Guide to Lubes for Anal Play

Sex lubricant is important to reduce friction during all types of sexual stimulation, but it is especially important for the tender anal area. To avoid discomfort and possible long-term damage, you should always make sure that you use more than enough lube, and make sure you pick the right lube for your scene and for your partner. Navigating all the types of lubes out there may seem tricky -- hopefully, this guide will help narrow it down a little. Before you go ordering your helpful new products right and left, be sure to make a list of any allergens you or your partner might have to check the ingredients list for.

FIRST, an Important Note About "Numbing" Lubricants Cons: May desensitize you to pleasure - AND numb you to damage. There are a number of brands of anal lubricants out their which bill themselves to be "numbing" or "desensitizing" and they actually contain analgesics to reduce the sensation in the area. Use such a lube at your own risk. A sensation of pain in the sphincter area is your body's way of telling you that something is wrong: if you are numb, you may not be able to FEEL those important warning signs. Hemorrhoids are not just unattractive and uncomfortable -- they are also in an area which has tons of bacteria moving around it, every day. They are dangerous. I would suggest that you do everything in your power to avoid getting them! Water-Based Lubricants Cons: Dries out, so you'll need to re-apply during extended sessions.
Water-based lubricants are the most universally safe -- there is no danger of hurting any type of toy, condoms, or body parts. They are also very affordable and come in a great deal of types and varieties. Astroglide and KY Gel are available in Liquid and Gel forms and can be found in grocery and drug stores. There are more expensive water-based lubes available on the market as well. If you are looking for an even thicker water-based lube, Boy Butter makes an "H20" version of their product which is water-based (butter free!). The only draw back to water-based lubricants is that they dry out easily. Some people like to keep a small spray bottle of water handy to 're-moisturize' water-based lube before it dries, and that is often the most economical and convenient solution. You don't have to check each toy to know that what you are using your lube with isn't about to disintegrate on you, like you have to do with silicone and oil-based lubes.

Silicone Lubricants Cons: Degrades silicone toys. Doesn't always clean up easily.
There is a pretty big drawback to silicone lubes. Silicone lubricants break down silicone toys and can damage them very quickly. Be careful and make sure if you are going to use them with a toy, that the toy you use them on isn't silicone or partially silicone! If you think you're ready to try out a silicone lubricant, be aware that clean up is not as easy -- protect your sheets or rugs. Eros and Wet Platinum are some of the more well-recommended silicone lubricants. Sex toy company Pjur makes a silicone lubricant called Analyse Me which is designed for anal play which contains jojoba oil, which is supposed to help relax the sphincter for anal sex -- without deadening the sensation, the way "numbing" anal lubes can.
Oil-Based Lubricants Cons: Degrades latex toys, condoms, and gloves.
Most oil-based lubricants are generally not recommended as they can breakdown rubber toys and latex gloves or condoms, or latex clothing!  However, some people really enjoy oil as a lubricant. Like silicone, oil-based lubes rarely dry out. They also help moisturize and soothe the skin, which can help a lot to increase the comfort of the "bottom."  If you want to use an oil-based lubricant, use it only with non-latex gloves or condoms, or with non-latex toy with a non-latex condom.   Many cheaper sex toys are made out of latex or rubber, so make sure you are buying reputable toys. Toys made from medical-grade borosilicate glass such as Pyrex, stainless steel, or silicone are good choices. One of the more popular brands of oil-based lube is "Boy Butter," but fresh cooking oil or crisco can also be used.  Some people believe that the oil can increase the chance of bacterial infections as it gives the bacteria something to survive off of -- if that is a concern, I suggest using mineral oil, which is not edible. If you choose to use a cooking oil, make sure it is fresh, not rancid and not past the expiration date marked on the package. And always be sure to shower or bathe after sex acts to make sure that you have removed all traces of the oil to avoid the possibility of bacterial growth.