Though injuries are uncommon, it’s good to be aware. According to Dr. Frankhouse, you should see a doctor if you’re experiencing any of the following within a few days of having anal sex: The best way to do this is with a small anal dildo. This will help spread the lube inside without being too overwhelming. However, remember that it’s a natural product, so it won’t last very long. It might be better to gather it for a few uses at once.

According to data from Orlando Health’s Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, other STIs a condom helps protect against include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Which means, OF COURSE you’re going to use a condom, and lubricant can help keep yours from tearing. "Condom breakage and injuries during anal sex typically occur when things aren't well lubricated,” explains Dr. Gonzalez. What to consider when shopping for anal lube: If you’re interested in making your own homemade anal lube and not just stopping with using coconut oil, I have a few great recipes for you: 1. Coconut Oil and Shea Butter Delight Lubes that we researched but didn’t necessarily consider for testing included products manufactured by: Desensitizing or numbing lubes are typically water-based and include small amounts of benzocaine or lidocaine, which are topical anesthetics. For the most part, these lubes are safe to use and offer "pain-free" anal penetration by decreasing the sensation of the area. One thing to be aware of: anal sex is not typically for beginners — the anus is a sensitive area with thinner tissue than the vagina — and if pain occurs, it may be a sign of anal fissures or tearing. If you're new to anal and want to make sure it's as seamless as possible, work your way up by using anal dilators or trainers, such as the ones included in this beginner's masturbation round-up.

We have to wonder if wizards made this product — an oil that doesn’t stain? Who dreamed that was possible? You can easily adjust how much essential oil you will be adding, as some people might want less, and some people might want more. If you’re not sure that having a smell is your jam, simply skip the essential oils and only use aloe vera gel with flaxseed oil.

Oestrogen levels may diminish after giving birth and this can make your vagina feel drier than normal. Lubricant does exactly what it says on the tin or tube. It offers lubrication, usually in situations where friction may become inconvenient and painful. When it comes to personal lubricants, there are three main types to choose from: silicone-based lube, water-based lube and oil-based lube. Silicone lubricants are the most popular choice for anal sex because they’re hypoallergenic, very slippery (minimizing friction) and work well with latex condoms. However, you won’t be able to incorporate any silicone-based sex toys if you’re using a silicone-based lube, as silicone lube will ruin the toy. Most lubes you might use for vaginal, vulvar, penile, or pleasure product play can double as anal lube. "With lube for anal play, you have a little more leeway than lube for vaginal play," says Rachel Wright, LMFT, a New York-based psychotherapist who specializes in sex and relationships. The combined contraceptive pill and contraceptive injections have been reported to cause vaginal dryness, though it’s uncommon.

If you are thinking about using one, however, look over this complete list of anal lube alternatives first . Now, it might be tempting to use butter as an anal lube as it’s an oil, just like coconut butter, right? It is absolutely essential to use lube during anal sex, because the anal canal does not self lubricate like a vagina does,” says author, sex educator and sex worker Vanessa Carlisle, Ph.D. We asked Carlisle if she’d ever recommend anal sex withoutlube, and she got very serious. “NO! NO! NO! Anal sex without lube is likely very painful for the receiver! Also, when you tear the skin of the anus, anal canal, or rectum, you make the receiver more vulnerable to infections!” In general, it’s a good idea to stay away from parabens, which some studies suggest may be linked to breast cancer. You want to get the best coverage possible for anal sex, so put a generous amount of lube around and inside your anus before you start.

Coconut oil also degrades latex condoms, so keep that in mind if you’re planning on using it for anal play. 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.The best anal lube for you will come down to your intentions and preferences, but according to the experts we consulted (and our own personal experience, silicone-based lubricants are the best and safest option for anal sex. If you intend to explore butt play — whether during intercourse or with toys — having an appropriate anal lube on hand is non-negotiable.

The G-spot is thought to be a cluster of vaginal, urethral, and clitoral tissues and nerves, Dr. Chinn says. While the exact location of this cluster varies depending on the person, some people can feel it when they put pressure on the front vaginal wall, about one or two inches inside the vagina. The emphasis here is on “some.” There’s actually a pretty big debate about the G-spot in the sex education and medical fields.

How to choose the best lube for anal sex

Aloe vera gel is a water based compound that people can extract from the leaves of the aloe vera plant. Aloe vera gel contains antioxidants and glycoproteins that benefit people’s health by: Use and procurement of additional lubricants for male and female condoms: WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 [Advisory note]. (2012). Taylor Sparks is an erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven, one of the largest BIPOC-owned online intimacy shops. The silicone creates a pleasurable gliding feeling, which makes anal sex much more enjoyable and safe.