Anal Health and Anal Sex: Clinical Insights for Modern Patient Care (1.5 CE Hour)

Description:

Anal Health and Anal Sex: Clinical Insights for Modern Patient Care

Anal sex is a common sexual practice across diverse patient populations, yet many healthcare providers receive little formal education on the anatomy, physiology, and clinical considerations associated with it. This gap in training often leads to missed diagnoses, patient discomfort discussing symptoms, and preventable complications.

In this course, Dr. Evan Goldstein — board-certified anal surgeon and founder of Bespoke Surgical and Future Method — provides a comprehensive, stigma-free approach to understanding anal health in sexually active patients. Drawing from clinical experience and community-informed care, the course explores the anatomical and functional components of the anal canal, including skin, muscle, sphincter dynamics, and pressure physiology.

Participants will learn how these structures function during anal intercourse, how common conditions such as fissures and hemorrhoids develop, and how clinicians can help patients prevent injury and return safely to sexual activity after treatment. The course also introduces diagnostic concepts such as anorectal manometry, and reviews practical topics including gut health, preparation practices (such as douching), lubrication, and strategies that reduce trauma during anal sex.

By normalizing conversations about anal health and providing evidence-informed guidance, this course equips healthcare professionals with the knowledge and confidence needed to better care for patients who engage in anal sex.

Learning Objectives:

At the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the key anatomical structures of the anal canal, including skin, sphincter muscles, and surrounding tissues, and their roles in anal function.

2. Explain the role of sphincter dynamics and pressure physiology in maintaining continence and accommodating penetration during anal intercourse.

3. Describe common anal conditions associated with anal sex, including fissures and hemorrhoids, and recognize contributing risk factors.

4. Discuss the clinical relevance of anorectal manometry and how pressure measurements can help assess anal function.

5. Explain preparation and harm-reduction strategies—including gut health, lubrication, and douching practices—that may reduce trauma during anal sex.

6. Discuss more effective, stigma-free communication strategies for discussing anal health and sexual practices with patients.

Speaker Bio:

Dr. Evan Goldstein is the leading anal health expert in the United States, founder of Future Method, and one of the few surgeons in the world whose practice, Bespoke Surgical, is dedicated to treating and restoring the human butt. He holds a perennial spot on the list of top doctors for the New York metro area and Crain’s New York Business listed him as one of their notable LGBTQ+ leaders and executives. He has been featured in national publications including GQ, Well+Good, Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan, New York Magazine, Forbes, Fast Company, Out, and Shape; is a popular podcast guest; and in demand as a speaker for both medical and sex-positive industries. His first book, Butt Seriously: The Definitive Guide to Anal Health, Pleasure, and Everything In Between published in May 2024.

Social workers completing this course receive 1.5 general continuing education credit.