Why Women Engage in Anal Intercourse: Results from a Qualitative Study
Abstract
This study used qualitative methods to assess why women engage in heterosexual anal (receptive) intercourse (AI) with a male partner.Four focus groups which comprised women from diverse ethnicities were conducted. All groups were digi- tally recorded for transcription; transcripts were analyzed using the methods of grounded theory to determine themes. Women’s reasons for engaging in anal intercourse with a male partner can be described in broad categories including that the women wanted to have anal intercourse, either because of their own desire, to please a male partner, or they were responding to a quid pro quo situation. The riskiness of AI was assessed within relationship contexts. Past experience with AI including emotional and physical reactions was identified. Among the negative physical experiences of AI were pain and disliking the sensation, and uncomfortable side effects, such as bleeding of the rectum. Negative ...