When it comes to the negative side effects of anal sex , it's hard to get a straight answer. Because the act of anal sex is still relatively taboo, knowledge of the effects it has on the body aren't always as consistent as one would hope. For people who like it and who use lots of lube , there are some benefits of anal sex , like the possibility of anal orgasms and feeling closer to your partner. But there are also dangers of anal sex that doctors want you to know about before getting into it. Whether the thought of anal makes you swoon or cringe, the fact is that anal sex has been on the rise. But, as with everything in life, there are definitely some negatives to having anal sex.

As more couples explore this type of sex, understanding the risks, rewards, and proper strategy is important. According to the Centers for Disease Control CDC , anal sex is primarily growing in popularity with couples under age You might think of anal sex as anal penetration with a penis, but you have a few more options. Anal sex can also be performed with fingers or the tongue. Sex toys , like vibrators , dildos , and butt plugs , are used too.

Sometimes you have a sex question that's not just, you know, an idle passing thought. In America today, it's all about anal. It's not just a highly sought-after porn genre, though—more and more Americans are giving it the old college try IRL, too. As anal has increased in popularity, curiosity and concern about the potential long-term effects of being on the receiving end of it—or, as some call it, "bottoming"—have also spiked.

Does it hurt? Can you orgasm from it? Is everyone having anal regularly now? The truth: Not really.