Lubricants

Anal Sex!

I am going to be informing you about different lubricants used for anal sex. The information I will be sharing today is based on knowledge I have gained from years of experience working at a gay adult boutique. Lubricants can come in the form of liquid, gel, cream, and even powder. Liquid and gel lubricants can be water based, oil based, or silicone. Cream Lubes are often oil or water based. Some of the brands I have had the privilege to use are; (In no particular order) Gun Oil, Wet, Swiss Navy, ID, JO, Elbow Grease, Boy Butter, and Pjur.

Silicone based lubricants are usually made with very few ingredients and don't contain water. Silicone lubricants are not absorbed by skin or mucus membranes, and last longer than water based lubricants. Many different silicone lubricants are available with varying quality and performance. Silicone based lubricants are usually safe to use with latex condoms. Silicone based lubricants are not usually recommended for use with sex toys that are made of silicone because they may dissolve the surface of the toy and cause disintegration over time. This could turn your toy into a breeding ground for bacteria. Be sure to read all warnings that may be listed on the packaging.

Water based lubricants are used more often than any other lubricants. Because water based lubricants absorb into the skin and evaporate, most water based lubricants get gummy or sticky and dry out during use. Applying more lubricant or water or saliva can reactivate them. Water based lubricants may not work very well in water (like a bathtub, pool, or hot tub) since they are water soluble. Water based lubes containing polyquaternium-15 may increase HIV replication in cells and could raise the risk of HIV transmission. Water based lubricants are often recommended for use with condoms because they do not weaken them like oil based lubricants do.

Oil based lubricants can increase the chances of breakage and slipping of latex condoms, this is due to loss of elasticity caused by these lubricants. I usually recommend oil based lubes to people for masturbation or to those who are in relationships not requiring condom use.

Many lubricants are safe for anal sex, but there are products that are specifically marketed or designed to enhance enjoyment of anal sex. Some lubricants are available in a thicker gel form as opposed to liquid, this helps to keep the lube in a desired place. Some anal lubricants contain numbing agents, like benzocaine, to relieve discomfort during anal sex. It is usually not recommended since a lack of sensation makes the chances of injury more likely. Although if you are playing it safe with a partner you trust it is entirely possible to safely use lubricants containing numbing agents.