The anus is far from self-lubricating and can only get wet if one helps it along. Anal lube is a complete necessity and one of the main attributes to pleasurable anal sex. Remember: the anal walls are relatively thin, so thicker lubricants keep them hydrated and slippery, and can greatly reduce the chance of anal injuries, such as cuts and tears anal fissures that increase your risk for contracting an STD. The best anal lubes will keep you safe and satisfied, explore the many different varieties to find the right lubricant for your needs. Saliva should not be considered an anal lube and should be avoided, as it will actually dry out your skin, making it less elastic. Warming and cooling lubricants, though highly desired, also should be avoided as they are a known irritant and are not truly designed for anal sex.

Sorry to liken anal sex to food, but if it were a sandwich, then you and your partner would be the slices of bread and lube would be the good stuff inside. Because anal sex without lube would be not only dry, but also pointless. In fact, unlike a sad sammie, lubeless anal sex can actually be dangerous. The friction can cause actual microtears to the skin and anus, leading to infection. No, thanks. So when starting with anal play, the wetter, the better. Sinclair suggests massaging the anus with lube beforehand to warm things up.

Lube, you might have heard of it. Ready to explore lube? Put simply, you should always be using lube for sex, especially if the activities you are engaging in include anal sex. Who knew keeping it slippery was helping protect you from STIs! Another reason that you want to use lube is that it makes the experience more comfortable!

If you're going to have anal sex , then you need to use lube specifically designed for anal sex. That's because the anus, unlike the vagina, doesn't produce natural lubricants during intercourse. Typically for anal sex involving a penis as opposed to, say, pegging , you want to use thicker lube that doesn't require constant reapplication, explains Alicia Sinclair, founder of sex toy brand b-Vibe. Most people find that they prefer a thicker lubricant for anal play because it gives some extra cushion to protect delicate body parts. A warning about silicone-based lubes: You can't use 'em on sex toys.