Q: I've just had anal sex for the 1st time. When I go to the bathroom, it hurts a lot, itches, and it sometimes even bleeds. Is this normal?

A: Anal sex irritates, stretches, and may even tear the tissue of the anus. Pain and bleeding is fairly normal. Next time, be more careful. Use a condom and lots of lube to reduce the amount of friction, making the penetrative action more smooth. Anal sex is extremely risky if you don't use a condom (semen can stay in the rectum for up to 3 days and enter the bloodstream through the inflamed tissue) and sex with an infected partner will increase the transmission risks of HIV.