Anal sex, sometimes also called anal intercourse [Edit]

Anal sex, sometimes called anal intercourse, is generally considered the insertion and thrusting of the erect penis into a person’s anus for sexual pleasure. Other forms of anal sex can include fingering the anus, the use of sex toys for anal penetration (called pegging when a woman uses a strap-on dildo or vibrator to do it to a man), and oral sex performed on the anus (also called anilingus).

Although anal sex most commonly means penile–anal penetration, sources sometimes use anal intercourse to exclusively mean penile–anal penetration, and anal sex to mean any form of anal sexual activity, especially between pairings as opposed to anal masturbation.

Safety

Anal and rectal tissues are delicate and do not provide lubrication like the vagina does, so they can easily painfully tear and permit disease transmission, especially if a personal lubricant is not used. Anal sex should therefore involve a personal lubricant such as silicone-based lubricant, as well as beginning slowly and carefully, with the insertion of a small finger or small sex toy before a bigger penis or strap-on, stopping if pain occurs. Anal sex without protection of a condom is considered very risky, and therefore health authorities such as the World Health Organization (WHO) recommend using a condom for anal sex. Oil-based lubricant can destroy condoms, so it is best to use a different type of lubricant (such as silicone-based lubricant) for anal sex.

Legality

Anal sex between consenting adults, especially gay male anal sex, is illegal in some countries.

Hanky Code

A table in Larry Townsend’s The Leatherman’s Handbook II (the 1983 second edition; the 1972 first edition did not include this list) which is generally considered authoritative states that a dark blue handkerchief is a symbol for anal sex in the handkerchief code. As well, placing a hanky in the left pocket indicates the wearer’s alignment with a top/dominant role, while a hanky in the right pocket indicates the wearer’s alignment with a bottom/submissive role. Townsend noted that discussion with a prospective partner is still important because people may wear a given color “only because the idea of the hankie turns them on” or “may not even know what it means”.