Official websites use. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites. In-depth interviews were conducted with 81 Black MSM ages 20β39 years who were purposively recruited from four townships. The semi-structured interviews addressed sexual behavior and identity, alcohol use, and safer sex.
Pain during RAI was brought up by many participants without specific prompting from the interviewer. Analysis of the interview transcripts revealed that pain was a common feature of first RAI experiences but was not limited to first-time experiences. The participants attributed pain during RAI to partner characteristics, interpersonal dynamics, lack of lubricant, and alcohol use or non-use.
The main strategies participants used to address pain during RAI were setting sexual boundaries and lubricant use; a small number of participants reported purposefully consuming alcohol to prevent the pain associated with RAI.
Keywords: men who have sex with men, Africa, sexual problems, anal intercourse, lubricant use, sexual orientation, pain.
Pain can occur during anal penetration when the external anal sphincter is not relaxed; because the anus does not self-lubricate, lubricating substances are also needed to reduce pain from friction Hollows, Other causes of pain during anal penetration may be sexually transmitted infections STIs such as herpes, or other anal health issues such as fissures and hemorrhoids Hollows, Experiences of pain during RAI are not uncommon and vary on different dimensions e.
