Anilingus

Anilingus is a form of sexual activity in which one person uses the mouth, lips, or tongue to stimulate the anal opening of another person. It is one of the oral sexual practices and is engaged in by people of various genders and sexual orientations.

This practice is discussed in medical and public health literature on sexual activity and social research. Some religions and cultures prohibit or condemn it, while the laws of some countries restrict non-conventional sexual acts. From a health perspective, concern centers on the transmission of pathogens that can result from contact between the mouth and the rectum.

Etymology

The English word "anilingus" derives from Latin: anus (rectum) and lingere (to lick). Somali has no established single term for this practice; it is typically described through explanatory phrases such as "leefida dabada" (licking the rectum). Other languages refer to it as anulingus (French) and al-jins al-sharji al-fami (Arabic).

Health risks

The lower rectum harbors numerous bacteria and parasites. Consequently, contact between the mouth and rectum can increase the risk of acquiring intestinal infections such as hepatitis A, shigella, salmonella, giardia, and intestinal parasites. Sexually transmitted infections such as herpes, HPV, syphilis, and gonorrhea can also be transmitted if sores or lesions are present in the mouth or rectum. The HIV risk from this route is considered lower compared to receptive anal intercourse, though transmission is not ruled out entirely.

Prevention measures

Public health authorities recommend the use of a dental barrier (dental dam) or cut latex sheet placed between the partners, hand and body hygiene beforehand, and avoidance of the practice when oral or anal sores are visible. Vaccination against hepatitis A and hepatitis B is considered beneficial for people at higher risk. Regular testing for sexually transmitted infections is also recommended.