Maierhofer, C., et al. (2016). Lubricant use and rectal chlamydial and gonococcal infections among men who engage in receptive anal intercourse. These do not damage condoms or sex toys, and are typically the safest option for intercourse and masturbation. Unlike vaginas, [which provide natural lubrication], anuses do not self-lubricate,” board-certified ob-gyn Jacques Moritz, MD, previously told SELF. Anal penetration without adequate lubrication can cause the tissue in your anus to tear, SELF previously reported, which is both painful and dangerous. These tears in the anus area can make you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (or STIs), like gonorrhea and HIV, according to Dr. Moritz. What kinds of lube are safe for anal sex?

Durex Silicone Lube provides a smooth experience for you and your partner(s) so you can get it on. Great for foreplay and sexual experiences, silicone-based lubes last longer than water-based lubes. Stay focused on the moment with fewer interruptions because you won’t need to stop and reapply as often. Varma, S. R., et al. (2019). Invitro anti-inflammatory and skin protective properties of virgin coconut oil. There are several lubricants specifically made for intercourse, masturbation, and other types of sexual activity. They include: Water-based lubricants However, like olive oil, people should not use virgin coconut oil if they use latex barrier methods of contraception. Egg whites

Frequently Asked Questions

Chow, E. P. F., et al. (2016). Saliva use as a lubricant for anal sex is a risk factor for rectal gonorrhoea among men who have sex with men, a new public health message: A cross-sectional survey. There are some liquids that people believe will make a good lubricant but can actually lead to infection and irritation. Some of these include: Vaseline Although there is no scientific research that examines its use as a lubricant, yogurt has proven therapeutic properties for treating vaginal thrush. Olive oil The products are made from different ingredients that may not work well with everyone. However, if you want safer relaxants and easing, choose natural lubricants because the ingredients are purely natural. Are anal relaxants and anal easing safe to use on sex toys?

FYI, i f a lube advertises itself as “numbing,” then you want to stay far away. Lube that makes butt stuff less painful sounds too good to be true...because it is. “Never, ever using a lubricant that numbs the anal sphincter,” Organic Loven founder Taylor Sparks previously told Cosmo . “This is the one place that you want to know what is painful so that you can stop whatever action you are taking, and not wait for the numbing lubricant/cream to wear off and realize there has been damage.” Numbing lubes with analgesics or desensitizing agents in them (like benzocaine) won’t let you know you’re overdoing it until after the fact, when the lube wears off, which is not ideal. As butter is a dairy product and requires refrigeration, there are risks if people use it for sexual activity. If your pain is particularly severe or your symptoms aren’t improving with self-help measures, there are a number of treatments your doctor may suggest. Medicines Avoid water-based lubricants with glycerin, nonoxynol-9, petroleum, propylene glycol, and chlorhexidine glucose to prevent increased yeast infection. Caflisch KM, et al. (2018). Antibacterial activity of reduced iron clay against pathogenic bacteria associated with wound infections. DOI:This can lead to painful tears called anal fissures, or damage to the anal sphincter (the tight ring of muscle surrounding the anus) leading to faecal incontinence,' Daprè adds.

Suspected cancer: recognition and referral. National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), last updated 29 January 2021. www.nice.org.uk Fissurectomy. This involves cutting away the damaged skin around your anal fissure. Your surgeon may suggest you have this alongside Botox injections.

How and When to Use Anal Lubes: Desensitizing Lube and Numbing Cream

Relax, you will enjoy this’. It sounds easy on paper. But anal sex can be hard and painful because the anus is not self-lubricating. Learning how to relax your anal muscles is a skill you will master gradually. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t control and ease your anal muscles for that anticipated thrust. Use anal relaxants and anal-easing products to make penetration easier, reduce pain and create a comfortable anal sex experience. These creams, gels and sprays are formulated with mild desensitizing and soothing ingredients such as benzocaine to help you ease up and stretch wider during penetration.

If you’re looking to warm up with some oral sex or rimming, then our Cheeky Cherry flavoured lube might be the perfect product to get the party started.Avoid petroleum products like Vaseline, and skip natural oil-based lubricants like coconut oil, too, if you're using a condom.