Young women and anal sex

Anal intercourse is becoming more common among heterosexual couples. Within popular culture it has moved from the world of pornography to mainstream media.1 It is no longer considered an extreme behaviour but increasingly portrayed as a prized and pleasurable experience.2 In Britain, the National Survey of Sexual Attitudes and Lifestyle shows participation in heterosexual anal intercourse among 16 to 24 year olds rose from 12.5% to 28.5% over the past few decades.3 Similar trends are seen in the US, where 30-44% of men and women report experience of anal sex.4

Individual motivation varies. Young women cite pleasure, curiosity, pleasing male partners, and coercion as factors.56 Up to 25% of women with experience of anal sex report they have been pressured into it at least once.7 Hit television shows such as Sex and the City and Fleabag may unwittingly add to the pressure, as …