Not such a big secret: Men (except some who are into certain fetishes) don’t like penis pain. Penis pain can not only be a cause for concern about penis health, it can also just get in the way of enjoying sex or even simply getting through the day. That’s why knowing more about potential causes of penis pain is important. This article is going to focus on possible penis pain that may result from anal sex.

For the purposes of this piece, we are going to assume that the man is the partner who is "giving" anal sex to the other, rather than being the one who is receiving the anal sex.

Basics

It appears that instances of anal sex are on the rise. Certainly it is common among the gay community, with some surveys indicating that 90% of gay men have participated in receiving anal sex. And another survey indicates that 40% of women between the ages of 20 and 24 have been anally receptive (up from 16% in the early 1990s).

Anal sex refers to the insertion of the penis into a partner’s anus and the continued penetration of the anus; essentially, the anus takes the place of the vagina during this form of sex. In some cases, a phallic replica may be used rather than an actual penis.

Penis pain

It is fairly clear from this brief description that anal sex has the potential to be painful for the person who is on the receiving end. But penis pain can occur in the man who is doing the penetrating. Following are some potential causes of that pain.

- Insufficient lubrication. In anal sex, even more so than in vaginal sex, it is absolutely crucial that sufficient lubrication is employed. Unlike with vaginal penetration, the anus does not produce its own lubricant to help ease things along.

- Tightness. Even with lots of lubrication, in some instances a man’s penis may simply be too large to comfortably fit within the proffered space. This can lead to bruising on the penis, or even to cuts and tearing. (As might be imagined, it can also cause considerable pain and issue for the person receiving the penis as well.)

- Bacteria. Sometimes, especially if no condom is employed, anal sex can result in bacteria entering the urethra and establishing an infection.

- STI. Some serious STIs (sexually transmitted infections) such as gonorrhea, syphilis, HIV and trichomoniasis can result from anal sex, especially if no condom is used. Some STIs cause penis pain.

Tips

So what can a guy do to help prevent penis pain from anal sex? Two things are of primary importance: Use condoms and use plenty of lubrication - and make sure to reapply the lubrication if it wears off during the course of the activity.

The condoms can help to prevent STIs and cuts and tearing; however, even with a condom, there is a risk of STI transmission. And though condoms cut down on the likelihood of bruising and cuts, they still can occur. Condoms also are a big deterrent to bacteria seeping into the urethra and causing an infection.

It also helps if the partner has voided their bowels 20-30 minutes in advance of engaging in sex and has thoroughly wiped and washed the anus.

Men who believe they have contracted an STI or a urethral infection should consult with a doctor immediately to determine an appropriate course of treatment.

Sometimes the penis pain caused by anal sex is simple soreness of the organ, and using a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can help alleviate this soreness. The best crèmes for this purpose will include a combination of hydrating agents, ideally both Shea butter and vitamin E. Try to select one that also includes vitamin D, the so-called "miracle vitamin," which has proven benefits in fighting diseases and supporting healthy cellular function.