have Anal Sex During Pregnancy?

Anal sex during pregnancy is considered safe as long as it is not rough and you immediately stop it if you experience any kind of pain or discomfort. If you feel any kind of uterine contractions after having anal sex that doesn’t settle with time, seek immediate medical attention.

Precautions While Having Anal Sex During Pregnancy

There are certain precautions you should take before indulging in anal sex during pregnancy. These include:

Use Condoms

When indulging in anal sex, the chances of contracting the sexually transmitted disease are also high. So if any of you are suffering from STD, it is easier to transmit it to the other partner when having anal sex.

Therefore, it is important to use condoms during anal sex. Unprotected anal sex is permitted if the partners are sure they are not suffering from STD and both are strictly in a monogamous relationship.

Hygiene is Important

The anus has certain bacteria which can be harmful if it gets into the vagina. The bacteria can cause many health issues in a pregnant woman and can affect the normal progression of pregnancy. Therefore, after anal sex, if you want to continue to have vaginal sex, make sure that your partner cleans himself well.

Otherwise, the chances of infections like urinary tract infection (UTI) and bacterial vaginosis increase and it can harm you and the unborn baby. Similarly, if condoms are used for anal sex, make sure that your partner uses a fresh condom if moving over to vaginal sex.

Use Lubrication

The anus has no natural lubrication so when you indulge in anal sex it increases the risk of pain or tearing. Make use of plenty of unscented, water-based lubricants for comfort while having anal sex during pregnancy. But make sure you carefully choose lubricants that are safe to use in pregnancy.

Do It Slowly

Rough anal sex is not advisable during pregnancy as it increases the chances of tearing or rectal tissues. The anus, unlike the vagina, will not stretch during intercourse. Ask your partner to be extra gentle and take time with penetration.

Don’t Use Numbing Creams

There are several numbing creams available in the market that prevent pain and make anal sex more enjoyable for expecting mothers. It is recommended to avoid the usage of these creams during pregnancy as the pain is a sign of things going wrong. It is very important to discontinue sex if you feel any kind of discomfort or pain

When To Avoid Anal Sex During Pregnancy?

Here are some of the circumstances during which anal sex should be avoided completely:

Polygamous Relationship

Anal sex increases the risks of contracting sexually transmitted diseases and can affect the pregnant woman and her baby. So, unless you are certain that you are in a monogamous relationship and know that you and your partner are HIV-negative, you should avoid anal sex. If either you or your partner is in a polygamous relationship, then the risk of contracting an STD goes up.

Having Placenta Previa

If you have placenta previa, a condition where the placenta is covering the cervix fully or partially, anal sex should be avoided as it may put pressure on the placenta. Any trauma to the placenta can cause bleeding and put the pregnancy at risk

Having Hemorrhoids

Hemorrhoids are common and tend to become larger during pregnancy. So if you have hemorrhoids and you indulge in anal sex during pregnancy, it can further exacerbate the problem.

Sex can result in inflammation in the anus and if you are not careful, it can lead to heavy bleeding. Therefore, having anal sex if you are suffering from hemorrhoids is unsafe for both you and your baby

Having Anal Fissure

Constipation is another common side effect of pregnancy. Constipation can lead to anal fissures and anal pain. If you experience anal fissure or anal pain, anal sex should be avoided. Anal sex will aggravate the issue and lead to severe pain. It even lead to tearing of the rectum and bleeding during intercourse.

Belongs to High-Risk Pregnancy

If you are in the high-risk pregnancy category and are at the risk of having preterm labor, then you should avoid anal sex completely

Anal sex is safe during pregnancy. But talk to your doctor if you have any concerns. Indulging in sex while being pregnant will only help you bond better with your partner. But it is vital that you communicate openly with your partner. Keep talking with your partner throughout and let him know if you feel any kind of discomfort.

Open communication with your partner will only make sex more enjoyable and healthy during pregnancy. Have a safe and healthy pregnancy!