Having anal sex can be pleasurable. The anus (in both men and women) has many nerve endings and can help with the arousal of your gentials (because they are so close to one another). People sometimes have difficulty with anal sex because of the taboos associated to it (it is dirty, etc...) or because they find it painful (often due to being nervous or anxious about it). Even if you are comfortable with the idea of having anal sex, not everyone who tries it likes it.There are a few concerns with anal sex that people should be aware of. The anus and rectum do not produce any natural lubrication of their own. In fact, they can be quite absorbant, so what ever lubricant you use (your own vaginal lubrication, saliva, or store bought lube) can dry up quickly. That is why that additonal water based lubricant is highly suggested. When a water based lube dries out you just have to either add more or add few drops of water to make it slick again.
It also importnat to use a condom. It is extremely easy to damage the tissue lining the rectum. You can tear yourself which can leave you at high risk for STD's and infections. I also think it is a good way to keep the natural bacteria of your rectum and anus from coming into contact with the penis.
After having anal sex it is very important to put a fresh condom on before entering the vagina. Again, you don't want the bacteria to travel to the vagina. Painful infections can result. Same thing goes for your hands. You need to wash them thoroughly before moving from the anus to another area or wear thin latex gloves (like the one's surgeons wear) and change them if you move from one area to another.
[This message has been edited by bettie (edited August 13, 2000).]