Guide to Anal Lube

20 March 2011

When you’re indulging in a spot of anal sex or masturbation, you need to have the right tools for the job. Regardless of your penchants and preferences, anal lubricant is a necessity and should never be left out of your fun and games.

Anal lubricant differs from regular lube as the consistency is much thicker which helps to protect the sensitive skin of the anus. It's not just a safety issue for the health of your sensitive anal tract, it's also a pleasure thing. Almost all sex is enhanced with a good slick of lube and by making sure that there will definitely be no harsh friction, you'll enjoy your anal sex experience much more.

Just like regular sexual lubes, anal lube comes in a variety of types - water-based, silicone based and oil based. Each has its benefits and are better for different types of anal sex.

How to Use Anal Lube

Anal use is simple to use - just apply liberally to yourself, your anal sex toys and your partner. If it's going near your bottom, give it a good slick first and you'll feel the benefits.

Water-based anal lube

For anal sex toys and beginner's anal sex, opt for a water-based lube. Water-based anal lubes are specially formulated to be thicker and longer-lasting than normal lubricants, but are still easy to wash away after use. Water-based anal lube tends to be the most popular choice as it is compatible with all toys and condoms.

Oil and silicone-based anal lube

For advanced players, silicone and oil-based lubricants can be great. They often allow both parties to experience more sensation than water-based lube as it doesn't need to be as thick, so there's less cushioning.

Silicone-based lubricants are condom friendly and won't rot latex, so is completely condom friendly. Silicone lubricant shouldn't be used with silicone toys so use an oil-based or water-based lube on your favourite silicone butt plugs.

Caution should be taken if using silicone or oil-based lubricants as they are often more slippery than water-based lube which can cause penetration to be deeper and faster than intended.

Desensitising anal lube

Anal easing lube is a sticky wicket for many couples and you'll note that our Lovehoney forum members are quick to denounce the use of any densensitisers for anal sex. Why? Well pain is generally there for a reason - it means that something's wrong and your body is trying to alert you to it. Anal lubes containing desensitisers should therefore be used with caution.

If you're tackling a particularly large anal sex toys, a slick of desensitiser may help you relax, but if you need it for regular anal sex then there may be a bigger problem behind the pain. Always exercise caution and listen to your body extra carefully when using desensitising lubricants.

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