Being a proud member of theanal sexfan club is fun for so many reasons.
One is that I get to do things like investigate anal-sex-induced bleeding for you, dear reader.
Trust me when I say I understand how alarming it can be.
Getty / Buriy
Anal also just feels really excellent for me.
But nothing jolts me out of post-anal bliss like a little bit of butt bleeding.
Overall, the answer is pretty reassuring.
Bleeding after anal sex can be normal.
This is due to the basic anatomy of the anus andrectum.
The lining of the anus and rectum are very thin, according to theCDC.
Beyond that, its important to remember that unlike the vagina, theanus isnt self-lubricating.
Without sufficient lubricationwhich might bea lotmore than youd imaginethose fragile tissues are even more prone to tearing and bleeding.
Anal penetration can also irritate hemorrhoids you may not even realize you have, Dr. Sokol says.
Hemorrhoids are essentially cushions of blood vessels inside and outside of your anus, according to theMayo Clinic.
Takepregnancy, for example.
The weight gain can add stress to that portion of your body.
Interestingly, theMayo Clinicpoints out that anal sex can create enough pressure to cause hemorrhoids, too.
Since hemorrhoids are piles of blood vessels, bright red blood is a common sign of this issue.
You might also experience pain, itching and irritation, and anal swelling, according to the Mayo Clinic.
Just because bleedingcanhappen during anal doesnt mean you cant take a stab at prevent it.
One way to do this is by trying some anal play on your own time, without a partner.
Both of these are common reasons for anal tears and discomfort.
If you have no idea where to begin, here are a few suggestions.
Overall, the goal is to do what feels good, comfortable, and exciting for you.
Siliconelubesare often great for anal penetration as they tend to last a long time.
Whatever you need is fine.
Your anus simply cannot go from zero to 60 without time to warm up.
That progression might look different with a partner than it does on your own.
Of course, we also need to talk about safety with a partner.
Be sure to change the condom before sharing it or putting it anywhere besides your anus.
The oil can break down the latex and render your safe-sex method less effective.
When should you see a doctor if you’re bleeding after anal sex?
Sometimes even the best preparation in the world wont stop a little anal bleeding.
I know this firsthand.
That could indicate a more severe issue.
This is easily diagnosed by a colorectal surgeon or a gastroenterologist, Dr. Sokol says.
