Oscar De La Huerte answered
Unprotected anal sex is essentially more dangerous in comparison to vaginal intercourse because the lining of the anus and rectum are more easily broken during sex than is the lining of the vagina.
Why is anal sex more dangerous than vaginal sex? Whilst stimulation and penetration of the anus is a fairly common form of sexual engagement, there are several factors that make anal sex riskier in terms of the transmission of HIV.
The main ones are:
In recent decades, there has been a significant rise in reported cases of HIV. In 1990, the proportion of the population infected with HIV was 8 million people, whereas in 2010 the figure is thought to have reached the 34 million mark.
The spread of HIV within the gay community is often attributed to a lack of awareness regarding the risks of unprotected anal sex. Whilst it is certainly true that gay men are more inclined to engage in anal sex, research shows that heterosexual couples are more prone to failing to use condoms when doing so.
It is important to note that HIV can be spread through infected fluids (blood, semen or vaginal secretions) coming in contact with the body in a number of ways (not just via the anus or rectum), including:
Why is anal sex more dangerous than vaginal sex? Whilst stimulation and penetration of the anus is a fairly common form of sexual engagement, there are several factors that make anal sex riskier in terms of the transmission of HIV.
The main ones are:
- The risk of cuts or tears to the anal passage allowing infected fluids into the bloodstream
- The high concentration of white blood cells in the region of the rectum
- The ability of the rectum to absorb fluid through its delicate mucous membranes
In recent decades, there has been a significant rise in reported cases of HIV. In 1990, the proportion of the population infected with HIV was 8 million people, whereas in 2010 the figure is thought to have reached the 34 million mark.
The spread of HIV within the gay community is often attributed to a lack of awareness regarding the risks of unprotected anal sex. Whilst it is certainly true that gay men are more inclined to engage in anal sex, research shows that heterosexual couples are more prone to failing to use condoms when doing so.
It is important to note that HIV can be spread through infected fluids (blood, semen or vaginal secretions) coming in contact with the body in a number of ways (not just via the anus or rectum), including:
- Through the membranes of the vagina and urethra
- By injecting drugs
- HIV can be passed from mother to baby through breastfeeding and/or labour
- Tattoos piercings and any other circumstances whereby infected fluids might come into contact with the blood system.
