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Straight Women & Unprotected Anal Sex
April 29, 2010
A study conducted by the NY Health Department found that straight (heterosexual) women are less likely than men to protect themselves with condoms while having unprotected anal sex. Only 23% of women use condoms during anal sex, while 61% of men use them. And only 11% of women at highest risk said their healthcare providers recommended testing for HIV and other STIs that might be contracted through anal sex..
The delicate nature of anal membranes makes them subject to fissures and micro tears during sex, which can speed the spread of infection and bacteria. Past studies suggest that anal exposure to HIV poses 30 times more risk than vaginal exposure. The full report is available at nyc.gov/health.
Condoms should be used with anal sex, just as they should be used in vaginal and oral sex between partners who are not monogamous and infection/virus-free. HIV and STI testing is equally important, but among women who engage in unprotected anal sex, testing rates are lower. That means they won’t necessarily be treated in the earliest stages of infection, and they may pass HIV and other viruses along to their partners.
Young adult women, 18 to 24 years old, are nearly six times more likely to have unprotected anal sex than women aged 45 to 64. Women with more partners had more anal sex in the past year, compared to 4% of women with one partner. Ethnicity is not a significant factor among the behavior or non-use of condoms.
Condoms aren’t fail-proof, but they are the best defense available against HIV and other infections. To increase protection, use lots of thick personal lubricant to decrease the risk of tearing.
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