Why So Anal about Pleasure?

Via EmpowHer, by Hannah Cutts.

Whether you are a committed fan, a non-subscriber, or have been considering engaging in anal play, I believe it is a subject that women should make an effort to include in their sexual awareness and conversations, even if only to expand their education on the female body and become resources for friends/family members who may have questions about the behavior.

According to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Survey of Family Growth, anal sex between heterosexual partners has been on the rise over the past decade. In 1992, 20.4 percent of women reported engaging in anal sex with a male partner, while in 2005, 32.6 percent indicated they include anal in part of their heterosexual repertoire (New York Magazine, 2006). While anal sex has historically been associated with gay couples, it is clear that people who enjoy sex with the opposite gender have adopted the practice, perhaps finally realizing what they have been missing out on. It is time for women—straight, gay and anywhere in between—to get the facts on anal play and what makes it worthwhile.

The bottom line is, like your vagina, your anus is packed with sensitive nerve endings that feel great when touched or stimulated. Although experimenting with this somewhat fragile opening is not necessarily a stand-alone endeavor (it requires some foreplay and careful lubrication), gentle exploration of the anus is a tremendous complement to other pleasure-giving (think cunnilingus). By slowly introducing the stimulation of this third hole into your sexual repertoire one step (or to be more accurate, one finger) at a time, you are opening yourself up to sensations that you won’t feel with vaginal-only penetration. Many sources suggest you begin simply with a massage of the anal opening, an action that carries almost no risk and allows both partners to get comfortable with the touch.

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[If an item is not written by an IRMA member, it should not be construed that IRMA has taken a position on the article's content, whether in support or in opposition.]

Microbicides: the quest for user-friendly formulations

via Aidsmap, by Gus Cairns

"Finally, a team have developed a vaginal microbicide as a film smaller than a stick of gum and as thin as a sheet of paper."

A large number of presentations at the Microbicides 2010 Conference in Pittsburgh documented the development of microbicides very different from gels or creams. Vaginal rings, quick-dissolve pills and thin films are all being tested.

Vaginal ring drug delivery

An intravaginal ring made from the plastic ethyl-vinyl acetate copolymer (EVA) and loaded with the two drugs dapivirine and maraviroc – already found to enhance each other’s potency - can deliver therapeutic levels of both drugs for as long as a month, according to test-tube studies. Fifteen days after being placed in a water/alcohol mixture, the ring was delivering half a gram of dapivirine and a gram of maraviroc per day.

Vaginal/rectal tablets

The tablet is ‘bioadhesive’ – this means the voluminous gel gets the drug delivered to all the mucous surfaces needed and then dissolves away. It also binds the drug to the mucous membranes, concentrating it at the surfaces needed and guaranteeing a consistent level of drug over 8-12 hours.

Quick-dissolve film

The film is made of a thin polyvinyl alcohol polymer, a water-soluble synthetic plastic used in multiple consumer and biomedical products, including contraceptive films, contact lens solutions and mouthwash strips.

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The asspects of anal sex

via UWM Post, by Jon Tingley



Anal penetration used to be a taboo topic. In fact, for some of you, it might still be. What used to be relegated to men playing in bathhouses and Bally’s locker rooms is now a widespread form of sexual intercourse enjoyed by all different sexual orientations and genders.

Many people decide not to participate in anal penetration with their sexual partner or even on their own because of the pain associated. This kind of sexual pleasure actually doesn’t have to be a pillow-biting experience when done correctly. I’m often surprised by my sexually active gay male friends who are still experiencing extreme pain during sexual intercourse even though they have experience. It just goes to show you that even those with apparent sexual know-how can have it wrong sometimes

There are a few things to remember when considering taking it up the butt:

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Tip one back at the Rectum Bar?

Come Inside The Rectum Bar For A Slow Comfortable Screw Up Against The Wall
via Gizmodo, by Kat Hannaford

Here I was, thinking Europeans were meant to be classier than Americans—but have you ever heard of a Rectum Bar outside of Vienna, Austria? Do you even know what a rectum is? The whole digestive system is there—the tongue, stomach, small and large intestines and then the money-shot—the anus. All anatomically correct (apart from the large intestine), all enough to turn you off your G&T.

Source.