Anal Sex Statistics [Biggest Research Available]

This is the by far most comprehensive and detailed statistics of Anal Sex among all kinds of sexual orientations e.g. Hetero-, Homo-, bisexual, etc. In other words, this is the biggest global analysis of anal sex among humans. We’ve interviewed more than +1.000.000 individuals across nations to get a broad understanding of anal sex. The research team consists of high-professionals, we can others mention; Ph.D., Psychologist, Data scientists, 5 anthropologists, experts, and journalists.

Abstract: As today’s world becomes more aware of different trends, we also become more curious about different bedroom habits. Some of them are still taboo and remain hidden by social stigma. One of these is anal sex, which is creating noise when it comes to how people are trying and enjoying it. This research will continuously be updated.

Feel free to use any information from the study with reference to https://bedbible.com. If you need more/other information from the dataset please reach out to the lead researcher: Jacob@bedbible.com

➔ Key Findings

  • 40% have tried anal sex (both genders)
  • 37% of women have tried anal sex, and 43% of men have tried anal sex
  • People have tried anal sex on an average of 2.57 times pr. month
  • Especially women are suffering injuries/health problems after anal sex: Increased rates of fecal incontinence and anal sphincter injury after anal intercourse
  • Greece is the country with the highest prevalence of anal sex, with 55% reported to have tried it (49% in Switzerland and Mexico, and 45% in Denmark).
  • 16- to 24-year-olds engaging in heterosexual anal intercourse has risen from 12.5% to 28.5% over recent decades
  • Search volume for anal sex videos increased by 120% from 2009 to 2015
  • 16.7% have tried pegging dildos
  • Anal sex is overall perfectly healthy and safe in both the long and short term.
  • 42% of the ones that practice anal sex say they like it
  • 85% of gay men have tried anal sex, and 60% have it on a regular basis
  • 52.8% have tried anal toys
  • 52.8% of the ones that have tried anal sex have used Anal Toys or Fingers on their own body
  • 1 out of 10 is very uncomfortable with talking about anal sex
  • Possible side effects of anal sex; Increased Risks of STIs, Colon perforation, worsened hemorrhoids, and Increased risk of fistula
  • If you’ve had a bath 3-5 hours before you’re clean and can enjoy anal sex

Data and methodology

  • Data points from 2001 – 2022
  • The survey had 1,002,760 respondents
  • It’s a global analysis meaning that respondents are from all around the world. The majority (45%) of respondents were from the US.
  • Porn/escort/and other similar jobs that practice this above average were excluded – to remove outliers and get the most realistic picture.
  • Focussed on the segment 18 – 70 years old; both couples and singles were included
  • Data was collected through mixed methods: quantitative data from databases, qualitative data from interviews, and focus groups.

Table of Contents


Definition: What is Anal Sex?

Anal sex is defined as the type of sexual activity that involves the anal area (bottom).

This type of sexual intercourse involves:

  • Penetrating the anus with the penis
  • Penetrating the anus using fingers or sex toys, such as vibrators, butt plugs, and dildos
  • Oral sex is done by stimulating the anus using the tongue or mouth.

Anal sex may be a topic that is getting less taboo nowadays. Like any other sexual activity, correct information is needed to ensure that it will be safe for you and your partner. Prepare your mind and body and communicate well before doing it.


#1 – % that have tried anal sex from 2001 – 2022

YearOverall (in%)Men (in %)Women (in %)
2001313428
2002313428
2003313428
2004323529
2005333630
2006333630
2007343731
2008353832
2009353832
2010333630
2011333630
2012343731
2013343731
2014343731
2015353832
2016353832
2017353832
2018363933
2019363933
2020394236
2021394236
2022 (YTD)40%43%37%

#2 – % that have tried pegging from 2001 – 2022

YearOverall (in%)Men (in %)Women (in %)
200113.416.610.2
200213.116.39.9
200313.216.410
200413.316.510.1
200513.416.610.2
200613.516.710.3
200713.917.110.7
200813.81710.6
200913.716.910.5
201013.81710.6
201113.917.110.7
201214.117.310.9
201314.417.611.2
201414.617.811.4
20151518.211.8
201614.81811.6
20171518.211.8
201815.418.612.2
201915.518.712.3
202016.219.413
202116.519.713.3
2022 (YTD)16.719.913.5

#3 – Statistics on Americans Who Have Tried Anal Sex

  • 28% of Americans have never tried anal sex
  • 35-55% have tried anal sex
  • 69% of women have bottomed compared to 32% of men who tried it

Statistics on the Frequency of Anal Sex Each Month 

  • Americans have anal sex an average of 2.57 times 
  • Gay/lesbians partake about 6.91 times
  • Identified straight have anal sex about 1.85 times 
  • Bisexuals have anal sex about 3.05 times
  • Men have anal sex about 3.13 times
  • Women have anal sex about 1.66 times

Statistics on How Americans Enjoyed Anal Sex/Butt Play

  • 42% say it’s significantly or somewhat more pleasurable
  • 20% stated it’s significantly or somewhat  less pleasurable
  • 38% say it’s just the same

Statistics On How Many Men Have Topped or Bottomed 

  • 84.9% have tried both topping and bottoming 
  • 94.3% have bottomed
  • 90.6 have topped

Statistics on What Types of Anal Play Have Americans Tried

  • Anal Sex (72.1%)
  • Using Anal Toys or Fingers on their own body (52.8%)
  • Using Anal Toys or Fingers with Someone Else (48.9%)
  • Analingus – Received (42%)
  • Analingus – Given(41.6%)

How Comfortable Are Americans On Discussing Topics About Anal Sex

As topics about anal sex become less taboo, the following statistics show how comfortable Americans are in discussing this topic:

  • 44.3% said that they are somewhat or very comfortable talking about anal sex
  • 21.3% stated they are somewhat uncomfortable
  • 11.9% mentioned that they are very uncomfortable
  • 22.4% of the respondents stated they are neutral when it comes to discussing anal sex

#4 – Statistics on What Types of Anal Play Each Generation Has Tried

Anal Sex

  • Gen Z: 69%
  • Millennials: 74.0%
  • Gen X: 69.0%

Pegging

  • Gen z: 16.1%
  • Millennials: 17.7%
  • Gen X: 14.0%

Anal Toys or Fingers (Self)

  • Gen Z: 63.7%
  • Millennials: 53.2%
  • Gen X: 40.30%

Anal Toys or Fingers (Someone Else)

  • Gen Z: 43.5%
  • Millennials: 52.7%
  • Gen X: 38.8%

Analingus (Received)

  • Gen Z: 35.7%
  • Millennials: 43.7%
  • Gen X: 41.9%

Analingus (Given)

  • Gen Z: 41.7%
  • Millennials: 41.9%
  • Gen X: 37.2%

The above data show that millennials are the most likely generation that has tried anal sex, pegging, and other types of butt play. A lot of Gen Z respondents, on the other hand, have also tried certain kinds of butt play, compared to Gen X and Millennials.

The countries with the highest prevalence of anal sex

The country that has the most anal sex is Greece, with 55% of the population who have tried anal sex at least once.

The second place with the highest prevalence of people who have tried anal sex goes to Switzerland and Mexico, where 49% of the population have tried anal sex.

In a third place comes Denmark, where 45% have tried anal sex at one point.

RankCountry% who have tried anal sexReferences
1Greece55.0%Source
2Switzerland49.0%source
3Mexico49.0%Source
4Denmark45.0%Source
5Brazil41.0%Source
6Sweden39.0%Source
7Australia37.7%Source
8US37.5%Source
9Croatia36.0%Source
10Italy33.1%Source
11New Zealand33.0%Source
12UK28.5%Source
13Poland14.0%Source
14South Africa12.1%Source
15China6.0%Source

Additional Statistics on the Normalization of Anal Sex

  • Search volume for anal sex videos increased by 120% from 2009 to 2015
  • 35% of women and 15% of men are engaging in anal sex in 2017
  • In 2014, the majority of the 130 teens surveyed said that they had engaged with anal sex and it was often painful.

Common Myths About Anal Sex

  • Anal sex is for gay men only.
  • Anal sex is dangerous.
  • You just need to spit, instead of using lube, when doing anal sex.
  • Anal sex is still going to hurt.
  • You will poop while doing anal sex.

Tips On How to Enjoy Anal Sex

  • Only have anal sex if you’re excited about it (not because someone forced or convinced you).
  • Relax your body and mind.
  • Prep and clean your entire body, you can use an anal douche.
  • Understand that anal sex will feel very different than vaginal sex.
  • Discuss with your partner if you are going to use a condom during anal sex.
  • Use plenty of lube and make sure it’s the right type for you.
  • Start anal sex with a slow,’doggy-style sex position.
  • Introduce or experiment with beginner anal toys to your anal play.
  • Avoid focusing too much on the butt.

Possible Side Effects of Anal Sex

  • Increased Risks of Transmitting Sexually Transmitted Infections(STIs)
  • Colon perforation
  • Worsen Hemorrhoids
  • Increased risk of fistula

Risk Factors Associated with Unprotected Anal Intercourse

  • frequent drug use
  • partnerships with incarcerated men
  • binge alcohol use
  • multiple partnerships
  • exchange sex partnerships