# Sex Advice: Anal Sex Safety and Partner Concerns

> Man worries about long-term anal sex effects on partner despite her enjoyment.
- Title: Sex Advice: Anal Sex Safety and Partner Concerns | Shortify
- Summary: Man worries about long-term anal sex effects on partner despite her enjoyment. A man concerned about potential long-term health risks from frequent anal sex…
- Keywords: anal sex, fecal incontinence, kink, sphincter tone, anal cancer, hpv, anal precancerous lesions, kegels, anal dysplasia, anal sphincter, fecal incontinence rates, Sex
- Source: Slate Magazine — https://slate.com/advice/2026/10/sex-advice-is-anal-sex-safe-women.html?via=rss
- Author: Jessica Stoya, Rich Juzwiak
- Published: 2026-10-16T16:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 2 min
- Topics: anal sex, fecal incontinence, kink, sphincter tone, anal cancer, hpv, anal precancerous lesions, kegels, anal dysplasia, anal sphincter, fecal incontinence rates
## Partner's Experience
A man in his 40s has recently started seeing a woman who enjoys anal sex with him, but she experiences moderate to intense pain during sessions.

> She is the only woman I’ve ever been with who has multiple orgasms from strictly penis-in-anus sex.
## Partner's Request
She specifically asks for rough, intense anal sex without warming up her anus, and consistently declines slower, gentler alternatives.

> She likes it best when I do not really 'warm up' her ass.
## Concerns About Long-Term Effects
The man worries about potential long-term physical effects like loss of anal sphincter tone, which could lead to bowel issues later in life.

> I’m concerned that anal sex of this duration, intensity, and frequency can have adverse long-term physical effects.
## Medical Expert Consultation
Dr. J. Michael Berry-Lawhorn, a clinical professor at UCSF’s Anal Neoplasia Clinic, confirmed there’s limited data on long-term effects of receptive anal sex.

> I’ve talked to a lot of people about their sexual habits, what they do, their issues, and their problems.
## Fecal Incontinence Risk
A 2016 study found higher rates of fecal incontinence among people who practice anal intercourse compared to those who don’t.

> Fecal incontinence rates were higher among women and men reporting anal intercourse compared with those not reporting anal intercourse.
## Mechanism of Incontinence
Dr. Stephen E. Goldstone suggested that repeated insertion through a contracted internal sphincter muscle may cause cumulative damage leading to incontinence.

> Insertion of a penis … causes your muscle to contract involuntarily. Repeated insertion through a contracted internal sphincter muscle may cause cumulative damage so that the muscle loses its ability to seal the anorectal canal tightly.
## Anal Precancerous Lesions
Dr. Berry-Lawhorn noted women with a history of anal intercourse are more likely to have anal precancerous lesions.

> There is some literature that shows women who have a history of anal intercourse are more likely to have anal precancerous lesions.
## Recommendations
The doctor recommends Kegel exercises, good bowel habits, and HPV screening for anal disease to maintain long-term health.

> He also recommends Kegels and the general promotion of good bowel function (like eating plenty of fiber).
## Expert Perspective
Dr. Berry-Lawhorn reassured the man that as long as the partner is happy and consent is maintained, the risks are minimal and there’s no need for judgment.

> It’s true, women and men who practice anal intercourse have higher rates of fecal incontinence. On the other hand, life is complex. I think it’s about risks and benefits.
## Partner's Health Status
The woman reports no adverse effects or changes in bowel or bladder habits after several months of regular anal sex.

> She said she sees no adverse effects and has experienced no changes in bowel or bladder habits.
## Long-Term Health Concerns
The man is concerned about potential long-term health effects like loss of anal sphincter tone, which could lead to bowel issues later in life.

> I’m concerned that anal sex of this duration, intensity, and frequency can have adverse long-term physical effects.
## Expert Reassurance
Dr. Berry-Lawhorn states that the woman’s happiness and mutual consent outweigh potential health risks, and there’s no need for concern.

> I think as long as she’s happy and it’s mutually consented and agreeable, they should continue to do what they’re doing.
## Conclusion
The man and his partner can continue their anal sex routine without health concerns as long as they maintain mutual consent and happiness.

> I don’t think there should be any judgments about that.
## Key takeaway

A man concerned about potential long-term health risks from frequent anal sex with his partner seeks medical advice, but a specialist reassures him that as long as she's happy and consensual, the risks are minimal.