Lots of people of all sexualities want to try anal penetration but have found this difficult or painful. There are a lot of myths about harms associated with anal penetration (for example that it will give you haemorrhoids (piles) or make you incontinent).

None of these are true. There are, however, some physical and psychological factors than can contribute to anal play and sex being more painful.

  • An STI.
  • Not using enough lubricant.
  • Spasms of the muscles in the rectum.
  • Injury during anal sex or from anal play with objects.

  • Stress, depression, and anxiety.
  • Tiredness
  • Worries about sexual performance, using condoms, and STIs
  • Not being aroused by the situation, feeling sexually bored, or other feelings about your sexual practices and partners
  • Relationship problems
  • Having other things on your mind and not being able to be in the sexual moment
  • Having another sexual difficulty, or your partner experiencing sexual difficulties
  • Beliefs about sex (for example, that it is shameful)
  • Body image concerns
  • Unwanted, or negative, previous sexual experiences

For further information or support, see: