Q: My boyfriend wants to have anal sex, but I’m scared to try it. Is it safe and will it hurt?

A: Anal sex can be both safe and enjoyable with the necessary preparations and precautions. First, lubrication is very important – anything water-based, like K-Y Jelly, Astroglide or Aqua Lube (but not Vaseline). Condoms are also very important – and not just to protect from sexually transmitted infections. The anus can harbor bacteria, so it helps protect from any diseases or infections (that may or may not be classified as an sexually transmitted).

There are also products – Anal Ease is one example – that can be used on the anus as a numbing agent to lessen the pain of initial penetration. You can find these products at specialty shops like Intimacies in Northampton. However, it is important that you don’t use too much; otherwise it could be a painful next morning. Make sure there are no oils (just water-based ingredients) in the product as well; otherwise it’ll break down the condom, making it porous and fragile.

You have to be really careful and take things easy – especially in the beginning when you’re getting accustomed to it. In fact, some preliminary exploration sessions can be helpful in getting a better idea of how you’ll want to proceed. Anal sex is traditionally known to be enjoyable for men because of the prostate gland located inside the male anus, but when done with care and consideration, anal sex has been known to be enjoyable for women as well. Open communication is always important in making sure you and your partner are comfortable and enjoying your time together.

Q: I heard that it’s possible to get sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) from having oral sex. Is that true?

A: There is actually a fairly long list of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) that you can contract from having unprotected oral sex. Let’s list them alphabetically.

Cytomegalovirus (also known as CMV) is not one of the more popular STIs, but it shouldn’t be overlooked. CMV can be contracted via unprotected oral sex, and since it is a virus, you will always carry it. Unfortunately, there are usually no symptoms. Some symptoms may be fatigue, nausea, fever, swollen glands and loss of vision. The only way to test for CMV is by getting a blood test. There is no cure, because CMV is a virus. Using a condom is the most effective way of reducing your risk.

Next up is Gonorrhea, the bacteria that can cause sterility and pelvic inflammatory disease (PID). Gonorrhea can be spread through unprotected oral sex. Some symptoms include burning urination, pelvic/abdominal pain and abnormal discharge from the vagina or urethra. Keep in mind that 80 percent of women and 10 percent of men show no symptoms at all. An exam is necessary for a proper diagnosis. Since this STD is of a bacterial nature, it can be treated with antibiotics. Again, condoms are a very effective way of reducing the chances of infection.

Both Hepatitis A and B can be contracted by having unprotected oral sex. Common symptoms for both strains include severe fatigue, fever, hives, loss of appetite and vomiting. A blood test is the only way to test for both Hepatitis A and B. Since Hepatitis is a virus, there is no cure. However, there are vaccines available. While condoms may help against infection, kissing and other intimate touching can also spread the virus.

I know many of you may be upset to learn this, but both Herpes strains (HSV1 and HSV2) can be spread via oral sex. Symptoms usually surface anywhere from two to 20 days after infection. However, an outbreak may not occur for years. Possible symptoms include itchy rashes with blistery sores, burning during urination, swollen glands in the groin area, fever and painful ulcerations when the blisters break open. Herpes may also be passed from the genitals to the mouth and from the mouth to the genitals and can be diagnosed either through a blood test or by samples taken from the sores. It will remain in your body for life.

There have been a few cases of HIV being spread via unprotected oral sex. Although not as common, it is still a serious risk. Some symptoms of HIV include: rapid weight loss, lack of appetite, purplish growths on the skin, chronic PID and a thick, whitish coating of yeast on the tongue or mouth (known as thrush). Diagnosis is traditionally done by a blood test; however, it is now possible to diagnose HIV by swabbing the inside of the mouth for cheek cells. There is no known cure for HIV.

The Human Papilloma Virus (HPV) is carried by three out of four adults and is possible to spread HPV through unprotected oral sex. Symptoms for HPV include warts on the genitals, urethra, anus or throat. However, most HPV infections are not visible and show no symptoms. An exam is necessary to diagnose HPV. There is no cure for this virus; the warts can be successfully treated. While condoms may help, it is very possible for the virus to shed beyond what is protected by a condom.

Molluscum Contagiosum can be contracted through unprotected oral sex, but it can also be contracted by nonsexual intimate contact. Symptoms for this virus include, pink/white, polyp-like growths in the genital/thigh region. If infected through casual contact, polyps may appear on other regions of the body. Diagnosis requires an exam. The growths are removable, but the virus remains in the body for life. Condoms help, but be aware that just like with HPV, it is possible for the virus to shed outside the condom-protected area.

Pubic lice (a.k.a. crabs) can be spread to a partner through unprotected oral sex. Possible symptoms are severe itching in the genitals and mild fever. It is possible to see the lice with the naked eye. There are several over the counter medications available for pubic lice.

Scabies can also be passed through unprotected oral sex. Some symptoms of Scabies include intense itching and small bumps/rashes. Though there are several effective medications available to treat Scabies, it is hard to detect with the human eye, so an examination is often required.

Syphilis is yet another STI that can be passed to a partner from unprotected oral sex. Syphilis has three phases, so there are a wide range of symptoms, depending on which phase the Syphilis bacteria is in. Possible symptoms include chancre sores, rashes, sore throat, hair loss and muscle pains. Syphilis can be diagnosed either through a blood test or an examination. Syphilis can be cured using antibiotics. However, if the bacteria go too long untreated, the damage may be irreversible.

Q: I got really drunk at a party last weekend and ended up sleeping with a guy I don’t really know. I’m on the pill, but I’m still worried about STDs. What kind of test should I take, and can I have it done without my parents’ finding out?

A: If you call the University Health Services at 577-5101, they can set you up with an OB-GYN appointment. When you get there, it’s important to tell the nurse practitioner that you want the bill to be charged to your mandatory university health insurance to ensure that it’s not charged to your parents’ insurance. You’ll also want to ask them to test for all STIs, which includes a pap smear, a urine test and a blood test. The pap will test for a yeast infection, gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papilloma virus (HPV, genital warts) and cervical cancer. The blood test can check for HIV/AIDS, syphilis, pregnancy and Hepatitis A, B, and C. A urine test will be able to identify pregnancy and urinary tract infections. If you don’t want to go to UHS, you can contact Tapestry Health in Amherst (413-548-9992) or Planned Parenthood in Springfield (413-732-1620). Both have a sliding scale for their service fees and can keep your tests confidential. It is very important that you specify where you want your billing to go, to ask questions and to make sure you’re being tested for all STIs/STDs. If you don’t ask, many places won’t test for all possible diseases.

GOT SEXUAL HEALTH QUESTIONS? SEND THEM TO: [email protected]. Your question could
be in next Monday’s Collegian. Confidentiality is always respected.

Sara Brumfield and Winnie Chen are Collegian Columnists.