False. While this statement may be true for some guys, it certainly doesn’t hold for everyone. Some men prefer to always bottom during anal sex, while others may only top. Many men though are “versatile” meaning that they enjoy being both top and bottom during anal sex. The position a guy prefers can vary over time and change depending on the situation, the mood at the moment, alcohol use, the partner they are with, the preference of their partners, etc.

False. This question is based more on personal preference than necessity. Douching is optional as your rectum is normally empty. As stool moves into your rectum, you will feel the need to go to the toilet. So if you don’t feel that need, there is probably no worry that things will get messy. All that said, depth of penetration matters. If you are bottoming and your partner has a longer than average penis, douching may be a good idea. Douching can also wash out residual bits of stool making for a cleaner experience. Finally, some guys find douching helps relax their anus making sex easier and more pleasurable.

False. Latex condoms are an effective way to avoid HIV and other sexually transmitted infections like gonorrhoea, Chlamydia and syphilis. While many latex condoms come pre-lubricated, additional lube is a good idea and will make fucking easier and more pleasurable. However, oil-based lubricants can partially dissolve latex and cause condoms to break. Be sure to use only water-based or silicone-based lube when you fuck.

2. Your anus has two sphincters, the internal sphincter and the external sphincter. The external one is under your control, while the internal one operates as a basic reflex. The internal sphincter is always in a state of tension, but will relax when something presses against it like a nice hard cock, or when you have a bowel movement.

False. Anal sex is meant to be pleasurable, not a painful experience. Use plenty of lube and if you are new to it, don’t rush. Most guys find that it hurts the first few times but with a little practice your anal muscles will learn to relax as your partner slides in his penis. Remember: with anal sex, there is no such thing as too much lube.

False. Your anal sphincters are muscles, and like any muscle they can stretch and then go back to their original shape. Even guys who enjoy lots of anal sex maintain normal anal control and function. A study published in the American Journal of Gastroenterology in 1997 found that guys who bottom had a lower resting anal tone but normal functional squeeze pressures. There were no problems with anal sphincter function and no incontinence.

False. According to a 2010 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, more than 20% of heterosexual men and woman had had anal sex within the past year, and a 2011 U.S. National Health Statistic Report found 36% of heterosexual women and 44% of heterosexual men had had anal sex at least once with an opposite sex partner.

Anal warts and anal cancer. There are over a 100 different types of HPV. HPV 6 and 11 cause over 90% of anal warts while HPV 16, 18 and 31 are most associated with anal cancer in gay men, as well as cervical cancer in women. The virus is transmitted by close contact during sex. The Gardasil-9 vaccine, available for free to men who have sex with men in Ontario aged 26 or younger, protects against these and other strains of HPV.

60-100 times. Currently, it is estimated that HIV+ men who have sex with men are 60-100 times more likely to develop anal cancer compared to HIV negative straight men. Although less so, HIV-negative gay men are also affected disproportionately by anal cancer. Depending on your risk factors, make sure your doctor examines your anus at least once a year. And consider getting the HPV vaccine, Gardasil-9.

18. While the age of consent of penile-vaginal sex is 16 in Canada, the age of consent for anal sex is 18.

True. In most cases, people carry HPV without even knowing it and many strains of HPV do not cause symptoms. Men who have sex with men, especially those who are HIV+, are at higher risk for HPV strains that can cause anal warts and anal cancer. If you do find warts, bumps, or lesions around your anus, talk to your healthcare provider.

All of the above. Anal bleaching is done to lighten the colour of the skin around the anus. For most Caucasians, the skin around the anus contains more melanin and is darker in colour than the butt cheeks. Bleaching makes the colour of the skin around the anus lighter and more uniform with the rest of the ass. Bleaching is usually done with creams or gels but may involve laser treatment. Anal bleaching comes with notable risks including itching, burning and scarring. Bleaching creams that contain hydoquinone should definitely be avoided. Hydoquinone was banned in the European Union and in Canada in 2010 as a possible carcinogen.