Ask to take part

Contact the study team using the details below to take part. If there are no contact details below please ask your doctor in the first instance.

Contact Information:

Dr Debby Hawkins
debby.hawkins@nhs.net


Keith Chapple
keith.chapple@nhs.net


More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.

Study Location:

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Be Part of Research - Trial Details - Anal intercourse and its effects on the female anus and anal sphincter

Anal intercourse and its effects on the female anus and anal sphincter

Recruiting

Open to: Female

Age: 18 Years - 35 Years

Medical Conditions

Symptoms and signs involving the digestive system and abdomen


This information is provided directly by researchers, and we recognise that it isn't always easy to understand. We are working with researchers to improve the accessibility of this information. In some summaries, you may come across links to external websites. These websites will have more information to help you better understand the study.


It is recognised that placing objects into the anus risks damage to the bowel and anal muscles, with the limited evidence available demonstrating an association between anal intercourse and faecal incontinence. The incidence of anal intercourse in young women is increasing, presumably in part due to the wider availability of internet pornography. However anal intercourse is a taboo subject, leading to a dearth of research and a paucity of healthcare-related information. This potentially presents a significant public health issue which is not being addressed.

We aim to definitively establish if women exposed to anal intercourse have objective evidence of anal sphincter damage and consequent reduction in anal function. We will assess a group of women with occupational exposure to anal intercourse by (1) clinical assessment (2) anorectal manometry (a measure of anal canal function using a catheter in the anus) and (3) endoanal ultrasound (which assesses the anatomical integrity of the anal sphincters) and compare these findings to a group of women who have never had anal intercourse. In addition, a qualitative assessment of the impact of anal intercourse in women undertaking anal intercourse as part of their occupation will be obtained.

Previous work stating why we felt the consequences of female anal intercourse are a legitimate subject for investigation generated massive public and medical interest. Successful completion of this work will provide robust data on the risks of anal intercourse in women which we expect to be widely disseminated. This may open the door for public education on the potential risk of anal intercourse.

Start dates may differ between countries and research sites. The research team are responsible for keeping the information up-to-date.  

The recruitment start and end dates are as follows:

10 Mar 2025 10 Jul 2026

Observational

Observational type: Case-controlled study;



You can take part if:



You may not be able to take part if:


Previous anal trauma, except trauma from anal intercourse; significant colorectal disease; anal surgery; history of significant psychiatric disorder Less than 18 years old or older that 35 years old.


Below are the locations for where you can take part in the trial. Please note that not all sites may be open.

  • Northern General Hospital
    Herries Road
    Sheffield
    South Yorkshire
    S5 7AU

Dr Debby Hawkins
debby.hawkins@nhs.net


Keith Chapple
keith.chapple@nhs.net



More information about this study, what is involved and how to take part can be found on the study website.


The study is sponsored by SHEFFIELD TEACHING HOSPITALS NHS FOUNDATION TRUST and funded by Bowel Research UK .




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for Trial ID: CPMS 66883

Last updated 15 August 2025

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