Are you preparing for your first anal sex experience but unsure which lube will make it the smoothest and most pleasurable? Maybe you want a lube that can also be used as a massage gel.
Or perhaps you'd prefer something delightfully sweet that you could serve before and after the main course? Only you know the answer to that question.
Top Choices for Anal-Friendly Lube
We are here to help as we carry a wide variety of anal-friendly lubes that are almost certain to get you started on the path to having fantastic anal sex. However, before we get into the range of anal lubes, we must first consider why lubricant for anal intercourse is crucial.
The anus doesn't offer any natural lubrication as the vagina does. Without adequate lubrication, you or your partner might experience some damage. Resulting in tears and, in the worst instance, uncomfortable friction. You probably don't want to engage in anal sex without lube, especially if it's your first time. Anal lube contains numbing agents to help ensure pain free anal sex.
In light of that, let's examine the top lubes and best practise for sexual arousal and rear-end pleasure.
Tables of Contents:
- Anal Sex is Messy
- Can You Use Any Lubricant for Anal Sex?
- Should You Use a Condom for Anal Sex?
- What Happens If I Use the Wrong Lube?
- Conclusion
Anal Sex is Messy
Gone are the times when sex was a plain and simple pleasure, missionary position and on with your day (thank goodness) but with extra options on the menu come additional measures to make sure you stay safe and don't end up with a massive dry cleaning bill.
Joking aside, you don't want to add stains on your bedding from your lube, so we always recommend a water-based lube or lube that is specifically designed for anal sex. If it says anal sex on the tube, then you're on the right track.
Read more about anal sex and condoms.
Lubido Anal Ease Lubricant
Lubido Aloe Infused Water-Based Anal Ease Lubricant is a great place to start. Lubido says - anal stimulation can be spectacular with Lubido Aloe Infused Water Based Anal Ease Lubricant. Lubido anal lube is perfect for individuals who want to try new sensations because it simultaneously calms and sanitises your bits.
The formulation of this thick and delicate cream is explicitly made to calm the muscles in the fragile anal region. Aloe vera and caffeine extracts are used in the product because they provide calming and antioxidant effects when applied to the skin.
Lubido Aloe Infused Water Based Anal Ease Lubricant is meticulous and sensitive without parabens or other allergic components. It works with all condom varieties and sex toys.
The item has a silky, delicate texture that doesn't make the skin sticky. Additionally, it dries up without leaving any marks on your clothes or bedding. You won't even know it was there once the action is over.
Can You Use Any Lubricant for Anal Sex?
In theory, you can use any lube for anal sex, but we always recommend that you don't use a silicone-based lubricant for anal sex.
Silicone lubes last much longer and are very slippery, making them perfect for masturbation or vaginal penetration. But it also means that, if used for anal sex, it may be difficult to rinse off afterwards, leaving the area feeling sticky and uncomfortable; this is especially true with toys made of silicone.
Innovations in recent years have seen the development of water-soluble lube specifically designed for use during anal play. It removes easily from the skin and doesn't leave any residue behind - no matter how hard things get! These lubes can often be used with condoms too, so they are ideal partners when engaging in anal sex.
Some lubricants market themselves as dual-use, and we agree that lubricants that tackle massage and anal sex can be a good thing. Why not try Durex Play Sensual Massage 2 in 1?
Durex Play Sensual Massage 2 in 1 (200ml) is an excellent choice for anal sex. It contains water and silicone in its formulation, providing a slick and long-lasting solution for those longer love-making sessions and an incredible massage.
You can use Durex Play Sensual Massage 2 in 1 with condoms and all sex toys - perfect for achieving incredible orgasms and maximum pleasure. As well as reducing friction, lube can increase blood flow for more intense stimulation during sex.
Should You Use a Condom for Anal Sex?
Using a condom is always a good idea, even with anal sex. It's excellent for reducing infection risk and making it easier to clean up afterwards.
The best condom for anal sex is a ribbed latex condom, which provides extra stimulation and helps keep things slippery. Always ensure the condom fits appropriately and doesn't slip off easily when things get steamy. Read more about how to get the right size condom.
We recommend using extra thick condoms when having anal sex and always make sure you use lube that is safe to use with the type of condoms you choose. Get more info on safe anal sex here.
What Happens If I Use the Wrong Lube?
If you use the wrong lubricant for anal sex, there are several potential problems that you might encounter:
- Anal fissures: Using an oil-based or homemade lubricant can increase your risk of damage such as anal fissures. Anal fissures are damage in the form of small tears in the lining of the rectum, which can be painful and even cause bleeding.
- Discomfort: If you use a lube that is too thick or heavy for anal sex, it could make it challenging to move around freely and cause discomfort.
- Damage to toys: Using an oil-based lubricant with silicone sex toys may damage the material over time, making them less effective.
- Infections: If you don't use lube during anal play, friction can cause small tears in the sensitive skin of your anus, increasing your risk of contracting an infection such as an STI.
Are Numbing Lubes Any Good?
When considering the best lube for anal sex, you might also consider numbing lubricants. While some people don't feel they need this extra sensation suppression, others may find numbing lubes incredibly beneficial.
This lubricant typically contains lidocaine or benzocaine, desensitising the sphincter so that penetration is less intense. In addition, it can help reduce the discomfort that some anal novices experience when trying out anal sex for the first time.
However, numbing lubes is not always a good idea - they can mask pain and make it difficult to tell if you're going too fast or too hard. On top of this, the use of these lubricants could lead to tearing and other injuries that may be serious.
We recommend discussing your intentions with your partner and considering the risks before using a numbing lube.
What About Homemade Lubricants?
Many people turn to their pantry items for DIY solutions to their lubrication needs. Although natural supplies such as olive oil, coconut oil, and butter can help increase friction for anal sex, it's important to remember that these are not lubricants. Many of these can cause irritation and a burning sensation so these are best to be avoided.
They may be safe for some people, but they have serious drawbacks. Firstly, they are challenging to clean up after use - leaving residue on skin and bedding - and if you're using condoms, then a water-based lubricant is essential.
Secondly, these homemade lubricants can interfere with the pH balance of your intimate area, leading to an increased risk of bacterial infections or other issues. pH balanced lubes closely match the vagina, decreasing the chance of irritation.It's best to stick to specially designed lubes when engaging in anal play!
If you're worried that the lubricant you're using isn't natural and are considering using coconut oil or shea butter, we advise against it and suggest using a vegan or hypoallergenic option instead.
Here are the more natural lubes we love:
- Durex Naturals Intimate Gel Pure (100ml)
- Into the Wylde Wylde One Intimate Lubricant (75ml)
- Hanx Lubricant (50ml)
- Fair Squared Green Tea Lube and Massage Gel (150ml)
- Loving Joy Anal Lubricant (250ml)
What Shouldn't We Use As a Lubricant?
In the heat of the moment, it might be tempting to use whatever lubricant you have, but it's essential to take a step back and consider the ingredients first.
First of all, saliva is not an appropriate lube for anal sex. While it may seem like a safe option at first, saliva dries up quickly, which can cause friction during the act – ultimately leading to tears or other injuries.
It's also best to avoid using oil-based lubricants as these are not compatible with latex condoms (oil based lube can be used with polyurethane condoms though). The same applies to petroleum jelly and other body moisturisers or massage oil - these products can weaken latex and cause breakages in your condom.
Finally, we advise against using peanut butter or any food as lube – no matter how tempting it may seem. Butter is no substitute for proper lubricant; you need the butter for toast and tea afterwards.
Don't use chip fat or any other cooking fats either - these are unlikely to provide the protection and consistency you need; plus, they can be tough to clean up, and no one wants an extended clean-up campaign after what will be a pleasurable time.
Does Lube Expire?
Yes, lube has an expiry date and will change consistency when it gets too old. There are different expiry lengths depending on the type of lube, so if you are using silicone lubricant it will usually last for up to a year after being opened. Organic lubricants containing ingredients like vitamin E oil might have a shorter shelf life.
If you want to know more about all the different varieties of condoms you can choose from and the benefits of the different designs, we've got it all covered in this blog - 12 different types of condoms you need in your life.
Conclusion
Overall, it's best to use a water-based lubricant specifically designed for anal sex. Water based lubricants such as Durex Naturals Intimate Gel Pure is perfect for achieving incredible orgasms with maximum pleasure. It's also important to remember that saliva, oil-based lubricants, petroleum jelly, and food products should not be used as substitutes.
For those who experience discomfort during anal play or are new to this type of sexual activity, numbing lubes may seem like a good idea; however, it's important to remember that they can mask pain and lead to an increased risk of injury. Discussing your intentions with your partner and considering all the risks before using a numbing lube is always best.