More Common and Pleasurable Than You May Believe
In the current and archived surveys that ask female visitors about their experiences with masturbation, this is what they say in regard to anal sex.
What percentage of girls and women have "explored" their anus?
62% - 55%
What percentage of girls and women have "stimulated" their anus for pleasure?
50% - 40%
Note: The first percentage given is from the archived survey that had 1,356 participants, the second percentage is from the active survey, which had 833 participants at the time this data was collected.
Based on the current and archived surveys that ask female visitors about their experiences with sexual arousal, this is what they say in regard to anal sex; comparative information is also presented.
For what percentage of girls and women are the areas of their body described below sensitive to sexual touch?
|
Body Area
|
%
|
|
|
Right
Nipple
|
79
|
77
|
|
Clitoris
|
91
|
93
|
|
Vagina
(Front Wall)
|
75
|
77
|
|
Buttocks
|
50
|
52
|
|
Perineum
|
43
|
43
|
|
Anus
|
40
|
43
|
|
Rectum
|
25
|
30
|
What percentage of girls and women have had a partner stimulate the body areas listed below, and as a result experienced an "increase" in their level of sexual arousal?
|
Body Area
|
%
|
|
|
Nipples
|
75
|
75
|
|
Clitoral
Glans
|
90
|
89
|
|
Entire
Clitoris
|
93
|
93
|
|
Vagina
|
73
|
73
|
|
Anus
|
60
|
65
|
Note: The first percentage given is from the archived survey that had 1,133 participants, the second percentage given is from the active survey, which had 343 participants at the time this data was collected.
Based on the current and archived surveys that ask female visitors about their sexual experience, here are the percentages of women who have engaged in the described activity. A comparison is made between anal and vulvar/vaginal sex to provide some indication of the amount of sexual experience the participants had. Every participant hadn't experienced partnered sex, or progressed to anal sex if they had. While certainly a possibility, anal sex is much less likely to be the first form of partnered sex they experience. (Of those aged 15-19 who have not engaged in vaginal intercourse, 1 percent have engaged in anal sex. Of those who had engaged in vaginal intercourse, 21 percent had also engaged in anal intercourse. Source)
A large scale survey of sexual behavior in the U.S. conducted by the CDC during 2002 revealed the following prevalence of anal intercourse.
""For males, the proportion who have had anal sex with a female increases from 4.6 percent at age 15 to 34 percent at ages 22–24; for females, the proportion who have had anal sex with a male increases from 2.4 percent at age 15 to 32 percent at age 22–24." One in three women admits to having had anal sex by age 24. By ages 25 to 44, the percentages rise to 40 for men and 35 for women." Source - CDC Report
The above survey was repeated in 2006-2008 with the results being published in March 2011.
A second survey published in 2011 allows us to see the percentage of women who had engaged in anal intercourse with a male partner, within the prior 12 months, broken down by age. Vaginal intercourse and oral sex with a male partner have been included to provide a frame of reference. Source
In our survey that asks female visitors about the sensitivity of their vagina, in comparison to other areas of their body, this is what they say:
What is important to conclude from these survey results is, no possibility applies to 0 or 100 percent of women. Every possibility is true or untrue for some percentage of women. These survey results don't provide an indication of what is abnormal or normal, only what is true for the women who participate. These survey results only represent and present the possibility for sexual diversity.
When determining the sexual likes, dislikes, needs, and desires of the individual all survey data becomes irrelevant, as they are so unique no survey can accurately describe or define them. Surveys at best represent the "probably" of something being true or untrue for an individual. You will not know the truth until you do a little exploring and learn for yourself, guessing or presuming benefits no one.
The archived survey results may have increased error associated with them, as a result of the manner in which the data was collected and calculated. The results of the surveys conducted in association with this website only represent the experiences of the women who participated, and may not be representative of the general population, as the surveys are not conducted in a scientific manner.
Expectations Influence Outcome
The survey results presented above indicate 40-43% of women have experienced anal intercourse. While many women experiment with this sexual activity, other surveys indicate only 13-15% [1] engage in this activity on a regular basis. A likely reason for the low percentage of anal enthusiasts is, many find their experiences "unpleasant" (42%) or "repulsive" (7.5%) [1]. If women gave up on vaginal intercourse for the same reasons, there wouldn't be very many engaging in this activity either. The majority of women (65%) say there was some degree of pain during their first experience of vaginal intercourse, and the overall experience was neither terribly good or bad (scoring 5.6 on a scale of 1 to 10). They also indicate they don't experience orgasm 40-63% of the time during vaginal intercourse, depending on whether clitoral stimulation is provided. Despite these factors women continue to engage in vaginal intercourse because it is required of them, to fulfill their partner's and society's expectations of them. On the other hand they are not expected or required to engage in anal intercourse, because it isn't considered by many to be a "normal" sexual activity. This means they are socially motivated to say no to initial and future sexual experimentation of this nature. Despite this, what is important to know about anal sex is, when performed correctly it can be very enjoyable for both partners, and appears to be gaining in popularity and acceptance.
A Necessary Alternative
The women that engage in anal sex and intercourse on a regular basis may do so for many reasons. The intense sensations some women find uncomfortable or unpleasant may feel pleasurable to them. They may have discovered anal intercourse is more enjoyable than vaginal intercourse; in the survey results presented above nearly 3 out of 20 women have indicated their anus is more sensitive than their vagina. For various reasons women sometimes do not like for their vulva and/or vagina to be touched and stimulated. There are couples who discover anal intercourse provides for a snugger fit between their bodies, resulting in greater frictional stimulation. A woman's G-Spot and prostate gland may be stimulated during anal intercourse even if they aren't during vaginal intercourse, because of the angle of penetration and alignment of the internal organs. Others may not have access to birth control, or do not trust it, and anal intercourse allows them to experience the physical intimacy of vaginal intercourse without the same risk of pregnancy; though there are increased risks associated with the spread of disease. (Pregnancy is still possible, but is very unlikely, as long as semen does not come in contact with the vulva and immediately adjacent areas of the body.) Some find the naughtiness of it a major turn on. For these reasons, anal sex should be considered an acceptable alternative or compliment to vaginally and clitorally focused sex.
Health Concerns
Anal sex is certainly an option, but please acknowledge the associated risks. The bacteria present in the rectum don't pose a risk to us as long as we are in good health and practice proper hygiene. This said, we can acquire AIDS, hepatitis, and other sexually transmitted infections (STI) from an infected partner, so safe sex is extremely important. Anal sex doesn't cause STI's, only potentially spreads the disease if one partner is already infected. I believe all of the associated diseases can be acquired through nonsexual forms of transmission, so the spread of disease is possible even if both individuals are "virgins" or "inexperienced". We sometimes mistakenly associates the spread of STI's with only "sexual contact," when they are also spread through other means.
"Because anal sex is far more dangerous than oral sex. According to data released earlier this year [September 2005] by the Centers for Disease Control, the probability of HIV acquisition by the receptive partner in unprotected oral sex with an HIV carrier is one per 10,000 acts. In vaginal sex, it's 10 per 10,000 acts. In anal sex, it's 50 per 10,000 acts. Do the math. Oral sex is 10 times safer than vaginal sex. Anal sex is five times more dangerous than vaginal sex and 50 times more dangerous than oral sex." Source
The transmission rates given above assume one partner is already infected with HIV, is a carrier. We generally assume our partner is diseases free, but this is why STI's are so prevalent in society today, because we assume incorrectly.
"CDC estimates that approximately 19 million new [STD] infections occur each year, almost half of them among young people ages 15 to 24." Source CDC
Always engage in Safe Sex practices when the transmission of body fluids (saliva, semen, vaginal lubrication, blood, etc.) is a possibility, which is true of most partnered sexual activities. Exceptions being phone sex, cybersex, watching your partner masturbate, and possibly outercourse, when clothing or bedding prevents the transfer of body fluids between partners. If you are exchanging body fluids then there is always some risk of transfering STI's. If you exchanged body fluids then you are considered fluid-bonded.
Secret Pleasures
Children are very curious about their body and for them exploring their anus is no different than exploring their nose. A girl is more likely to be consciously aware of her anus before her vagina, because she uses it on a daily basis. Her vagina may not become obviously apparent prior to her first menstrual period. This awareness appears to come into play when innate sexual desire makes its presence known during puberty, compelling adolescent girls to explore their changing body and its sexual pleasures. Interestingly enough, sometimes parental preoccupation with hygiene results in our having an anal fixation. These factors likely explain why, as a child or adolescent, 50% of women discovered touching and stimulating their anus is pleasurable.
The anus is rich in nerve endings and shares the same nerve as the vulva and clitoris. 37-40% of all women have indicated, in the survey data presented above, that their anus is sensitive to sexual touch, and 54-60% of women have experienced increased sexual arousal when a partner stimulated their anus. The cause for the significant difference in these percentages is, the first survey takes into account all women regardless of sexual experience, the second only those who have had a partner stimulate their anus. The same survey data indicates only half of all of women have had a partner stimulate their anus, meaning it is possible many more would find their anus sensitive to sexual touch if they gave it a try, and were open to the possibility. If all couples utilized proper technique, perhaps an even greater percentage of those who try it would also find it enjoyable.
Potential Barriers to Anal Sex
There is the potential for anal sex to have a considerable amount of negative stigmatism attached to it. Many of us are taught from an early age that our anus and what comes out of it are very dirty and nasty. Our parents were eager for us to be toilet trained, so they wouldn't have to contend with dirty diapers. These early experiences cause many to fear coming in contact with their own or their partner's anus and feces. Others learn to associate anal sex with sodomy and the tale of Sodom & Gomorrah, meaning their religious believes influence their sexual practices. Many then don't consider anal sex to be a potential sexual activity for them to pursue, or feel guilty if they do.
Many automatically equate "anal sex" with "anal intercourse," the insertion of an erect penis into the anus and rectum. This believe serves as a barrier for some women, as they are fearful of something as large as an erect penis entering their anus. These women may say no to anal sex even if they are somewhat curious to explore the activity, even if they have explored enjoyable anal stimulation during their masturbation sessions.
One possible reason why they would do this is, men and teenage boys frequently and mistakenly believe that once a woman gives them permission to insert their penis into her vagina, prior preparations, i.e. foreplay, are no longer required. Ouch! To overcome these barriers, couples should acknowledge anal sex also includes, and may even be limited to, external anal stimulation and massage. Penetration of the anus with a finger or penis is not required of enjoyable anal sex, and may never occur, or only after many many sessions of enjoyable anal sex, when there was no actual penetration. Couples should be pleasure rather than goal orientated.
Essential Communication
When participating in sexual activities with your partner it is essential that you communicate effectively. You don't want to presume anything, or unintentionally cause pain or harm. Lets face it, we may feel very uncomfortable with the idea of anal sex, and are even more uncomfortable with the idea of talking about it. Our barrier to talking about anal sex may be even greater than our barrier to participating in it. We may believe it is better to ask forgiveness than ask permission, which could have some very negative consequences.
To create the channels of communication it may help if both partners take turns reading erotic passages to one another, and in this case, particularly those about anal sex. This will provide experience with using sexual words, meaning you are more likely to be comfortable using them during your own conversions. You can read erotic books, online stories, or guidebooks about anal sex. Be weary of the practices described in the "erotic stories," as they may not be based on fact or good practice, even if they arouse you. Perhaps you can both masturbate during these erotic readings. When you can talk openly about anal sex you are significantly better prepared to participate.
It is essential for the the person doing the explorations to ask their partner if what they are doing feels pleasurable, if they should provide more, less, or the same pressure, go faster, slower, etc. The person receiving the anal stimulation should also indicate their comfort or discomfort with their partner's actions. This can be done with simple words like, yes, no, less, more, stop, wait, etc. You can also communicate through body movements, pulling away or pressing towards your partner. Moans and sighs may also work, if your partner is familiar with your body language. Be sure to be supportive while also guiding.
References:
1. Anal Pleasure & Health: A Guide for Men and Women Second Edition by Jack Morin, Ph.D. 1986 Page 9 & 11. Citing Playboy magazine Sept. 1983 and Redbook magazine Sept. 1977.
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