Dear needykid,

No. The hymen is a thin fleshy tissue that stretches across part of the opening of the vagina. There is no tissue like this that covers the anus.

Unlike the vagina, the anus does not produce its own lubrication, so inexperienced partners may find anal sex painful. (However, many people do enjoy anal sex.) It's important to use a water-based lubricant — like K-Y jelly or Astroglide — when having anal sex. (Using an oil-based lubricant, like Vaseline, can damage latex condoms.) Bleeding should not occur if enough lubricant is used and partners are careful with each other.

It is also important to stop if anything hurts and communicate with your partner about how you feel — sex play that is painful or uncomfortable should not continue. As with first vaginal intercourse, first anal intercourse is more comfortable with finger play before the penis is inserted.

However, like unprotected vaginal intercourse, unprotected anal intercourse is high-risk for many sexually transmitted infections, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, hepatitis, herpes, HIV, HPV, and syphilis. Use condoms during anal sex to decrease the risk of sexually transmitted infections.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.