Title: Balancing Pleasure and Protection: A Review of Anal Ejaculatory Practices in MSM Men's Sexual Health
Authors: Asingwire Richard, Mugisa James
Volume: 9
Issue: 9
Pages: 55-57
Publication Date: 2025/09/28
Abstract:
Anal sex is a central form of sexual expression among men who have sex with men (MSM). Yet, the specific practice of whether to ejaculate inside the receptive partner or to withdraw before ejaculation is rarely addressed in public health and sexuality research. This review brings together biomedical, psychosocial, and cultural perspectives to examine the meanings, risks, and negotiations surrounding these practices. It situates them within the wider landscape of risky health behaviors among 21st-century urban youth, including substance use, inconsistent condom application, and mental health vulnerabilities. The article argues that ejaculatory practices are not simply a matter of physical risk but are deeply embedded in relationships of intimacy, pleasure, and trust. A harm-reduction framework that acknowledges both protection and pleasure is recommended, with implications for public health interventions, clinical practice, and community-based advocacy.