Do I need to use lube for anal sex?

When it comes to anal sex, lube is always best and usually, just like bottles of booze at a party – the more the merrier. You really shouldn’t try the Brokeback Mountain spit and shove. You’re likely to hurt yourself and cause damage to your anus or rectum.

You really can’t go wrong with using lubes and there are so many types, brands and bases to try. Some are best if you’re going bareback (that’s sex without a condom) whilst other work best if you’re rubbering up. Some are even recommended for fisting… but maybe that’s a different article altogether.

What is the best lube to use for anal sex?

Lubes for sex with a condom?

If you’re going for a standard, rubbered up sesh, then a silicone or water-based lube is the best. We recommend lubes like the Super Slik (from £3.99) or the specially designed anal lube from Lubido. These work best with condom usage. You can also use them in bareback sex as well. Water-based lubes are the easiest to wash and wipe off and don’t stain the bedsheets.

A note to the wise, when using condoms, you may want to use a little more lube than you think you should. It can feel a little drier than without a condom and you should never use oil-based lubes for condom play – it could destroy the integrity of the johnny.

Also never lube up your penis before putting on a condom. The condom is really likely to slip off if you do this. Only lube up the outside of the condom.

Silicon-based lubes tend to last longer than water-based, but not as long as petroleum-based lubes. They are also a little stickier than water-based ones.

What’s the best lube for bareback sex?

For bareback sex you can use water, silicone, oil or petroleum-based lubes. Oil or petroleum-based lubes are more likely to stain your sheets with oil marks, however.

We absolutely recommend ID Millenium for bareback sex. It last longer and a little goes a long way.

More buttery or oily lubes are better for other types of ass play – like fisting. Brands such as Crisco are famous in the gay community for their lubricating abilities.

Best lubes for fisting?

For fisting you are going to need quite a heavy-duty and non-drying lubricant. One of the most popular fisting lubes used by men isn’t actually a traditional lube at all, but rather a rather famous cooking grease – step forward Crisco. It is supposed to be amazing for baking, but because of its lubricating skills – Crisco has become a go-to lube for guys who are into fisting. It’s long-lasting and has natural ingredients. However, it isn’t condom safe.

If you’re looking for a more traditional lube then there are plenty of fisting appropriate lubes. It’s probably best stay clear of waterbased lubes and go for either a thick silicone or oil-based lube.

Lubes for sex toys

Always read the instructions of your sex toy before adding any kind of lube. You need to make sure that the lube you’re about to use isn’t going to ruin the integrity of the toy. Some materials used on sex toys aren’t compatible with oil-based or silicone-based lubes.

That said, water-based lubes are generally okay to use with any toy.

So how do you apply lube?

Well, there’s two schools of thought.

As a bottom or the receptive partner you can take control of the lube situation, by maybe putting some lube on your own butthole before you begin, perhaps as you’re getting ready. Use your fingers to get some lube right up inside you. Or you can use a lube launcher, which puts the lube right where you need it!

During the action, you can cover your partner’s dick (condomed or without) with lube as you blow him or jerk him off.

Or if you’re the topper, you can maybe play with your partner’s ass during foreplay and use your fingers to fully lubricate the area. Either way, you’re going to want to make sure that you use enough – and don’t worry about stopping the action if you feel like you need more.

Remember more is more in these situations and it’s best to try a variety of lubes to see which works best for you.