Is Anal Sex Safe During Pregnancy?
Vaginal intercourse is generally safe during pregnancy. If you're looking for ways to spice up your pregnancy sex life or if you're finding that vaginal intercourse isn't comfortable right now, you may be thinking about having anal sex. Is it safe? Here's what all women should know about having anal sex while they are pregnant.
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, which are more common among women who are pregnant, can make anal sex uncomfortable and, in some cases, even painful. The friction that occurs during anal sex can irritate hemorrhoids and make them uncomfortable. There's also a risk of the hemorrhoids bleeding, which can make you more susceptible to HIV, according to Health Services at Columbia University.
Risk of Infection
Anal sex is often not recommended to pregnant women because there is a risk of infection. There is a chance that bacteria may travel from the rectum to the vagina, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although this risk exists for any woman who participates in anal sex, it is even more worrisome for pregnant women. Bacterial vaginosis has been linked to preterm labor, miscarriage, low birth weight, and other complications, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
If you do make the decision to have anal sex while you are pregnant, it's important to avoid switching from anal sex to vaginal intercourse without thoroughly cleaning the penis to reduce the risk of infection. Even then, it's much more ideal to hold off on having anal sex until after the baby comes if you can.
Placenta Previa and Anal Sex
If you have a placenta previa, it's important to skip out on anal sex. Anal sex can cause trauma to the placenta by putting pressure on the cervix through the recto-vaginal septum, according to BabyCenter. When there is trauma to the placenta, a significant amount of bleeding may occur and can put the pregnancy at risk.
Overall, it's best to avoid having anal sex until after you have given birth. If you do feel that you must risk having anal sex while you are pregnant, be sure to use sanitary practices to reduce the risk of infection. Also be sure to use a lot of additional lubricant to ensure that anal sex is a comfortable experience for you. If you have any other questions about anal sex or other types of sex during pregnancy, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. If you're concerned about your health, consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Sources:
American Pregnancy Association
BabyCenter
Health Services at Columbia University
Mayo Clinic
Hemorrhoids
Hemorrhoids, which are more common among women who are pregnant, can make anal sex uncomfortable and, in some cases, even painful. The friction that occurs during anal sex can irritate hemorrhoids and make them uncomfortable. There's also a risk of the hemorrhoids bleeding, which can make you more susceptible to HIV, according to Health Services at Columbia University.
Risk of Infection
Anal sex is often not recommended to pregnant women because there is a risk of infection. There is a chance that bacteria may travel from the rectum to the vagina, according to the Mayo Clinic. Although this risk exists for any woman who participates in anal sex, it is even more worrisome for pregnant women. Bacterial vaginosis has been linked to preterm labor, miscarriage, low birth weight, and other complications, according to the American Pregnancy Association.
If you do make the decision to have anal sex while you are pregnant, it's important to avoid switching from anal sex to vaginal intercourse without thoroughly cleaning the penis to reduce the risk of infection. Even then, it's much more ideal to hold off on having anal sex until after the baby comes if you can.
Placenta Previa and Anal Sex
If you have a placenta previa, it's important to skip out on anal sex. Anal sex can cause trauma to the placenta by putting pressure on the cervix through the recto-vaginal septum, according to BabyCenter. When there is trauma to the placenta, a significant amount of bleeding may occur and can put the pregnancy at risk.
Overall, it's best to avoid having anal sex until after you have given birth. If you do feel that you must risk having anal sex while you are pregnant, be sure to use sanitary practices to reduce the risk of infection. Also be sure to use a lot of additional lubricant to ensure that anal sex is a comfortable experience for you. If you have any other questions about anal sex or other types of sex during pregnancy, be sure to talk to your healthcare provider.
Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only. If you're concerned about your health, consult with a licensed healthcare professional.
Sources:
American Pregnancy Association
BabyCenter
Health Services at Columbia University
Mayo Clinic
Published by Jody Morse - Featured Contributor in Health & Wellness
Jody Morse has a B.A. in English from East Stroudsburg University. As a sufferer of endometriosis, she enjoys writing about women's health issues. She has worked as an assistant wedding DJ, and is dabbling i... View profile
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