Medical Arguments Against Homosexuality?

[Groovy Cosmic Monkey]

Sometimes I hear the claim that homosexual sex is medically unsafe in some sense - it produces muscle tissue damage to the anus, or some argument along those lines.

As a scientific ignoramus, I have no idea whether this argument is true, partly true, or entirely false. Is homosexual sex (and I guess I'm talking in particular about anal sex) harmful to one's health in the sense of damaging the ano-rectal area?

[EGGO]

Don't hurt me for talking so pervertedly, I usually don't; but I guess it all matters on the size....

[SiliconWolf]

I suppose it's possible due to the sensitivity of the tissue in that area. However, I can't say I've ever seen an article stating that any large group of people have come down with chronic health problems from having too much anal sex. Considering how much effort some people went to to pin AIDS on gays in the 80s, I would think someone would have been more vocal about the muscle damage thing if it was widely suspected.

Monkey, can you tell us where you saw this idea presented?

[Groovy Cosmic Monkey]

Originally posted by SiliconWolf
Monkey, can you tell us where you saw this idea presented?

The usual religious anti-gay literature that floats around.

[Dale Merlin]

Not to be picky, but to judge from reading Dan Savage's sex advice column, Savage Love, anal sex is hardly limited to homosexuals, at least in North America. He even sponsored a contest to "officially" name the act of anally penetrating one's heterosexual boyfriend with a dildo ("pegging").

[Roland98]

Originally posted by Groovy Cosmic Monkey
Sometimes I hear the claim that homosexual sex is medically unsafe in some sense - it produces muscle tissue damage to the anus, or some argument along those lines.

As a scientific ignoramus, I have no idea whether this argument is true, partly true, or entirely false. Is homosexual sex (and I guess I'm talking in particular about anal sex) harmful to one's health in the sense of damaging the ano-rectal area?

Well, it can tear tissue in the area, particularly if attempted without lubrication. These breaks in the tissue can then make one more susceptible to infection. But 1) this can also happen with vaginal sex; and 2) as has been mentioned, this type of sexual activity certainly isn't limited to homosexuals. So yes, it has the potential to be medically unsafe, as does essentially every other form of homo- or heterosexual activity.

[Godless Dave]

I think the question could be rephrased as "Are there medical problems associated with anal sex?" I'm actually quite curious about the answer.

[keyser_soze]

I've enjoyed it with quite a number of young women(not so much since marriage though) and never had a problem. I have had instances where there was vaginal tearing, but it was generally with girls who weren't quite as...well....used to it, would be a good word. Another would be, "too tight"...but that's crude.

[Dr Rick]

Anal intercourse is associated with a much higher risk of infectious disease transmission, including hepatitis and AIDS, than either vaginal or oral sex, and is associated with an increased of fecal incontinence and anal carcinoma.

[abe smith]

One might propose that ALL human sexual behaviours are "hazardous"; jerking-off (in moderation) probably the least so.... Pregnancy & delivery (up to the last 25, 30 years or less) have always been hazardous in the extreme. Male OBs used to go from the anatomy lab to their female patients,; and, too proud to wash their hands, carried "puerperal fever" ( a killer) from bed to bed. Semelweiss went crazy trying to point this out; but nobody listened.

[triplew00t]

Dr. Rick,

How does anal sex increase chances of anal cancer. I have not heard of this before. I always thought an actual cancer causing agent had to be present to increase risks in contracting cancer (such as tobacco, pesticides, etc). How does this process work without a such an agent.

Nero

[nermal]

I've read in real literature, not the homophobic crap, that homosexuals are vastly more likely to have just about any given STD than heterosexuals. This is partially due (I think; I'm no doctor nor epidemiologist) to the greater incidence of anal sex among homosexuals coupled with the much greater number of sexual partners a homosexual is likely to have.
The second factor is, I think, partially do to the stigma attached to homosexuality. As an outcast class, there is greater impetus for "outrageous" lifestyles. If monogomy and marriage were actively encouraged, I think the second factor would play a smaller role over time.
This is where the Right Wing Moralists are showing their true colors. By denying homosexuals the legitimacy of mainstream acceptance, they are in part responsible for the lude behavior they so adamently oppose.

Ed

[Dr Rick]

Originally posted by triplew00t
Dr. Rick,

How does anal sex increase chances of anal cancer. I have not heard of this before. I always thought an actual cancer causing agent had to be present to increase risks in contracting cancer (such as tobacco, pesticides, etc). How does this process work without a such an agent.

Nero

Viruses are the agent working here. Human papillomaviriae, which are sexually transmitted and cause genital warts, are strongly associated with an increased risk of cervical cancer. When acquired via anal intercourse, they increase the risk of anal cancer, as well.

[triplew00t]

Ah, thanks Dr. Rick. Does this same virus cause any increased cancer risk when contracted on the penis, or is it only cervical and anal?

Nero

[Dr Rick]

Penile papillomaviriae infections are associated with an increased risk of penile cancers. The bug is a really nasty one; even oral acquisition of the virus is associated with an increased risk of cancer of the mouth and throat.

Want to decrease the risk? Be safe, then; abstinence and monogamy are the best defenses against sexually transmitted diseases. Condoms may also mitigate the risks.

[Johnny Mayberry]

Remember, folks, that area is especially able to absorb almost anything, which is why doctors often will administer drugs in suppository form when oral ingestion is problematic.