After you feel comfortable with how far it’s in, try moving it a few directions to see what feels best and what nerve endings you can stimulate. Try to gently pull it in and out, too. Oil-based lubricants are slippery and long-lasting, which is why sex experts like them. Coconut oil-based lubes especially have become popular in recent years. However, “oil-based lubes cannot be used with polyisoprene or latex condoms, as the lube can cause them to weaken and break,” says Mason. We do recommend using condoms for any kind of sex, so ensure that you find a compatible option (like lambskin, nitrile, or polyurethane condoms) should you opt for an oil-based lube. What to look for when shopping for anal lube Rinard K, et al. (2010). Cross-sectional study examining four types of male penile and urethral "play". DOI: Girth is measured in millimeters. Choose a small one if you’re just starting out, and gradually increase the size by small increments. Shape There’s a common misconception that lube is an extra add-on that most people don’t need unless they’re experiencing some sort of “problem” with sex, when really, lube can be used by anyone, anytime. The right lube can heighten pleasurable sensations, and reduce chafing during an all-night sex marathon, but some formulas contain ingredients that some believe may increase the risk of getting a yeast infection or cause other health problems.

Oil: Coconut, avocado and sunflower oils can be used, or they can be synthetic, like Vaseline. They are not recommended for use with a condom and can cause irritation. Use gentle, unscented soap and warm water to wash your hands and your outer genital areas. Position

Why should you use anal lube?

You can also gently massage your genital area to add some extra pleasure. And of course, you or a partner can put lips on the sounding device and hum to vibrate the inside of the urethra. Removal and clean-up Go slowly! Don’t force it in if you feel pressure or rush the toy through the urethra. Some heavy toys, like steel or titanium plugs, slide in on their own. If you have a penis, get partially erect. Being fully erect can make the urethral opening tighter or make the penis too sensitive for insertion.

Don’t force it in if it’s not going in as far as you want it to. Gently remove it and add more lube to the toy and your genital area. You may also want to try a smaller or thinner toy. If a warm bath doesn’t work, spread some lube around the urethral opening and try to drip some down into your urethra. This can make it easier to slip the toy out.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? Silicone sounders are flexible and softer, but may be hard to slide in because of their textured surface. Length Throw on your bathing suits, folks, because we're going down the slip-n-slide to find the best anal lube for you. Going into anal sex without a lubricant is like going through your day without coffee: painful and almost always unsuccessful. On a more serious note, “using lube for anal play is crucial,” Jenn Mason, founder and owner of WinkWink, a Washington-based, women-owned sex shop, tells SELF. We spoke with experts to understand what to look for when shopping for anal lubes and why it’s beneficial for anal sex. Why should you use anal lube?