The complete guide to anal sex and pregnancy

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Anal Sex and Pregnancy: What You Should know

Last Updated: Jan 09, 2024 / By Gigi Engle

Can anal sex get you pregnant? Is it safe to have anal during pregnancy? Certified sex educator Gigi Engle answers the most frequently asked questions on anal sex and pregnancy.

Anal sex is a contentious hot topic in some social circles. People are often still of the (incorrect) belief that anal sex is only enjoyed by cis-men or people with penises and that women and female-bodied people merely "tolerate" it. This could not be further from the truth. Anal sex can be enjoyed by everyone.

Why do people love anal?

The anal opening is a super nerve-dense area. It's sensitive to touch, vibration, and penetration. This is why butt plugs and analingus are so popular. The anal opening is a universal sex organ.

If you're a person with a vulva who loves anal sex, it's likely that your A-spot (anterior fornix) and/or the O-spot are being stimulated during anal sex. Both of these deep vaginal hotspots are part of the internal clitoris. That's right! You can stimulate the clit through anal.

MASTER: b-Vibe founder Alicia Sinclair gives the ultimate 101 class on anal play for women

Most frequently asked questions about anal sex and pregnancy

So, are you curious about anal sex? What about anal sex and pregnancy? Because you know, we're still getting questions about this.

If you're choosing anal sex out of a desire to avoid pregnancy, it's important to know the facts. Firstly, you should be having it because you actually want to explore the butt, not because you feel pressured into having sex to avoid pregnancy. Also, if you're already pregnant, the same rule applies; you should be exploring anal play because you find it arousing and erotic, not just because a partner wants to have sex.

Below are the most frequently asked questions about anal sex and pregnancy:

1. Can you get pregnant from anal sex?

The short answer is that it's super unlikely.

Having anal sex will not result in pregnancy because the only way to get pregnant is to have sperm swim up the vaginal canal and up through the cervix to fertilize an egg. The anus is not the vagina and they are not connected.

But, here is where it gets a little, tinsy bit hazy. The vaginal opening and anus are located quite close together, therefore it is possible for the ejaculate that was deposited inside the anus to leak out. This leaked semen can find its way into the vaginal canal, there causing pregnancy.

Don't be freaked out! The chances of this happening are exceptionally slim. You only ovulate for a few days each month, meaning that there is only a small window in which you can get pregnant. Additionally, the chances that sperm will leak out of the anus in the first place isn't great. Combine these two facts and the chances of getting pregnant from anal sex are close to nil.

PRE-EJACULATION: Can precum cause pregnancy?

So, while it is technically possible to get pregnant from having anal, it's not something to be worrying yourself about, Fertile Myrtle. It would be irresponsible to say it's absolutely not possible to have this happen, but that doesn't mean it will happen to you. This would be like a freak accident of epic proportions. If you want to play it safe, use a latex or polyurethane condom during intercourse if you're not on another form of birth control.

2. Is anal sex safe to have during pregnancy?

Now, let's say you're already pregnant, but you still want to do butt play. Is it safe?

Penetrative sex (both vaginal and anal) are fine to have during pregnancy, as long as your pregnancy is normal and of low-risk. If your pregnancy has been determined as "high-risk pregnancy", speak to your healthcare professional before engaging in anal sex.

If you have a low-lying placenta, for instance, anal sex can be a no-go. If there is a chance of rupturing or damaging the placenta, anal is off the table. It's best to always check with your doctor before trying anything outside-the-box. Doctors will always have the best advice on what is and what isn't safe for you during your pregnancy.

If you're contemplating anal sex and pregnancy, be sure to practice healthy communication and get a high-quality lube that works for you.

SEXPERT APPROVED: Why you need to try coconut oil as lube right NOW!

Be sure that you're check-in in with your body during all forms of butt play. As you're likely to be in a more fragile state, you'll want to do everything slower and with extra care. Communicate with your partner and let them know what feels good for you. If something feels uncomfortable or painful, stop and take a break. Anal sex should never, ever be painful. Get as aroused as possible before putting anything in your butt. The more relaxed and turned on you are, the more comfortable anal will be.

If you try anal play and decide it doesn't mesh with your pregnancy, that's OK. It's not for everyone. Each body is different.

Be sure you get yourself some good lube to use during anal play. Lube and anal sex are like coffee and creamer, they go together. You want to choose an ultra-pure water-based, oil-based, or silicone-based lube. While this is important all the time, during pregnancy you want to be even more aware of anything you're putting in or on your body. We love the Coconut Love Oil by Le Wand.

LEARN: How to choose the best anal lube for every anal play situation

3. What are some of the cons or risks of anal sex and pregnancy?

Some things to keep in mind if you're going to explore anal sex during pregnancy are condoms, hygiene, STI-risk, and hemorrhoids.

If you're using condoms, keep in mind that oil-based lubricants like the Coconut Love Oil can break down latex and cause damage. We recommend this natural water-based lube.

Condoms help to keep you safe from STIs and keep you from spreading them. If you or your partner have an STI, you should always use a condom. Certain STIs can affect pregnancy and cause complications.

PERFECT: How to prepare for anal sex like a pro!

Hygiene is SO important when having anal sex during pregnancy. Take a shower beforehand and be sure to clean your anus with mild soap and warm water. Keep in mind that bacterial infections can harm your baby, therefore, it's best to use condoms to avoid the spread of bacteria. It's not worth the risk. You will also want to be sure that your partner cleans their penis with soap and water.

Another risk of anal sex and pregnancy are hemorrhoids. Hemorrhoids can happen during pregnancy when the uterus is putting extra pressure on the veins of the anus. If you're experiencing hemorrhoids or have had a history of them, avoid anal play during pregnancy. Having anal sex can exacerbate and worsen the pain and discomfort. Hemorrhoids can also cause anal bleeding, which can be very dangerous during pregnancy.

Pregnancy is challenging enough without the added inability to sit down or to comfortably make a bowel movement. This isn't the sexiest aspect of anal sex but it's important to point it out!

To sum up: Consider all of your options and consult a healthcare professional before having while pregnant.

4. What are the best anal sex positions during pregnancy?

The most important thing to consider after safety is the position you want to have sex in. You want to do what is most comfortable for you. Pregnancy can make maneuvering your body a bit difficult, so you'll want to stick to the least strenuous and easiest anal sex positions.

Avoid positions that involve super deep penetration, as this can be uncomfortable or painful. Do not have sex in the missionary position or any positions that involve lying on your stomach.

Here are some tried & tested positions that we recommend:

SPOONING

Anal spooning is comfortable because you can lie on your side with your partner behind you. This is the best position for cockwarming and sleeping when pregnant, as it keeps your back cradled and your uterus protected. Back into your partner so that you're controlling the depth and speed of penetration.

COWGIRL

Being on top during sex can help you feel more in control. It also helps you to move your belly around as it can cause discomfort in certain positions. Being able to move your body more freely can be a big plus when you're carrying another little human inside of you. Be sure that you're moving slowly to start with. You should be the one controlling how deep your partner can penetrate you.

MUTUAL MASTURBATION

Anal play doesn't need to mean that you're having anal sex. Say hello to mutual masturbation.

You can grab some fun toys, pop in a butt plug while the two of you lie side-by-side. Stimulating your clitoris while a vibrating anal toy is in your anus can feel super pleasurable. Mutual masturbation can be a low-energy, stress-free way to enjoy some sex time, without any risks.

5. Are anal sex toys safe to use during pregnancy?

As there are some risks associated with anal sex and pregnancy, the safest way to explore anal play is with toys. This helps you to get all of the nerve-rich anal opening pleasure, without any chance of bacterial infections or damage to the placenta in high-risk pregnancies.

For beginners, we recommend giving the Rimming Plug Petite a try. Its vibrating base engages the whole anal opening, without being too overwhelming or girthy.

Some other fun products to try are these texture plugs in graduating sizes. The different textures give you a unique feeling while giving you the option to move up a size or two if you feel comfortable doing so. Plus, they vibrate. Vibration is simply the best!