Anal Lubricants Guide by Sex Expert Katie Lasson
Lubricants are essential in solo play or during sexual intercourse with a partner. Herein is about anal lubricants, including; best lubes, safety, and use.
A woman's vagina becomes lubricated when aroused, making it ready for penetration. However, this is not the case with the anus since it does not self-lubricate like the vagina. No matter how hard the person tries to arouse, the butthole cannot produce its lubrication, calling for the need for artificial lube application. Lack of lubrication may also lead to more pain and discomfort during anal sex. Therefore, for anybody thinking about incorporating butt play into their bedroom antics, buying anal lubricants becomes a priority.
What Are Anal Lubricants?
According to Collier et al. (2015), anal lubricants are specifically used when having anal penetration. They help reduce friction since the anal, unlike the vagina, does not produce its lubricant during intercourse. Anal Lubricants can also be applied to a man's penis or any sex toy before inserting it into an anal opening. Anal sex may be a bit painful for beginners, but it will become more pleasurable as you get used to it. Anal sex requires no lubricant but the best quality lubricant specially designed for the anus. Failure to do so may end up causing the tight ring of muscle surrounding the anus to be damaged.
Types of Anal Lubricants
Use different anal lubricants for a smooth penetration, leaving you with incomparable memories.
Water-Based Anal Lubes
Water-based or all-purpose lubes are best for all sexual activities. One advantage with this kind of lubes is that you can use them anywhere, including the swimming pool or bathroom, since they are easy to clean up by washing with water. They mimic the natural vaginal lubricant since it is not sticky and may dry quickly. Water-based lubes are also compatible with sex toys and types of condoms and are more affordable than other lubes. However, when having anal penetration, you may need to re-apply the water-based lube frequently for more smooth penetration.
Silicone-based Anal Lubes
Dubberley (2010) stated that Silicone-based lubes are far better for pool or bath sex since they are much thicker and long-lasting, unlike water-based lube. These are the best lubes to use if you have been craving a pleasurable gliding feeling. It is advisable to avoid latex condoms, or dental dams since silicone may erode the latex when using silicone lubes, leading to the spread of sexually transmitted diseases or HIV/AIDS. It is good to check the product information before using it. Avoid using a silicone sex toy with silicone-based lubes. The toys will react with the lube, and sooner before you notice, they will be unfit for use.
Hybrid Anal Lubes
The hybrid anal lubeis the best lubricant for both genders. They are the best in the market as they provide luxurious and long-lasting glide of silicone-based lubes. You may also consider not using silicone sex toys since they contain silicone content. You do not have to worry about cleaning them since, like the water-based, the hybrid lube is easy to wash away for hygienic purposes.
Why should you use anal lubricants?
Anal sex will be uncomfortable and painful, and you will have injuries if you do not use lubricants. Lubricants are important for anal sex because the anal canal does not naturally produce lubrication, as Carballo-Diéguez et al. (2000) suggested.
Which is the best lube for anal sex?
There are three main types of lubes that you can use for anal sex - oil-based lube, water-based lube, and Silicone-based lube. Of the three, silicone-based lube has been touted as the best for anal sex because it is thicker, consistent, more slippery, and lasts longer than water-based lubricant. Silicone lube is popular because they have endurance and are slicker than water based-lubes which dry out. You may feel some residue from the lubricant if you don't wash it off properly after anal sex. You don't need to worry about silicone-based lubes weakening latex, nitrile, and polyurethane condoms because Silicon lubes are perfect. The disadvantage of silicone lube is that it will wear down silicone toys. That's a complaint you will hear in every sex toy forum. If you are using silicone toys, you'll have to invest in some water-based lube. The other disadvantage of silicone lube is that you'll have difficulty cleaning up your sheets after sex. Water-based lube is popular because cleaning it up requires you to have water, but with silicone, you'll need to go through processes to wash it off. Oil-based lube may also be good for anal sex because you do not have to keep re-applying likea water-based lube, but you cannot use an oil-based lube with your condoms because it will tear them. You will have the same problem washing off oil-based lube as washing off silicone-based lube., Silicone-based lube is the best.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Anal Lube
Check the Ingredients
People often think that lubricants with the most ingredients are the best to use, which is not the case. Be keen enough when going through the ingredients used before buying a lube. Whatever you buy will be used on your most sensitive parts; hence, making one mistake creates a bigger problem for your body, especially if you are allergic to some ingredients. Opt to use the internet to get more information about the product you want to purchase since some manufacturers may fail to attach that information to the label.
Consider Your Safety
Tissues inside the anal opening are more sensitive than those found outside. The external tissues and skin protectionprevent bacteria and other unwanted organisms from penetrating the body. The inner tissues are thinner, prone to tearing, and may cause bleeding, which is a key contributor to infections. Your partner is safe does not mean you won't be affected. The tiny tear can cause transmission of illness-causing bacteria. Opt for thicker lubes that won't dry easily, or you can use condoms. You can instruct your partner to do the penetration slowly.
Effectiveness and Longevity
Consider the types of organic lubes before buying them. Consider the effectiveness of the lube, and test the products to ensure that whatever you buy will meet all your needs. Alternatively, you can ask those who have used the products before to testify. Always opt for organic lubricants with many positive reviews.
Thickness and Compatibility of The Lubricants
Going for a thicker lube that won't dry up easily is advisable since the anus does not produce its lubricant like the vagina. Thicker lubes will provide smooth penetration for longer than water-based ones, as Wu et al. (2020) stated. Also, consider if the lube is compatible with the sex toy, especially if you perform a solo play.
How to Use
- Choose the best lube for use.
- Ensure you have positioned yourself in a more comfortable position.
- Start by applying little lube as you increase the quantity gradually.
- Apply some lubes on the sex toy or your partner's penis when using sex toys.
- Start with slow penetration and increase the speed with time.
- Consider adding more lube as you do the thrusting if it feels like bursting.
- It is better to stop the process if p[ain persists.
Safety Measures
- Always check the compatibility of the lube with your sex toy.
- Go for thicker lubes that will not dry easily.
- Ensure that the ingredients are safe for your body before purchasing.
- Always apply enough lube to avoid pain during insertion.
- Consider using condoms to prevent you from contracting diseases or bacteria.
Frequently asked questions about anal lubricants.
Why should you use anal lubricants?
Anal sex will be uncomfortable and painful, and you will have injuries if you do not use lubricants. Lubricants are important for anal sex because the anal canal does not naturally produce any lubrication.
Which is the best lube for anal sex?
There are three main types of lubes that you can use for anal sex - oil-based lube, water-based lube, and Silicone-based lube. Of the three, silicone-based lube has been touted as the best for anal sex because it is thicker, consistent, more slippery, and lasts longer than water-based lubricant. Silicone lube is popular because they have endurance and are slicker than water based-lubes which dry out. You may feel some residue from the lubricant if you don't wash it off properly after having anal sex. you don't need to worry about silicone-based lubes weakening latex, nitrile, and polyurethane condoms because Silicon lubes are perfect. The downside of silicone lube is that it will wear down your silicone toys. That's a complaint you will hear in every sex toy forum. You'll have to invest in some water-based lube if using silicone toys. The other disadvantage of silicone lube is that you'll have difficulty cleaning up your sheets after sex. Water-based lube is popular because cleaning it up requires water, but with silicone, you'll need to go through processes to wash it off. Oil-based lube may also be good for anal sex because you do not have to keep re-applying likea water-based lube, but you cannot use an oil-based lube with your condoms because it will tear them. You will have the same problem washing off oil-based lube as silicone-based lube.Silicone-based lube is the best.
IsAnal Lubes Safe?
Anal lubes are safe for anal sex. You must use lube before using anal toys or having anal sex because the anus does not produce any natural lubrication. Using a lube ring for sex makes it less likely that a condom will break or slip off, reducing the risk of transmission of sexual infections.
Do I Need Lube When Using Condoms?
Lubes are important when having sex because they reduce friction and bring pleasure. During vaginal sex, you may not need lubebecause the vagina produces lube naturally. You must always use lube because the anus does not produce lubrication. Anytime anything gets into your anus, it must be lubed regardless of whether you are using condoms or not and whether the condoms are lubricated or not. You will have to deal with painful sex and injuries if you do not use lubes. The injuries make you more vulnerable to sexually transmitted diseases, infection, and HIV. Anytime you have sex, get the lube, add on the outside of the condom, and add some lube on the anus.
Silicone-based lube is the best lube for anal sex. You may be tempted to use readily available oil as lube. You may try using lubes on the vagina but never the anus because most oil-based lube does not evaporate or dry out. They will live in your anus. The other reason oil-based lube may not be a good idea for people to practice safe sex with condoms is that the oils can break the condom, and the condom will not protect you from diseases.
Can I Use Flavored Lube For Anal Sex?
Flavored lube is popular because they offer more fun during oral sex since they are edible. Lubes do everything that other lubes do. Imagine going down on your partner, and the lube tastes like chocolate. However, you should avoid flavored lube for penetrative sex because they contain sugar and can cause havoc on your genitals because bacteria feed on sugar. An overgrowth of bacteria will cause you some serious yeast infection. Anyone seeking lube to use during penetrative sex should avoid flavored lube.
Do Anal Desensitizing Or Numbing Lubes Work?
Numbing lube isn't harmful. It is useful because it helps the man to last in bed longer. Numbing lube kills the sensors in the body temporarily, while those sensors should be alert to warn you if there's something that is not right. If the sex is too rough and the penis gets injured, you cannot know because the senses are not conscious until the numbing wears off. The person being penetrated also suffers. The numbing lube also kills their sensors; they cannot feel what's happening during anal sex until the numbing ends. It can lead to bleeding.
During anal sex, after using numbing lube, the partner being penetrated should add more lubrication to prevent injuries that they may unknowingly experience due to numbing. The trick to enjoying anal sex is always lubrication.
How Can I Buy The Best Lube?
The difference between anal sex and vaginal sex limits you from walking into a store and buying any lube. The anus needs lube the most because it doesn't create any lubrication naturally like the vagina. Consider the following points to get the best lube;
Will You Use Condoms?
Avoid oily lube when using condoms because it will tear the condom.
Is It Slippery Enough?
The anal lube should be slippery because there's a lot of friction during anal sex. Lube will give you sufficient slide and glide. Pick silicone-based and oily lube.
Is It Economical?
No one wants lube that runs out of the container after every use, so you must go back to the shop whenever you want to have sex. Buy lube that can be used for a long and does not run out too fast. You may have to avoid water-based lube.
References
Carballo-Diéguez, A., Stein, Z., Sáez, H., Dolezal, C., Nieves-Rosa, L., &Díaz, F. (2000). Frequent Use Of Lubricants For Anal Sex Among Men Who Have Sex With Men: The HIV Prevention Potential Of A Microbicidal Gel. American Journal Of Public Health, 90(7), 1117.
Collier, K. L., Sandfort, T. G., Reddy, V., & Lane, T. (2015). “This Will Not Enter Me”: Painful Anal Intercourse Among Black Men Who Have Sex With Men In South African Townships. Archives Of Sexual Behavior, 44(2), 317-328.
Dubberley, E. (2021). More Sex Play. Even More Fun Than Before!.Parkstone International.
Wu, H., Kamali, H., Huo, M., Lin, F., Huang, S., Huang, H., ...& Jiang, Z. (2020). Eco-Friendly Water-Based NanolubricantsFor Industrial-Scale Hot Steel Rolling. Lubricants, 8(11), 96.
