Let’s Talk Lube and Anal Play
Two things that go together better than peanut butter and jelly are lubricant and anal play. Using lube for all things anal is not just something that’s highly recommended—it’s a necessity. Not to mention, it can make the experience that much more enjoyable. Read on for everything you might need to know about lube and anal sex!
Why should you use lube for anal play?
You might be thinking, “but hey, I never use lube for penis, finger, or toy-in-vagina sex—why do I need it for anal?” This is because the anal canal does not self-lubricate as the vagina does. That means that you need to BYOL (bring your own lubricant) to the party. The anal canal is also more resistant than the vagina, making lube a must for easier penetration with more glide.
For anal sex, lube can make sex safer. Without lube, the person receiving anal can get micro-tears in their rectum, which obviously does not feel good, but can also increase susceptibility to receiving an STI.
With lube, less is not more! You can always air on the side of being more generous. You can apply and reapply lube as frequently as you like. It’s advisable to make using lube part of anal foreplay. After you’ve applied lube, you’ll want to start slowly and check in frequently whether you or a partner needs more. If there is a doubt in your mind, reapply!
When using lube for anal play, you’ll want to be sure to cover all your bases. Apply lube around the anal opening, on whatever is being inserted in the anus, and inside the anal canal beforehand! You can do this by lubricating your finger (with trimmed nails!) or using a lubricated dilator.
Why else are lube and anal such a great pair? Lubricant is designed to create less friction and more slippery action. If you feel resistance, snagging, or discomfort at any time, you likely need more lube. And no, spit does not work the same as lube for anal sex because it quickly evaporates.
The differences between lubes
There is an abundance of lubes to choose from, but you’ll usually see three main kinds—water-based lube, oil-based lube, and silicone lube. Not all lubes can be used with latex condoms or silicone sex toys, so it’s essential to do your reading before making a selection.
- Water-based lube
Water-based lube is a popular choice for many sexual activities! It does evaporate more quickly than oil-based and silicone lubes, so if using it for anal, you’ll want to reapply it frequently. Water-based lube does not stain sheets or clothes like oil and silicone lubes, and it’s a go-to choice for people who are prone to vaginal yeast infections because, again, it doesn’t stick around as long as other lubricants. Water-based lube works well with any toy and any type of barrier, such as latex condoms, dental dams, or finger cots.
- Oil-based lube
Oil-based lubes, such as those made from coconut oil, are slick and tend to stick around for longer than water-based lube. It’s important to note that oil-based lube can weaken latex condoms and dental dams—so if you’re opting for this kind of lube, make sure you’re using a polyurethane condom.
- Silicone lube
Silicone lube offers a silky-smooth texture and glide. This lube does not evaporate quickly, making it a perfect selection for shower or water-play. This lube can require a bit more time to wash off because it’s long-lasting, making it an ideal choice for sex marathons or sex activities that involve more friction. Silicone lube can degrade silicone toys, so check your materials beforehand!
- Hybrids
A hybrid lube generally contains different percentages of water and silicone or water and oil-based lube. Hybrids can be an excellent choice for someone who wants the best of both worlds and likes features from both types of lube. If you love water-based lube, for example, but want something that lasts longer, a hybrid of water-based and silicone lube might be a perfect choice for you.
Best types of anal lube
When it comes to anal sex and anal play, not all lube is created equally. You’ll want to choose a lube that’s down to hang and sticks around for a while.
For anal play beginners, sex serums can help some people relax for anal, which is essential to having a pleasurable and successful experience. Sex serums may contain natural ingredients like cannabis, aloe, or calendula. It’s important to note that serums are not exactly lube and may be used for foreplay, but you should carefully read the ingredients and check the packaging before using anything internally!
Like sex serums, massage oils can help people get in the mood before anal sex, but they are not always designed for anal play. If you’re looking to try one, just be sure the ingredients are safe for internal use. Some massage oils are designed for both external and internal use, and some are simply for external play.
People may think that numbing or desensitizing lubes are a natural choice for anal play so that the experience doesn’t hurt. Many sexperts note that you should not use numbing lubes for anal sex! Feeling any sort of pain is your body’s way of indicating that something might be wrong, and you should slow down or stop. Start small and slow if you’re worried about pain and anal play!
When using lube with anal toys, remember that water and oil-based lubes are great choices! Silicone lube can warp silicone toys, though. You can use lubricant with pretty much any anal toy, from anal beads, butt plugs, dilators, to dildos.
Remember, lube is your best friend when it comes to anal! You can’t use too much or reapply too frequently. Anal lube not only makes anal sex safer, but it can also make it less painful, have less friction, and be more pleasurable!