Dear cathwil,

Anal sex can hurt if partners do not take certain steps. The anus does not produce enough lubrication for comfortable anal sex, so it is important to use an artificial water-based lubricant — like K-Y jelly or Astroglide — for anal sex. (Using an oil-based lubricant, like Vaseline, can damage latex condoms.) It's also important to take time make sure that the partner receiving anal sex is relaxed and ready. This often means lot of foreplay.

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.

Some men and women enjoy anal sex, but not all people enjoy anal intercourse. Those who don't enjoy it should not be embarrassed and should not force themselves to accept it.

Like unprotected vaginal intercourse, unprotected anal intercourse is high-risk for many sexually transmitted infections, such as gonorrhea, HIV, chlamydia, syphilis, herpes, HPV, and hepatitis. 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.