TeenHealthFX - Answers - Risks Of Anal Stimulation

Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Question
Published: September 26, 2002

Dear TeenHealthFX,

: Please advise me. I am very worried. Is it possible to contract the HIV virus by unprotected anal stimulation of the prostate by ONESELF. (i.e. Not with any partner)? What are the highest risks associated with anal stimulation? No one I know has HIV, but this continues to nag at me. Although I gave up sexual immorality a long time ago, I don't want my life span shortened merely because of an adolescent blunder. I am 14 and, once again, VERY WORRIED!!!!

Signed: Risks Of Anal Stimulation

Dear Risks Of Anal Stimulation,

There is no evidence that supports the idea that it is possible to contract the HIV virus by unprotected anal stimulation of the prostate by oneself. The HIV infection is found in an infected individual's blood or body fluids (including semen, vaginal secretions, urine, saliva, tears, breast milk) and can enter an uninfected persons body in several way:

Sharing of needles or syringes
Engaging in unprotected sexual intercourse with an infected person
Receiving an infected blood product
Mother to baby via breastfeeding

There is no documented evidence that the virus can be transmitted through saliva, tears or sweat. The virus cannot enter through the skin unless the skin is broken or cut. The virus cannot be transmitted through the air or by insects either.

Whenever anal stimulation is involved, you should take extra precautions (not only to protect against STDs, but feces contain bacteria). Always use a generous amount of water-based lubricant and if you are using a finger for stimulation, cover your finger with a condom. Make sure your finger nails have been cut and filed down to protect against tearing the fragile tissue. Also make sure you wash your hands before and after any contact.

Because the anus is a highly sensitive area with many nerve endings, the muscles around it will respond to initial penetration by contracting, and you run the risk of small tears occurring with penetration. Again, it is important to always use a generous amount of some type of water-based lubricant.

If you decide to become sexually active again, please remember the importance of practicing safe sex. See Safer Anal Sex and Safer Sex for some excellent information regarding contraception methods and prevention of STD's. Also, for more information on HIV/AIDS, please search our website.

If you have additional concerns, you can always contact your local teen health clinic or Planned Parenthood. If you live in Northern New Jersey, you can contact the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.6475.

Signed: TeenHealthFX