When it comes to your body, it’s important that you have the facts. Being in the dark is not doing your sexual health or self-understanding any favors.

With that sentiment in mind, we’re here to lay it all out for you when it comes to anal sex.

It's important that we talk about all kinds of sex because not everyone is having, or wants to have, "penis in the vagina" sex. If you do have "penis in the vagina" sex and are curious about something else, or are finding that that type of sex is not for you and you'd like to explore other options, it's helpful to know the facts. Even if you do learn more and decide anal sex is not a thing you'd like to try, it doesn't hurt to have the information.

If you're not comfortable reading about anal sex, that's perfectly OK, too. We have plenty of other articles about a variety of issues and wellness. Feel free to click out if you'd like! No pressure at all.

Obviously there is a lot of stuff on the internet about anal (and we don’t suggest you Google it), but most of what you’ll find is either porn or advice for sexually experienced people looking to try something new. What about the teenagers? What about the LGBTQ+ young people who need to know about this for their sexual health?

I have got you covered. Without all the run-of-the-mill hoopla, here is the lowdown on everything you need to know about butt stuff, no matter who you are, who you’re having sex with, or who you want to have sex with.

This is anal 101, for teens, beginners, and all inquisitive folk.

The anus is full of nerve endings that, for some, feel awesome when stimulated.

What is anal sex, and why do people have it?

Anal sex, though often stigmatized, is a perfectly natural way to engage in sexual activity. People have been having anal sex since the dawn of humanity. Seriously, it's been documented back to the ancient Greeks and then some. So if you’re a little worried about trying it or are having trouble understanding the appeal, just know that it isn’t weird or gross.

The anus is full of nerve endings that, for some people, feel awesome when stimulated. The opening of the butthole is where the most nerves are, so you don’t have to put anything very far up there (if you don’t want to) for it to feel good.

That being said, anal (like all sex acts) is not enjoyed by everyone, and that’s totally OK. You should do what you feel comfortable with and what feels pleasurable for you. There is no wrong way to experience sexuality, and no way is better than any other.

Is anal sex safe?

Anal sex, like any kind of sex, can be perfectly safe if you take the correct precautions. According to the CDC, you may be more vulnerable to contracting STIs or HIV if you have anal sex as the lining of the anus is more prone to damage that can open you up to infection. This risk is higher for the person receiving anal sex, though the person giving it can also be affected. To decrease that risk, it's imperative that you use both condoms and lubrication, according to Planned Parenthood, because the anus, unlike the vagina, doesn't provide natural lubrication. A silicone-based lube will provide the necessary slickness and is safe to use with condoms.

If you regularly engage in anal sex, particularly with gay or bisexual men who are not monogamous, you might also consider taking PrEP — pre-exposure prophylaxis. PrEP is a drug taken daily that can reduce your risk of contracting HIV. If you have had unprotected anal sex and you're concerned that you were exposed to HIV, you can ask your doctor for PEP (post-exposure prophylaxis) within 72 hours of the potential exposure, which may reduce your risk of contracting HIV. It's important to note that neither PrEP or PEP protect against other STIs, so it's still important to use a barrier form of protection.