What's the Deal With Anal Sex?

People have a lot of questions about anal sex. Partly that's because there are many negative associations with this sex act.

Some have to do with our culture's discomfort with the anus.

Some have to do with the assumption that anal sex is always painful. Keep in mind, no sex play should ever hurt. That includes anal sex. (That being said, any type of sex can feel uncomfortable, if you go to fast, don't use lube, and just assume pain is a normal part of the experience).

And some of the negative associations have to do with homophobia and the association of anal sex with gay men, and HIV / AIDS. Of course, not all gay men have anal sex, and plenty of straight folks and lesbians do. Additionally, anal sex is just one way to contract HIV.Other common ways include vaginal sex and sharing needles, and less commonly oral sex.

So what's the deal? Some people like anal sex. Other people don't.

Check out some common sex questions here:

• Does Anal Sex Hurt?
• Can You Get an STD From Oral Sex?
• How Do Gay People Lose Their Virginity?