A topic maybe not frequently spoken about might be a little embarrassing for some, but it’s certainly searched through the inter webs a lot. Countless upon countless blogs and articles outlining the do’s and the dont’s when it comes to anal douching. With anal douching just like everything else there are risks both ways. If you don’t douche… well those risk are clearer. If you do decide to douche, how and with what are very important. The following is simply some facts about the biological effects that can occur from douching vs not for you to mull over, the decision is ultimately yours to make as you see fit. I am not a medical professional simply a Human Sexuality and Psychology Graduate.
What is Douching?
It might be best for me to start off by explaining for anyone who isn’t familiar, what douching is. Douching is a cleaning aid system that involves passing water through the anus into the rectum and lower bowels or colon. This part of the body is where our digestive waste collects before disposal. The process of douching can be done in several ways from bulbs to attachments for your everyday household taps and showers. You can find these at any of our Oh Zone Adult Lifestyle Centre or online at the Adultsmart store.
Anal Sex And Sexually Transmitted Infections
It is already common knowledge that with anal sex comes a higher risk of STI infection including a higher risk of HIV, and that this is due to the lining of the intestines/bowels to be so thin and therefore it is very fragile, this is why having safe sex is important. What might not be as commonly known is that sphincter or anus acts as a sort of warning barrier in terms of the cluster of nerves that it contains and the design of the muscles. The muscles face outwards to align with the peristalsis or digestive direction i.e. bowel movements. Just entering the anus goes against its physiology so care must be taken. The anus is also full of pain receptors like the skin only in more numbers, they are there specifically there to warn the body of any “aggressive intruder” if you will. These pain receptors have to be gently enticed to relax. Now one might think the solution would be to go slow and use lube? Only it’s not that simple, these specifically placed pain receptors are only located in the first 5cm of the asshole itself, meaning any bump, scratch or tear could go unnoticed causing serious damage and possible infection. But we’re not talking about anal sex, the process of douching can easily have damaging effects.
Does Water Impact The Linings Of The Bowel?
One of the biggest concerns with douching is that by adding water to the bowels you can damage the fragile lining which of course is true. This fragile lining is designed to absorb water, but when it absorbs water in access it increases blood flow to the heart which carries many of its own dangerous risks. When the lining itself is damaged or waterlogged this leads to higher chance of infections. Inserting the nozzle of the douching device brings a high risk of cutting or tearing the lining, which we have already stated brings high risk of infection. These are all true and bring high risks, which is why taking due care when douching is so important. A common topic that often gets brought up in the debate that is “Douching” is that overuse or frequent use will interfere with your natural workings, and that you could end up dependent on stool softeners and laxatives. There just haven’t been any long term studies actually looking at in depth the effects of frequent anal douching that can conclusively support this.
Why Do People Use Douches?
Now after discussing all the terrible things that can occur from damaging one of the most fragile parts of the body, you might be asking yourself why? Why put yourself at that kind of risk? It’s obvious to anyone reading this you already know the pleasures of anal play, or have been enticed enough to begin your research. You obviously want to experience the pleasures that come with anal interaction and want to be safe about it. So again ask to douche or not? Scat play or sex that involves poo is a fetish “Coprophilia”, is it right for you?
It is important to know that any interaction with fecal matter or poo brings a risk of bacterial infection. Unprotected penetration can cause severe UTI’s in men when fecal matter enters the urethra, Hepatitis A and E are also commonly found in feces, so oral or rimming an area containing feces is also very risky. There are also numerous GI (Gastrointestinal) diseases carried out of the body in this waste, such as Salmonella. The list and the symptoms are endless and none of them seem enjoyable and many can be fatal if not treated.
Conclusion
With all the above information and any other sources you find, it’s time for you to assess your comfort level with fecal matter or “poo” before deciding if douching is right for you. You might be one of those people who has regular bowel movement. When I say regular I mean regular on time and regular of a solid consistency that leaves you feeling completely evacuated. If you are, well la di da aren’t you special! Jokes, if you are you might be confident enough to know your schedule and be able to get away with a quick shower and a thorough cleaning between the cheeks and maybe a quick insert of the finger and you’re ready for insertion. There’s always the small small chance of something left behind. To quote the phrase “Shit happens” it’s true, when playing in this region it’s bound to happen. So how do you feel about that?
I have presented you with many but certainly not all of the biological risks involved with douching or not, the decision is yours!
About the author: KrizPatrick BA(Hon) Psychology- Human Sexuality
The wisdom of Patrick Kriz, a Psychology, Human Sexuality graduate. An articulate and educated expert, his writings enrich sexual wellness and lifestyle.