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Are condoms strong enough for anal intercourse?

From , former About.com Guide

Updated December 03, 2003

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

The Surgeon General has said, "Condoms provide some protection, but anal intercouse is simply too dangerous to practice."

Condoms may be more likely to break during anal intercourse than during other types of sex because of the greater amount of friction and other stresses involved.

Even if the condom doesn't break, anal intercourse is very risky because it can cause tissue in the rectum to tear and bleed. These tears allow disease germs to pass more easily from one partner to the other.

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