For anal sex, what’s the safest setup to avoid STIs (condoms + lube + toys), and how do you handle things like switching from anal to oral/vaginal without accidentally spreading something?

Safest anal setup: condom on every penis or toy that goes in your butt, plus a ridiculous amount of lube. Anal tissue tears easily, which is why HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, and hepatitis spread so efficiently there. Use latex or poly condoms and water- or silicone-based lube (no oils with latex).Rule of thumb: once something goes in your ass, it does **not** go in your vagina or mouth without washing and/or a fresh condom. That’s about STIs *and* bacteria—ass-to-vagina is a fast-track to infections.Use separate condoms for anal and vaginal, condoms on toys, and clean toys with soap and water after. Go slow, communicate, and treat “no condom, no lube” as a hard stop, not a fun risk.Want help mapping this onto your very real, very messy sex life? You can always chat with Gush about what your body, cycle, and hookups are actually doing—not what sex ed pretended.

How to have safer anal sex and prevent STIs

Why anal sex has higher STI risk

Anal sex is higher risk for a few reasons:- The rectal lining is **thin and delicate**. Microtears are extremely common.- There’s **no natural lube**, so friction is harsher.- Blood is more likely, especially if things are rushed or dry.That combo makes it easier for viruses and bacteria—HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, hepatitis B, HPV—to get into your bloodstream.None of this means “don’t do anal.” It means if you’re going to do it, you deserve better than porn-level recklessness.

Your safest setup: condoms, lube, and toy rules

**Condoms for anal sex:**- Use **latex or polyurethane condoms** every single time there’s a penis in your butt.- Consider slightly thicker condoms if breakage has been an issue; it’s about friction, not “tightness.”- Put the condom on before any penetration and change it if it rips, dries out, or you’re switching orifices.**Lube (non-negotiable):**- Water-based or silicone lube are your go-tos.- **Never use oil** (coconut oil, baby oil) with latex condoms—it weakens them and ups break risk.- Apply generously to the anus, the condom, and reapply often.**Toy safety:**- Use toys that are **non-porous** (silicone, glass, stainless steel) so they can be cleaned properly.- Put a condom on any toy going into your anus if you might later use it vaginally or share it.- Clean toys with hot water + mild soap or a proper toy cleaner after use.Mid-scroll and thinking, “Yeah okay but my partner hates condoms” or “My body reacts weirdly to lube”? That nuance actually matters. Bring the specifics to Gush and get a tailored game plan, not a generic lecture.

Switching between anal, vaginal, and oral without spreading STIs

Here’s the golden rule:> Once it’s been in your butt, it doesn’t go in your pussy or mouth without a reset.“Reset” means:- **New condom** on the penis or toy, or- **Thorough wash** with soap and water (for toys and hands), and- Optional: quick rinse for the external area if there’s visible lube/poop.Why this matters:- **Ass-to-vagina** can move E. coli and other bacteria into the vagina/urethra → UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, pelvic infections.- **Ass-to-mouth** carries risk of gut infections, hepatitis A, parasites, and if someone has rectal STIs, those too.Safer flow order:- Oral → vaginal → anal (with condom and lube) → stop.or- Oral → anal (condom) → *new condom + wash* → vaginal or more oral.Anything that touches the anus gets its own condom and its own moment.

Where your cycle and hormones intersect with anal sex

Your period and hormones don’t magically shield you from STIs, but they do change how your body reacts to anal.**Follicular phase (after your period):**- Rising estrogen = more energy, higher libido.- You may feel more experimental and open to trying anal. Great—just keep condoms and lube non-negotiable because horniness does not equal invincibility.**Ovulation:**- Estrogen peaks, a little testosterone spike can ramp up sex drive.- Bloating is often lower here, so anal may feel physically easier.- Cervical mucus is wetter, which can blur the line between “just anal” and “now we’re mixing in vaginal stuff”—watch those condom changes.**Luteal phase (PMS zone):**- Progesterone rises, slowing digestion → constipation and bloating for a lot of people.- Anal might feel uncomfortable or painful when you’re backed up. If it hurts, skip it. Forcing through pain increases tearing and STI risk.**Menstruation:**- Some people prefer anal during their period if they don’t want vaginal penetration.- Keep in mind: blood (from your vagina or from microtears in the rectum) can transmit STIs like HIV or hepatitis B.- Use dark towels, condoms, and more lube. Do not use tampons during anal penetration—they can shift and cause serious issues.On hormonal birth control, digestion and bleeding patterns can shift—spotting, lighter or no periods, or more constipation for some. None of that changes STI risk; condoms and barriers still do the heavy lifting.

Irregular cycles, gut issues, and when to pause anal

Anal sex asks a lot from your body. Give yourself permission to say no when things are off.Press pause and/or see a provider if you notice:- New or worsening rectal pain, especially with or after sex- Blood from your rectum that isn’t from a hard poop or a known hemorrhoid- Mucus, pus, or discharge from your anus- Persistent diarrhea or constipation that isn’t diet-related- Fever + anal or pelvic painIrregular cycles caused by PCOS, thyroid issues, stress, or extreme exercise can all shift how your gut behaves across the month. Track how bloating, cramps, and bowel movements line up with your bleeding. If anal always hurts in a certain phase, respect that pattern.

STI testing for people having anal sex

If you’re doing anal and only getting pee tests, you’re flying half-blind.Ask specifically for:- **Rectal swabs** for chlamydia and gonorrhea if you receive anal.- **Throat swabs** if you give oral to someone whose penis or vulva might have STIs.- Blood tests for **HIV, syphilis, hepatitis B/C** depending on risk.How often:- New/multiple partners or inconsistent condom use: every 3–6 months.- Long-term monogamy with verified testing on both sides: at least once a year, or sooner if symptoms pop up.You are allowed to require testing and condoms. Anyone who argues with that is telling you exactly how little they value your health.