Anal Lube
The right anal lube can make booty play feel amazing. Whether you are new to anal sex or you’re a seasoned pro, a good, high-quality lube is crucial for a good experience. Any type of anal play can lead to injuries and discomfort without the proper amount of lube.
So why do we need lube for anal play? Here’s why:
- It can enhance pleasure and experience
- It safely lubricates the anus to prevent tearing and discomfort
- It makes anal sex safer and more fun
If you have ever been told that lube isn’t sexy or kills the mood, it’s time to ditch those ideas and get with the program.
There is nothing sexier than being comfortable during sex, and lube is the best way to stay comfy during sex. It doesn’t matter if you are using your penis, finger, or favorite sex toy — you need lube!
However, it may feel overwhelming to pick the right lube because there are so many on the market. Should you get one that’s scented? How thick should it be? Silicone or water based? How do you even use lube in the first place? It’s totally normal to be unsure about how to choose and use lube.
Here’s our guide on how to choose the best lube for all types of anal play. Because if you’re going to do it, you should do it right.
What Is Lube?
Lube is a liquid or a gel that can be used during virtually any sexual activity to reduce friction and irritation. Lube comes in handy during masturbation, penetrative sex, sex toy play, or erotic massages. The list doesn’t stop there, either; whenever you need a little extra moisture, lube can help you out.
Who Should Use Lube?
Anyone can use lube. It doesn’t matter how old you are, what your gender identity is, or what your sexual preferences are. No matter what you like, there’s a lube out there for you.
Why Do You Need Lube?
The anus doesn’t naturally lubricate in the same way as a vagina does – making the need for extra glide an absolute must.
No matter what the circumstances are, sex should be enjoyable. Incorporating lube in the bedroom is the simplest way to make sure sex is pleasurable instead of painful.
Using lube during sex can:
- Enhance pleasure by making sex feel more comfortable and effortless
- Relieve dryness by lubricating any body part that needs a little extra help getting wet
- Make sex safer by reducing friction and reducing the risk of injury
Lube makes sex wetter, slicker, more enjoyable, and longer-lasting. The right lube can give you the confidence to be more creative and try new things.
Why You Need Lube for Anal Play
Using lube is a key prep step to making sure your experience is comfortable and (most importantly) pleasurable!
In addition, the tissues around the anus are thin, which means the >risk of tearing may be high without the proper lubrication. With lube, you’ll have a much better time with anal play, whether you’re going solo or with a partner. No need to worry, though — lube exists for a reason.
Why Lube Matters for Sexual Safety
Lube is an extremely low-risk, safe product. In fact, lube minimizes your risk of injuries by reducing friction, so it actually can make sex safer.
Who doesn’t want safer sex?
Does Lube’s pH Balance Matter?
To ensure the lube you are using is safe for your body, you want to pay attention to the pH levels. If your lube has the wrong pH, it can damage your anal tissues. Anal tissue tears can lead to pain, discomfort, and an increased risk of an STI.
Each of the major parts of your body has its own pH levels. The inside of your anus >has a pH level of around 5.5 to 8. To keep your body happy and not upset the pH balance, any lube you use for anal play should have a pH level of 5.5 to 7.
If you’re looking for your lube’s pH levels, the best place to start is the label.
Does Spit Work as Lube?
Here’s the short answer to this question: No.
Spit simply does not work as a lube substitute, especially for any sort of anal penetration or play. For these activities, you need a lot of lube for maximum comfort. To provide the proper amount of lubrication needed for anal sex, you would have to produce a ton of spit, that is just not biologically possible to produce. Sorry.
Even if you could produce the proper amount of spit, your saliva would be absorbed by your partner’s body or just evaporate extremely quickly. After that, you’d be back where you started: — no moisture, lots of friction, and a less-than-enjoyable experience.
In addition, using spit as lube significantly increases the risk of spreading an STI. If you or your partner has an STI in the mouth or throat, it can be transmitted into the body through spit.
Even if your partner doesn’t appear to have an STI on or in their mouth, it’s best to be safe. STIs are sometimes unnoticeable, so it’s always best to be extra careful.
Do Lubricated Condoms Work?
The short answer here is also no.
If we are strictly talking about anal sex, you’ll always need more lube than you think. We’ve already covered the reasons why, and it all stems to the fact that you’ll need an external source of moisture during sexual anal activity.
The body can absorb lubricant pretty easily, making a condom less efficient as time goes on. Nevertheless, the lubrication on a condom can still be helpful to some degree because you won’t risk the condom getting too dry, creating excess friction, or potentially breaking the entire condom. However, a lubed-up condom should be used in addition to lube, not as a substitute.
When using lube with condoms, always apply the lube to the correct areas: a generous amount of lube on the tip of the penis or dildo, and around the anus.
Also, don’t forget to reapply! Even the best lube may need reapplication if your session is on the lengthier side. It’s best to always keep lube easily handy so you’re prepared if things get a little dry.
Now, let’s explore the different types of lube to help you choose which one best fits your needs.
What Is Water-Based Lube?
The most commonly used lube is water-based. This variety can be used in many different circumstances, and it generally won’t cause any issues.
What Are the Pros of Water-Based Lube?
Water-based lubes have no taste, feel like natural lubrication, and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. Also, water-based lubes are safe to use during oral sex.
In addition, water-based lubes have the added benefit of being totally condom and toy-compatible. This means that there is minimal risk of the condom breaking or the top of your sex toy deteriorating while using the lube.
What Are the Cons of Water-Based Lube?
Since these lubes contain mostly water, they are quickly absorbed by the skin.
When used for sex, you might notice yourself needing to reapply the lube more often because it can easily dry out.
However, the >Ride Bodyworx Water-Based Lube is infused with natural seaweed extracts, including carrageenan, nori, and wakame, which prevent it from drying up quickly like many other competing water-based lubricants.
Another tip to remember is that water-based lubes are not ideal for sexual activity in water — they easily wash off. However, you can expect an easy clean-up with water-based lube. If the lube gets on any clothes or sheets, all you have to do is throw them in the wash!
What Is Oil-Based Lube?
Oil-based lube has a different makeup than its water-based counterpart. Because of this, it may feel much different, but you should only use it in certain circumstances.
What Are the Pros of Oil-Based Lube?
Oil-based lube provides a slippery feel that lasts longer than water-based lube. Oil-based lube also does not require much (or even any) re-application during sex since your skin cannot absorb it.
Oil-based lubes are a wonderful tool for masturbation, massages, and penetrative, unprotected sex. However, you should only have unprotected sex if you and your partner are exclusive and you both have been recently tested for STIs. Stay safe out there!
What Are the Cons of Oil-Based Lube?
Oil-based lubes should not be used with latex condoms because they can dissolve the latex and cause a breakage in the condom. Similarly, oil-based lubes should not be used with latex sex toys, as this type of lube can cause bacteria to grow on the toys. Lastly, oil-based lubes are not easily washed off, and may stain any sheets or clothes that they get on.
What Is Silicone-Based Lube?
First things first: silicone lube cannot be used with silicone toys.
Silicone-based lubricants are actually the most common lubes used in condoms. Lubricants that feature silicone often contain no water. This lack of water can be beneficial in some cases, but it also means that the lube can’t be used for everything.
What Are the Pros of Silicone-Based Lube?
Since silicone is not absorbed by the skin like water or oil, silicone lube has its own distinct feel.
This lube feels thicker, and it doesn’t require as much re-application as water-based lube. This also means that silicone-based lube may be helpful in sexual play in water scenarios like the shower since it won’t wash away.
Silicone is hypoallergenic, so most people may not experience any irritation while using it. Also, silicone-based lubes are unlikely to damage condoms.
What Are the Cons of Silicon-Based Lube?
However, these lubes can damage silicone sex toys, as the lubricant tends to solidify on the toy, and some may leave a sticky residue. Using silicone lube on a silicone sex toy can cause warping, bending, and ultimately ruin the toy.
Did we mention this can lead to a bacteria buildup? That’s the last thing you want to happen to your favorite toys!
Additionally, silicone-based lubes should not be used during oral sex, as they are not safe to digest.
What’s the Best Lube for Anal Sex?
Now that you know lube is the best way to stay comfortable during sex, it’s time to pick the best lube for you.
Whether with a toy, a finger, or a penis, if anal penetration is a part of your sex life, you'll always benefit from the feeling lube gives you.
For anal play, you may need a thick lube that can last as long as possible. However, since you might need to use a lot of lube for anal sex, you want something that can clean up quickly and won’t stain any clothes or sheets.
Additionally, you don’t want to risk ruining your prostate toys or condoms, so silicone lube may not be your best choice. A thicker water-based lube is going to be the best choice for anal sex.
Thankfully, we have a lube specifically for anal: our >Wicked Jelle Water-Based Anal Lube. This lube addresses the specific needs of anal play and makes the experience more pleasurable than ever.
Wicked Jelle is thick, long-lasting, and never sticky. This lube stays put and provides extra cushioning and superior glide. Wicked has perfected the formula to ensure safety, sensation, and pleasure. You’re welcome.
What Lube Should You Avoid?
Although lube is a wonderful tool for anal sex, there are some lubes that make unrealistic promises. You generally want to stray away from these types of lubes, as they could end up causing problems in the areas where you’re the most sensitive.
Why You Shouldn’t Use Lubes With STI Prevention Claims
Many lubes claim their ingredients may reduce the risk of contracting STIs, even if you are having sex with someone who is already infected.
There are a few studies out there that have looked into ingredients with the possibility of preventing STIs, but not nearly enough research exists to make a conclusive statement.
When there is enough evidence to believe these ingredients stop the spread of STIs, it may be big news.
Until then, try to stray away from any lube with these types of claims. After all, if there is one thing you don’t want to casually put yourself at risk of, it’s STIs!
What Are Desensitizers?
Many lubes made for anal sex are made with desensitizing ingredients.
These lubes have a numbing quality that may decrease sensitivity during sex. This may seem initially enticing to people who are nervous to try anal sex and are scared of any potential pain or discomfort.
However, if you use desensitizing lube, you prohibit your body from telling you when it is hurt or injured. If your anus is numb, you won’t know when your partner is penetrating you too hard or too fast.
You most likely won’t know that you are hurt or injured until after sex, once the lube has worn off, which is why it’s best to avoid any lubes with numbing qualities.
Pain is an important signal that your body uses to communicate with your brain. If something is painful during sex, it’s a sign that it’s time to stop.
If you don’t spend any time preparing for anal play and your partner is going at it, you’re going to have an irritated bum until it heals. That’s why we highly discourage the use of numbing cream. After all, you want to feel what’s going on back there.
Avoid Flavors or Scents in Lube
Scented or flavored lube may work for some people, but generally, it can become irritating and uncomfortable because most manufacturers use chemical-laden scents.
Conclusion
Now that you know about all the different types of lube out there, you’re ready to make your sex life as pleasurable as possible.
Check out our >lube selection and >prostate toys along the way — we’ve got everything you need to dial the pleasure up to 100.
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