For many men, anal sex can be highly pleasurable, primarily because of the prostate gland and the dense network of nerve endings surrounding it. Whether it’s “good” depends on what you’re asking: physically enjoyable, beneficial to health, or safe. The honest answer touches all three, and the picture is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.
Why It Feels Good: The Prostate
The prostate gland, sometimes called the “male G-spot,” sits a few inches inside the rectum toward the belly. It’s surrounded by nerve endings, and direct or indirect stimulation of this area can produce intense pleasure even without a traditional penile orgasm. When prostate stimulation does lead to orgasm, the experience tends to be stronger: penile orgasms typically involve 4 to 8 pelvic contractions, while prostate orgasms are associated with around 12.
Any form of orgasm triggers a cocktail of feel-good brain chemicals, including dopamine, serotonin, oxytocin, and endorphins. The body also releases DHEA, a hormone linked to immune function and skin health. These responses aren’t unique to anal sex, but the heightened intensity of prostate-involved orgasms can amplify them.
Potential Prostate Health Benefits
There’s preliminary evidence that regular prostate massage may help men who deal with chronic pelvic pain or urinary symptoms. In one study of men with chronic prostatitis and lower urinary tract symptoms, using an at-home prostate massage device led to a statistically significant drop in pain and urinary symptom scores. Among those participants, 60% reported “very good improvement” or complete symptom relief, while only 12% said it didn’t help at all.
Some research from Harvard Medical School has also suggested that prostate stimulation may play a role in preventing or managing erectile dysfunction and painful ejaculation, though the evidence is still limited. Prostate massage during anal sex isn’t the same as a clinical device, but the underlying mechanism of increased blood flow and muscle relaxation is similar.
Does It Cause Long-Term Damage?
A common concern is whether receptive anal sex permanently loosens the sphincter or leads to incontinence. A large observational study of 838 participants, mostly men, found that decreased sphincter tone was uncommon among those who regularly had receptive anal sex. Only about 11% showed any reduction in resting tone, and squeeze tone (the ability to voluntarily clench) was not significantly affected. The study also found that sphincter tone naturally decreases with age regardless of sexual behavior. In other words, aging has a bigger effect on sphincter function than anal sex does.
The anal tissues are delicate, though, and small tears (fissures) can happen, especially without enough lubrication or with rushed penetration. These tears are usually minor and heal on their own, but they do create entry points for infections, which brings us to the most important risk.
STI Risk Is Real and Higher Than Other Acts
The most significant health risk of anal sex is sexually transmitted infections, particularly HIV. CDC data puts the numbers in stark perspective. For receptive anal sex without condoms, PrEP, or antiretroviral treatment, the estimated risk of HIV transmission from an HIV-positive partner is about 1 in 72 per act, or 138 per 10,000 exposures. Compare that to receptive vaginal sex at 1 in 1,250, or insertive vaginal sex at 1 in 2,500. Even the insertive partner during anal sex faces a higher risk (1 in 909) than either partner during vaginal sex.
These numbers apply to encounters without protection. Condoms reduce the risk dramatically. PrEP, a daily or on-demand medication for HIV-negative individuals, reduces risk by over 99% when taken consistently. For men who have anal sex, using one or both of these tools is the single most effective thing you can do to protect yourself. Other STIs like gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, and HPV also transmit easily through anal sex, so regular screening matters.
Lubricant Matters More Than You Think
Unlike the vagina, the rectum doesn’t produce its own lubrication. Using the right lubricant isn’t optional; it’s essential for comfort and safety. Water-based lubricants are the safest all-around choice. They’re compatible with latex and non-latex condoms and with most sex toys. Look for glycerin-free and paraben-free formulas if you have sensitive skin.
Silicone-based lubricants last longer and don’t dry out as quickly, making them a popular choice for anal sex. They’re safe with condoms but will degrade silicone toys. Oil-based lubricants, including coconut oil and petroleum jelly, should be avoided with latex condoms because they weaken the material and increase breakage risk. They can also trap bacteria and irritate sensitive rectal tissue. Household products like lotion or vaseline should never be used internally.
Hygiene and Preparation
The rectum doesn’t typically hold much stool, so thorough external cleaning is often sufficient. Some men prefer to douche beforehand, which is fine if done carefully. The safest option is a saline Fleet enema (the kind that contains only normal saline, not stimulant laxatives). You can also make your own saline by mixing half a teaspoon of salt into a cup of water.
A few precautions: don’t douche too frequently with plain tap water, as this can disrupt electrolyte balance in the rectal lining. The mucosa inside the rectum is far more sensitive to temperature than external skin, so water that feels comfortable in a shower can actually burn internally. Use lukewarm water and err on the cooler side. Douching an hour or so before sex, rather than immediately before, gives the tissue time to settle.
Making It Comfortable
Pain during anal sex is a signal to slow down, not push through. The anal sphincter is a ring of muscle that tightens reflexively, and relaxing it takes time and trust. Starting with a finger or small toy, using generous lubricant, and letting the receptive partner control the pace makes the experience far more comfortable. Gradual warm-up over several minutes allows the sphincter to relax naturally. Communication between partners is the single biggest factor in whether the experience is enjoyable or not.
Positions also matter. Being on top gives the receptive partner control over depth and angle. Lying on your side can reduce tension in the pelvic floor. There’s no universal “best” approach, so experimentation and honest feedback between partners go a long way.