If you and your partner are ready to try anal sex , there's a lot of pleasure to be had, but there are also potential risks that involve some planning and preparation before getting started. Safety is paramount with any type of sex. Sexually transmitted infections can be transmitted through anal intercourse just as they can through vaginal intercourse, and in some circumstances, transmission is higher. Anything, including a penis, that goes in the rectum should be thoroughly cleaned before being inserted in the vagina," San Diego-based gynecologist Dr. Christine Sterling said. First, clean up.