Are you a newbie? Are you still not sure if you really want to indulge in the arousing and kinky act of being pegged because of what you’ve heard or read about anal sex? Perhaps you are quite experienced in the act but you are beginning to get cold feet about it due to health-related concerns? Or maybe you are scared of delving into it because of the numerous urban myths that abound about anal sex?

Several questions have been posed over time as regards to the long and short term health problems and risks that are associated with regular anal penetration. Prominent among them is the issue of developing cancer. In accordance, while there are a lot of myths surrounding anal sex and pegging, the purpose of this short article is to shed light on the available research regarding anal sex, pegging, and cancer.

"Anal Sex" vs. "Pegging"

You should understand that anal sex and pegging are not the same. Anal sex is simply, “intercourse via the anus” while pegging is “the act of rectal penetration of a man by a woman wearing a strap-on dildo.”

That said, you should be able to see that the major difference between anal sex and pegging is that anal sex encompasses all the varieties of anal sex while pegging specifically implies the use of a dildo.

Does anal sex cause cancer?

The frightening reality of it is that those that engage in anal sex (not pegging) do run the risk of having anal cancer. This is so because anal sex can transmit the human papilloma virus (HPV) and the virus in turn leaves the cells around the rectum more vulnerable to mutating and becoming cancerous. Anal sex in this context refers to anal penetration that is done with the penis. To be clear, the risk of HPV can be drastically reduced by using condoms.

What is HPV?

Naturally, HPV is a common infection that gets passed from one person to the other through sexual contact. For most people, the virus causes no harm and goes away without treatment. HPV operates in a way that the greater the number of your sexual partners, the greater the risk of anal cancer. Ninety percent of anal cancer cases can be traced back to HPV. However, as said earlier, HPV on its own is not deadly and the cancer itself is relatively rare even among those that engage in anal sex.

Can HPV be transmitted through pegging?

Now, the answer to that one question is that the human papilloma virus (HPV) can only be transmitted through human contact and not sex toys. Sex toys, especially dildos can be said to be relatively safer for use in terms of anal sex than an actual penis. This is largely because, if properly sanitized, the risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is lower. Other viruses and bacteria can however be still be transmitted if the dildo is being used by multiple people without proper sanitization.

Dildo Safety

The most important thing for keep your body safe during pegging (aside from ample lube!) is to use dildos that do not contain any carcinogens! We wrote an entire article about this topic and suggest you check it out: “Guide to Safe Pegging Practices.”

For one, the best type of dildo is non-absorbent; that means that the dildo cannot absorb particles during the course of use. The material with which the dildo is made is the main factor that determines its absorbability. For example, most rubber dildos are slightly porous meaning that if you don’t clean them properly; bacteria can build up and cause infections and discomfort. To prevent this from happening, you can take up the task of sanitizing it regularly, especially if it is being used by multiple persons. As a general rule, we highly recommend silicone dildos!

How can I properly sanitize my pegging toys to avoid transmission of bacteria and viruses?

The importance of keeping the dildo sanitized cannot be over-emphasized. Following simple hygienic rules can mean the difference between contracting an infection and staying healthy. Cleaning the dildo is however not the same as washing it with detergent and water. The process of cleaning a dildo is a bit different from that. You might want to consider following these steps:

Use condom: Although, this is optional as most people do not fancy the use of condoms, it is still advisable to use a brand new condom anytime you use your dildo for anal sex. It has been proven that slipping a condom over a dildo before each use will increase the dildo’s life span dramatically. More importantly, condoms will certainly prevent the transmission of bacteria and infections during sex. Wash it: Wash your dildo with warm water, while paying extra attention to any ridges or bumps where bacteria can gather. Afterwards, pat-dry it with a soft cloth. Store it separately: Packing your dildo with other sex toys will do more harm than good to your dildo as it might end up getting bacteria from the other sex toys. In lieu of this, it is better if you store your sex toy separately. Also, make sure that it is stored in a cool, moisture free place, away from sunlight.

The above dildo maintenance tip is all you need to sanitize your sex toy. With practice, you will find out that dildo maintenance is very easy and quick. Without exaggerating, dildo can be said to be safer health-wise compared to the real dick.

Conclusion

In conclusion, as we all know, pegging is a special kind of kinky sex for those who want to experiment and turn the table a bit. Giving the woman the ability to take up the man’s role during sex has proven to help build more intimacy between lovers. The process has also strengthened a lot of relationships.

Therefore, the intimate process of pegging should not be a dreaded one due to the fear of contracting anal cancer. The probability of having anal cancer due to the usage of dildo is nearly non-existent. Anal cancer can, however, be caused by anal sex that involves the penis and the risk is even higher if you have multiple sex partners.

The only real concern that you might have with pegging should be about tear in the anus since the anus does not have automatic lubrication like the vagina. We cannot emphasize enough: use ample lube!!