Anal Lube
There are a number of lubricants that are specially designed for use in anal sex. For the most part, these fall into two categories:
Anal Lubes with Superior Lubrication
With anal lubes more than other lubes, it is important that the lube stay where it is put. Some purposely designed anal lubes feature lubricants that are thicker in consistency than many other gels, being more a gel than a liquid. This helps to ensure that the anus stays lubricated during sex – an important thing for an orifice that is not self-lubricating. Since most of these lubricants will be silicone-based rather than water-based, it's a good idea to take care when using them – see the article on lubes in general for more information on silicone-based lubes.
These lubes often leave a residue after sex, but in most cases, that residue can be easily washed away – although depending on the depth of the anal penetration, use of an anal douche may be in order.
Anal Lubes with a Numbing Agent
Some anal lubes include a chemical designed to slightly numb the anal area, with the intention of making anal penetration more comfortable. The most commonly used numbing agent is benzocaine, which is a topical anaesthetic that is often used in pain-killing creams and such. However, it is not the only numbing agent in use, and all current numbing agents have the potential for allergic reactions for certain small sections of the population – so check carefully before using. (The chances are very great that you're not allergic to these agents, but considering where on your body you'll be applying it, it's better to be safe than sorry.)
There are also lubricants which are designed to have other physiological effects, such as increasing the blood flow to the skin they are applied to, or creating a sensation of heat on the affected parts of the body. Both of these types of lubricants may be used for anal sex, but employ due caution in using them. They often have the effect of increasing the sensitivity of the skin (or other body tissue) that they are applied to, and although this can be pleasurable, too much lubricant can have too great an effect, such that the sensations become painful. Use these lubricants with great care, and use them sparingly.
Whether or not you're using a purpose designed anal lube or just a regular lube, one principle applies to lube in anal sex: too much is never enough (with the obvious exceptions mentioned in the previous paragraph).
Another thing about anal sex is that you should never, ever, use an oil-based lube for it, as these are difficult to clean out afterwards, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Some oil-based lubes are also not good when used with condoms – never use any lube that is not advertised as condom compatible for anal sex.
Anal Lubes with Superior Lubrication
With anal lubes more than other lubes, it is important that the lube stay where it is put. Some purposely designed anal lubes feature lubricants that are thicker in consistency than many other gels, being more a gel than a liquid. This helps to ensure that the anus stays lubricated during sex – an important thing for an orifice that is not self-lubricating. Since most of these lubricants will be silicone-based rather than water-based, it's a good idea to take care when using them – see the article on lubes in general for more information on silicone-based lubes.
These lubes often leave a residue after sex, but in most cases, that residue can be easily washed away – although depending on the depth of the anal penetration, use of an anal douche may be in order.
Anal Lubes with a Numbing Agent
Some anal lubes include a chemical designed to slightly numb the anal area, with the intention of making anal penetration more comfortable. The most commonly used numbing agent is benzocaine, which is a topical anaesthetic that is often used in pain-killing creams and such. However, it is not the only numbing agent in use, and all current numbing agents have the potential for allergic reactions for certain small sections of the population – so check carefully before using. (The chances are very great that you're not allergic to these agents, but considering where on your body you'll be applying it, it's better to be safe than sorry.)
There are also lubricants which are designed to have other physiological effects, such as increasing the blood flow to the skin they are applied to, or creating a sensation of heat on the affected parts of the body. Both of these types of lubricants may be used for anal sex, but employ due caution in using them. They often have the effect of increasing the sensitivity of the skin (or other body tissue) that they are applied to, and although this can be pleasurable, too much lubricant can have too great an effect, such that the sensations become painful. Use these lubricants with great care, and use them sparingly.
Whether or not you're using a purpose designed anal lube or just a regular lube, one principle applies to lube in anal sex: too much is never enough (with the obvious exceptions mentioned in the previous paragraph).
Another thing about anal sex is that you should never, ever, use an oil-based lube for it, as these are difficult to clean out afterwards, which can create a breeding ground for bacteria. Some oil-based lubes are also not good when used with condoms – never use any lube that is not advertised as condom compatible for anal sex.
