HYGIENE
Make
sure you clean your anal area thoroughly after each bowel
movement and in the shower, and always wipe front to back.
Though clean is important, too much rubbing & scrubbing
can actually cause fissures and irritation, so don't go
overboard. Cleaning gently with wet wipes, or with
antibacterial soap and warm water is a good idea.
Anal cleanliness helps to prevent anal infections and urinary
tract infections. Remember, it's only a short hop
for bacteria to travel from your anal area to your urinary
area- or to your sexual partner's urinary area (see the
Female
Breast & Genital Guide for details on the anatomy).
Speaking
of sex and "taboo" subjects, anal sex may put people at
higher risk for anal injuries and infections because of
the relatively delicate lining of the anus and rectum.
If you choose to engage in anal sex, always use condoms!
