Is anal sex always more risky than vaginal penetration?

There are many ways to have sexual penetration. Penetration of the penis into the vagina is the most common method, but sex can also be varied by inserting the penis into the anal opening, aka the anus. This type of penetration is known as anal sex. Anal sex can also be done by stimulating the anus with fingers, sex toys, and playing with the tongue. Some people choose to have anal sex because the anus is also filled with sensitive nerve endings that evoke sexual stimulation. Although it can feel good, anal sex is one of the most risky forms of sexual activity for your health. However, is it really more risky than vaginal sex?

Is anal sex more risky than vaginal penetration?

Anal sex is closely related to sexual relations between men and men. However, it is possible that male and female partners also do this solely for variations in bed. Of note, unprotected anal intercourse is reported to carry a higher risk of HIV transmission than unprotected vaginal sex.

CDC, the disease control center in America equivalent to the Directorate General of P2P in Indonesia, reports that receive anal sex from a sex partner who is HIV positive generally increases your risk of developing the same disease by 138 times.

Quoted from Men's Health, other studies have shown that a person's chance of contracting HIV from unprotected anal sex is almost 20 times higher than contracting it through unprotected vaginal sex. The CDC also reports that women in particular are 13 times more likely to acquire HIV from receiving unprotected anal sex.

The anus has thin, unprotected tissue that can tear easily

Anal sex is one of the dangerous sex activities, especially because the anus does not have natural lubrication like that of the vagina. In addition, the tissue inside the anus does not have the protection from a thick layer of dead skin cells like the external tissue of the anus to protect it against infection.

That's why anal tissue tears easily. Let alone the penetration that is too rough or too fast, mediocre penetration without the help of sex lubricants can also tear the inner tissue of the anus. This allows bacteria and viruses to enter the bloodstream making them vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases such as HIV or HPV.

Germs and viruses that cause venereal disease that may also be lodged in the anus of the anal recipient may also infect the giver because they can enter the body through the penile urethra (urethra) or through small cuts, scrapes, or open wounds on the penis.

All sexual activity has the risk of transmitting venereal diseases if you do not use condoms

Even so, sex is inherently a risky activity if you are not careful - regardless of where the penetration holes are, whether in the vagina, rectum, or mouth (oral sex).

This is because you and your sex partner will exchange body fluids during penetration. If one partner turns out to have sexually transmitted diseases and has sex without a condom, then it is not impossible that you will be infected. Common infections spread through risky sex (regardless of type) are herpes, HPV, and syphilis.

Even if both partners do not have a history of any infections or sexually transmitted diseases, normal bacteria on the genitals still have the potential to infect the partner who received them. Practicing unprotected vaginal penetration, for example, can lead to urinary tract infections and a bacterial vaginal infection in women called bacterial vaginosis.

How can you reduce the risk?

No matter what type of sex you have with your partner, you both need to protect yourself from the risk of disease in the following ways:

1. Test for venereal disease before sex

Even if you have never had sex or have only had sex with the same partner, you still need to be tested for both venereal disease. This is because HIV can be transmitted in other ways that you did not expect, for example, through blood transfusions or the use of used needles from people who are HIV positive.

2. Use condoms

Condoms are the most effective way to prevent the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. When used consistently and correctly, condoms made from polyurethane or latex are very effective at preventing HIV and other common venereal diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea.

The CDC reports evidence that using condoms correctly and correctly can reduce the risk of HIV transmission through anal sex by up to 63% in men and 72% in women.

3. Choose a suitable lubricant

Anal sex needs the help of sex lubricants to lubricate anal tissue which tends to be dry and thin. This is so that the anus does not wear out and eventually get injured due to friction between the skin.

However, avoid oil-based lubricants, as they can tear the condom and cause it to leak. Use a water or silicone based lubricant to prevent condom breakage and tearing of anal tissue.