'Climate of Coercion': Study Reveals Young Mens' Attempts at Anal Sex

Whether in a marriage or a casual fling, sex should always be consensual with respectable boundaries.

A recent study published in the British Medical Journal unfortunately shows that for many young men, there's a misconception on what respecting boundaries actually means. Researchers at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine found that many young males felt that it was acceptable to coerce a partner into anal sex.

For the study, researchers interviewed 130 teenagers between 16-18 in three sites across the country to "explore expectations, experiences and circumstances of anal sex among young people."

Findings revealed that for many, anal heterosex appeared to be "painful, risky and coercive, particularly for women." Meanwhile, male partners often talked of their expectations to coerce reluctant partners.

"Anal sex is increasingly prevalent among young people, yet anal intercourse between men and women-although commonly depicted in sexually explicit media-is usually absent from mainstream sexuality education and seems unmentionable in many social contexts," the study authors noted, in a news release.

Interviews and discussions between many of the young men revealed that they had pushed for anal sex with their partner, even when she said it was painful or was not interested in this type of sexual activity.

On a similar note, many female participants noted that their male counterparts had asked them for anal sex--some who said they had been persuaded to try this sexual experience.

"Currently, this apparently oppressive context, and indeed the practice of anal heterosex itself, appears to be largely ignored in policy and in sex education for this young age group," researchers noted.

In the end, most men do not pressure their partners for this type of sexual contact. Furthermore, some women enjoy anal sex and may even ask for this type of intimacy. From that respect, it really depends on the person.

However, the study brings to light the notions of consent. What does sexual consent mean when it comes to coercion? And what does "giving" mutual respect mean in a loving relationship?