July 5th 2024.
There is a common misconception that having anal sex eliminates the risk of pregnancy, but this is simply not true. Many people think that sneaking in the back door is a safer option and less likely to result in any complications. However, when it comes to anal sex, this is not always the case and it's important to be aware of the risks, especially if you are not trying to conceive.
Yes, it is possible to get pregnant from anal sex. While the chances may be lower compared to vaginal intercourse, it is not completely out of the question. The last thing you want is to be caught off guard and unprepared, so it's important to take this warning seriously.
There are two possible reasons why pregnancy can occur from anal sex: cross-contamination and cloacal malformation. Let's dive into a little bit of sex education to understand what cloacal malformation is. According to Dr. Donald Grant, GP and senior clinical adviser at The Independent Pharmacy, this is a rare condition where the rectum, vagina, and urinary tract are fused into one common channel, rather than having separate openings. This means that if you were attempting to have anal sex, there is a possibility of getting pregnant as well.
But wait, doesn't having anal sex mean you won't get pregnant? Not necessarily. Dr. Grant explains that this complex condition usually requires surgical intervention shortly after birth to create separate openings and correct any anatomical abnormalities. It affects about one in every 50,000 live births, which means there are about 14 cases annually in the UK with 700,000 babies being born each year. However, there have been reported cases where cloacal malformation has led to pregnancy. In 2016, Dr. Brian Steixner, a urologist at the Jersey Urology Group in Atlantic City, shared his experience with treating a pregnant woman with this rare condition during his time as a medical student. The woman had previously undergone surgery to separate the channels, but it went wrong and resulted in a fistula, a tiny hole connecting two organs. In this case, the woman's womb became connected to her rectum, and she was surprised to discover she was pregnant, having only engaged in anal sex.
If you have had cloacal malformation surgery at a young age, it can have varying effects on your sex life and fertility, depending on the success of the procedure. Dr. Grant explains that there may be differences in anatomy and function that could affect sexual encounters and fertility. It's important to stay in contact with your healthcare provider to address any concerns.
Dr. Grant also mentions that some women with cloacal malformation may have irregular menstrual cycles or other gynecological issues that could affect ovulation and conception. In such cases, fertility treatments like ovulation induction or IVF may be necessary.
On the other hand, cross-contamination is another way pregnancy can occur from anal sex. This happens when semen or pre-ejaculate fluid comes into contact with the vaginal opening. This could happen if semen leaks out of the anus and drips towards the vagina, especially if the woman is lying down or in certain positions that facilitate this movement, such as doggy style or spooning. It could also happen if semen is transferred via fingers or sex toys that were used during anal sex and then inserted into the vagina without being cleaned properly. Therefore, it's essential to always clean sex toys after use.
While the exact odds of cross-contamination leading to pregnancy are not well-documented, it is considered an uncommon way to conceive. However, it's always better to be safe than sorry, and using condoms during anal sex can greatly reduce the risk of unwanted pregnancy.
Apart from pregnancy, there are also other risks to consider when engaging in anal play. One of them is the transmission of STIs. The little-known STI, Shigella, has seen a 24% rise in cases over the past four years. This highly infectious bacteria is commonly found in feces and can be transmitted by coming into contact with the mouth, for example, by touching fingers. This means that any sexual activity that involves contact with feces, such as anal sex, fisting, or even touching someone's backside or rimming, can put you at risk of contracting this STI. Symptoms include diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and fever. If you experience these symptoms, it's important to contact your GP or local sexual health clinic. While the illness usually gets better on its own, some people may require a short course of antibiotics.
In summary, while the chances of getting pregnant from anal sex may be lower than from vaginal intercourse, it is still possible. It's essential to take precautions and use condoms to reduce the risk of pregnancy and STIs. If you have a history of cloacal malformation, it's important to stay in touch with your healthcare provider to address any concerns. And remember, always properly clean sex toys after use. By being informed and taking necessary precautions, you can enjoy a healthy and safe sex life.
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