Anal sex has been practiced throughout history and across various cultures, with evidence of its practice dating back to ancient civilizations such as the Greeks and Romans. According to a 2019 survey conducted by the Kinsey Institute, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States have engaged in anal sex at some point in their lives. Despite its prevalence, anal sex remains a stigmatized topic, with many people feeling uncomfortable discussing it openly.
Recent academic and sociological research indicates that anal intercourse is a common sexual practice across diverse demographics, with 30% to 44% of heterosexual men and women reporting having ever engaged in it. While historically stigmatized or framed as "deviant," contemporary perspectives increasingly view it as a valid form of sexual expression and pleasure.