Can You Get Pregnant From Anal Sex? What Science Says

When it comes to sex, asking the right question clears up a lot of confusion! And "can anal sex get you pregnant?" is definitely one worth asking. Getting the answer means understanding a bit about how your own body works. Armed with that knowledge, you'll make smarter calls about your sex life while staying exactly as adventurous as ever!

What Actually Causes Pregnancy?

Pregnancy happens when sperm fertilizes an egg. The egg normally sits in the uterus, and sperm has to travel up through the cervix to reach it — which is why unprotected vaginal sex is the pathway to pregnancy.

Occasionally, sperm fertilizes an egg while it's still in the fallopian tube, resulting in what's called an ectopic pregnancy. These can pose real health risks.

Some researchers think a woman's orgasm may help sperm along its journey toward the egg, but obviously sperm can't fertilize an egg that isn't present. An egg survives roughly 24 hours after release, while sperm can live inside the uterus for up to six days. So if pregnancy is the goal, plenty of sex during your "fertile window" is your best bet (as is experimenting with new positions). Your odds of conceiving hit about 30% at peak fertility, though some days carry almost zero risk even without a condom! Source.

Your fertile window shifts depending on your cycle, generally landing about two weeks before your period, meaning it falls near the midpoint if your cycle runs 28 days. That said, every woman's cycle differs, and understanding yours matters whether you're trying to conceive or trying hard not to! If you've ever tracked your cycle for natural family planning or fertility awareness, you already know this well.

WebMD offers a solid fertility calculator for tracking your own cycle.

So does that mean anal sex can get you pregnant too?

Can Anal Sex Get You Pregnant?

A glance at female anatomy makes clear there's no route for sperm ejaculated into the anus to reach the uterus under normal circumstances. Barring some kind of tear or perforation, you're safe — anal sex will not get you pregnant. And if a perforation does occur, get medical care immediately.

There's a very slim chance semen could migrate from around the anus toward the vaginal opening, particularly if fingers or toys move between both areas (see which sex toys work for anal masturbation). Still, the odds of pregnancy stay minimal. Getting pregnant from anal sex just isn't a realistic outcome.

There's also the matter of bacteria transferring from the rectum into the vagina, which can trigger an unpleasant bacterial vaginosis infection. That's exactly why going straight from ass to vagina is a bad idea, no matter what porn shows you. Use a condom, wash up, and clean any toys thoroughly before switching holes — for example, if you use a dildo for anal training and then want to use it vaginally.

Heads up, rectal bacteria can spread through rimming too. Learn what a rim job actually involves and check out our full guide to analingus for more.

Since anal sex carries no pregnancy risk, some people choose it over vaginal sex specifically for that reason, just as others turn to it as a way to avoid vaginal penetration tied to concerns about "losing their virginity."

Neither reason is strictly necessary, though. You can absolutely have vaginal sex with minimal pregnancy worry once you understand the biology basics covered above.

This holds especially true if your cycle is predictable. Plenty of committed couples rely on pulling out as their primary birth control because the woman knows her cycle well. But if you want something more reliable, there's no shortage of birth control methods available. We suggest using condoms if you have multiple partners, since they're also your best defense against STIs.

Condoms also simplify cleanup and work fine for anal too. If you're already pregnant (yes, anal sex during pregnancy is possible), condoms might not even be necessary at that point.

Does Anal Sex Come With Other Risks?

Just because pregnancy isn't a concern with anal sex doesn't mean it's risk-free. Focusing only on pregnancy means missing other things worth knowing about.

A lot of people feel anxious about trying anal, which is why we put together a guide to making your first time great. Following that advice can help you sidestep nearly every downside tied to anal sex.

Still, a few other risks are worth knowing about:

• Rectal prolapse: This happens when the rectum detaches internally and pushes outward. Surgery is sometimes needed to fix it. It's uncommon, but it can occur in people who have frequent anal sex, use oversized toys, or are otherwise predisposed. Learn how to use butt plugs safely during sex and solo play.
• Colon perforation: If a partner's penis or a toy is too large, it can damage the colon at the end of the rectal canal. This is typically painful. Here's what to do when sex hurts.
• STI transmission: One more reason condoms matter during anal sex! Receiving partners face higher odds of contracting STIs like herpes, HPV, and HIV. In fact, HIV transmission during anal sex runs about five times higher than during vaginal sex. Source. Part of the reason is that the rectum tears more easily since it doesn't produce its own lubrication. Using lube is essential whenever the back door is involved!

Like all anal play (including eating ass), anal sex carries some inherent risks. Get familiar with the full risk picture of anal sex.

That said, anal doesn't have to be risky or uncomfortable — picking the right anal sex position changes everything. So go ahead and enjoy it if that's your thing (and know that plenty of guys are into anal too). Don't let pregnancy worries hold you back. Focus instead on the upsides, like anal orgasms, for the lucky women who can have them! Many women also love double penetration — a partner's cock in one opening, a toy in the other.

Getting ready for anal sex properly makes a big difference.

You might also explore anal fingering or introduce your partner to anal play through pegging and strap-on sex. Men often enjoy these because they stimulate the prostate (learn about prostate massage).

So, can anal sex get you pregnant? No. But that doesn't mean it's your only option for pregnancy-free sex — far from it. Still, staying informed about your sexual choices is always a smart move, which is why it pays to understand the risks of anal, or any kind of sex, before diving in.

November 20, 2020