How risky is anal sex?
Unprotected anal sex is very risky for HIV infection. HIV can be present in bodily fluids like semen, pre-ejaculatory fluid and blood, so unless both partners are free of HIV infection, anal sex carries a high risk for transmission. Anal sex refers to anal intercourse, the act of inserting the penis into the rectum. Unprotected anal sex, like unprotected vaginal sex, is connected to the spread of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), including hepatitis, genital warts, chlamydia and gonorrhea.