A person who engages in anal sex while constipated may experience fecal leakage and/or pain, according to a University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Medicine study. The study examined the 2009-2010 National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey data for 6,150 adults.
Avoiding anal sex when constipated can help prevent this problem. It is also important to eat a healthy diet, drink plenty of water and exercise regularly.
Causes
There are a few main causes of anal sex-related constipation. One is that anal sex can cause trauma to the rectum, which can result in swelling and inflammation. Another cause is that anal sex can cause hemorrhoids, which can also lead to constipation. Finally, anal sex can cause anal fissures, which are small cuts in the tissue of the anus. These can cause pain, discomfort, and even bleeding during urination.
It’s important to note that anal sex is not a treatment for constipation, nor will it help you pass your stool. This is because there’s a muscle in the anus called the anal sphincter, and it’s pretty stiff. It doesn’t just let poop out, but it’s not going to let it in either if you haven’t given it any coaxing or encouragement.
There are some things that can help prevent anal sex-related constipation, including the use of plenty of lubrication and making sure that all penetrative play with a penis or a sex toy is safe and consensual. In addition, it’s important to practice good hygiene, which includes washing anything that touches the anal area (like a condom) after each sexual encounter and before using it again. Finally, eating a balanced diet full of fiber and healthy whole grains can help keep the digestive tract working well.
Symptoms
As you might expect, having penetrative sex when your colon and rectum are full of stool can be uncomfortable. Symptoms of this include pain and bloating. The stools can also get a little smelly.
A person can also rip the tissue at their anus (the end of the rectum), which causes pain and bleeding. This is a condition called anal fissure. It happens when the sphincter that opens during bowel movements gets stretched too much. Anal fissures usually happen during constipation, when people have to push hard during a bowel movement.
If you have anal sex, be sure to use plenty of lubricant. This is especially important for women because the anus does not produce its own lubrication, so it needs a lot of help to be comfortable during penetration. Using a water-based lubricant can help reduce friction that can cause the anal sex to hurt.
It’s also a good idea to have a conversation with your partner ahead of time about anal sex. That includes discussing lubrication, safety, protection, potential messes and safe words (“a word that signifies you want sexual activity to stop immediately”). Having this talk can help avoid any surprises down there. As Dr. Jessica O’Reilly, who hosts the SexWithDrJess podcast, previously told Bustle, “If you and your partner decide anal sex is not for you, that’s fine.” But if you do want to try it, make sure you know how to handle it safely so you can have a satisfying experience.
Treatment
Having anal sex while you’re constipated can make it worse, because your rectum is essentially full of stool. Then, when your partner inserts their penis or sex toy into your anal opening, it can get stuck there, leading to pain and irritation. Plus, that stool can irritate your skin and cause infection.
It’s also important to wash your anus before and after sexual intercourse, particularly if you use anal lubricant. This helps reduce friction between the anus and your partners fingers, penis or sex toy and prevents anal fissures.
Anal sex can be pleasurable, but it’s important to use a condom and practice good hygiene. It’s also a good idea to talk to your doctor before engaging in anal sex, especially if you’re concerned about the possibility of STIs.
Getting regular daily bowel movements and drinking plenty of fluids can help relieve constipation. It can also help to take a laxative, but be sure to consult your doctor before you try one. They can explain the pros and cons of different laxatives. They can also advise you on how much to take and how often. If you’re experiencing severe constipation, your doctor may recommend a colonoscopy or barium enema, which pushes water into the large intestine for a thorough cleaning. This is sometimes necessary to rule out a medical condition like polyps, diverticulosis or colitis.
Prevention
It’s important to use lots of lube when anal-playing, and to reapply frequently. This helps prevent friction and tears in the delicate tissue of the anus, which can cause painful bleeding after anal sex. If you’re new to anal sex, or if you haven’t done it in a while, you may experience some pain and bleeding the first few times as your anus gets used to the sensation. This is normal and will subside with time.
Avoid sex while you’re constipated if possible, as penetration can push stool back into the rectum and colon, leading to a build-up of hard poop and painful bowel movements. If you’re constipated, drink plenty of water and eat fiber-rich foods to soften your stool.
Using anal sex while you have hemorrhoids can lead to blood in the anal tract and in the toilet bowl, according to a University of Alabama at Birmingham Department of Medicine study. This can also increase your risk for fecal incontinence and bowel leakage.
If you’re experiencing pain or bleeding after anal sex, contact your doctor. Depending on the severity of your symptoms, your doctor may recommend hemorrhoid treatment or other options. If you aren’t able to talk to your doctor, a hemorrhoid support group can provide advice and guidance. You can find one online or through the American Hemorrhoid Association.
See Also:
