Women in the UK are suffering injuries and other health problems as a result of the rise in popularity of anal sex among heterosexual couples, two National Health Service surgeons have warned.

Consequences include sexually transmitted infections as well as pain and bleeding because they have experienced bodily trauma, the doctors wrote in an article in the British Medical Journal.

Tabitha Gana and Lesley Hunt also argue that doctors' reluctance to discuss the risks associated with anal sex is leading to harm to women who are unaware of the potential problems. The magazine states that "anal intercourse is considered a risky sexual behavior because of its association with alcohol, drug use, and multiple sexual partners."

However, "in popular culture it is considered otherwise fueled by the world of pornography" and TV shows may have contributed to the trend by making anal sex seem "bold".

Women who have anal sex are at greater risk than men. "Increased rates of fecal incontinence and anal sphincter damage have been reported in women who have anal intercourse," the report states.

"Women are at higher risk of having bowel problems than men because of their anatomy, the effects of hormones, pregnancy and childbirth.

The research concluded that the percentage of 16-24-year-olds who engage in heterosexual anal intercourse has increased from 12.5% ??to 28.5% over the past few decades.

"It is no longer considered an extreme behavior, but is increasingly portrayed as a valued and enjoyable experience," writes surgeon Lesley Hunt.

The reluctance of health professionals to openly discuss anal sex with patients may be putting women at risk, who are unaware of the risks. Claudia Estcourt, a member of the British Association for Sexual Health and HIV (BASHH), backed surgeons' call for doctors to talk openly about anal sex.