There are many conflicting reports as to whether or not anal douching is harmful to a man. (FYI, we're really talking about enemas here, but some people call it douching if it's for hygiene issues versus health issues.)

There are lots of harmful side effects of douching that mustn't be overlooked. First, douching disrupts the mucosal barrier of the rectum and thus facilitates entry of HIV into the bloodstream. Douching dries out the walls of the rectum, thus increasing your chance of tears in the delicate tissue. Your colon has a natural “sweating” reaction that helps keep its walls lubricated to decrease tearing and abrasions. By douching and getting rid of this natural sweat, which won't have time to build up prior to sex, you're increasing your chances of tissue tears in the rectum.

If you must douche, there are a few more precautions I want you to know. First, make sure you use a new, clean enema kit. Old ones can hold bacteria and if you reuse it, you run the risk of shooting new, harmful bacteria into your rectum. Extensive douching could result in dehydration and electrolyte imbalances. Also, over time, overuse can result in decreased bowel function. This is due to the temporary excitement of the nerves in the colon.

My take on it all is, do if you feel you must, but be safe. Use the precautions I described above…. Don't overdo it and follow the instructions on the enema package. And always remember to practice safer sex precautions to reduce your risk of transmission of HIV and STDs.

Wow, that's a big topic. While there is no cure for HIV/AIDS, the development of a safe, effective, and affordable vaccination may be the best solution to controlling transmission of HIV among uninfected individuals. These vaccines are still in clinical trials. The vaccines are made from man-made materials that do not contain HIV. Common side effects of the vaccine include low-grade fever, soreness at the injection site and body aches.

The clinical trials are monitored by the FDA, and the participants are volunteers. These volunteers are fully informed of the processes and possible outcomes. Volunteers are counseled throughout the trials on how to reduce the risk of HIV infection. Volunteers can quit the trial at any time. FDA monitors can also recommend that a trial be discontinued if data indicates so.

Unfortunately, the vaccine is a long way off. Protect yourself now from HIV and you don't have to worry. If you'd like to know more about safer sex practices or are interested in a workshop or one-on-one education, send me an email to make an appointment and I'd be glad to sit down with you to educate you more on risk reductions.