Young women and anal sex: healthcare professionals must normalise questions about what is normal for many people

Discussion about sex, particularly the neglected topic of anal sex in women, is uncommon in general medical journals and raising of awareness is a generally positive thing.1 We are concerned, however, that it has been framed in a negative and judgmental way.There may be potential physical trauma from anal sex, and anatomical differences could play a role, but there is a risk of trauma from all sexual intercourse. Evidence that anal sex is more “dangerous” in women is lacking—one quoted study shows the impact of anal sex on faecal incontinence was greater in men,2 another does not describe higher risk in women.3 The editorial lacks advice about minimising risk, such as using lubrication or condoms, a missed opportunity to offer practical advice.There is excessive emphasis on coercion and pressure. All coercive sexual activity, anal or otherwise, is highly concerning and questions about non-consensual sex are routine in sexual health services….
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