Enemas bring many negative side effects as they can damage the area, irritate cells in the rectum, generate excess mucus and cause dryness in the rectal area which can cause fissures, and lead to the spread of STIs. It's not specifically designed for menopausal dryness, but Durex’s Naturals Intimate Gel has been called out as a great option for this use. It's made from completely natural ingredients, and free from smells, taste and colour. Durex has formulated this gel lube with prebiotics to help maintain skin balance; the product has a moisturising effect, rather than just pure lubrication. While it may not look as all-singing, all-dancing as some of the lubes in this list, this is a safe option from a trusted brand. Customers do note that you need to use a fair bit, so it's a shame it only comes in 100ml. Best lube for toys In general, it’s a good idea to stay away from parabens, which some studies suggest may be linked to breast cancer. and below: We don't recommend lubes with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Selected the Best Lubes

Clean your hands and fingers well, trim and file your nails to get rid of sharp corners or edges that could cause injury, and cover with a condom or latex gloves for extra comfort. Don't be afraid to reapply "as soon as it seems like it's drying out and there's more friction," Vrangalova adds. "Keep the lines of communication with the receptive partner open. Encourage them to let you know when they feel more is necessary." On the other hand, if you're using a condom, a dental dam, or any other kind of latex barrier, opt for a silicone- or water-based formula. That's because 'oils break down the latex in condoms,' says Oriowo. 'Generally speaking, as long as you're not using a silicone toy, you want a silicone-based lube.' Once you’ve got a centimeter or so in, pay close attention to the way your body feels receiving and the way the sphincter is interacting with the insertable. If the fit feels too tight, ease out. If you feel your butt opening up and accepting what you’ve put against the entryway, slowly continue ease in. You can make subtle in-and-out motions if that feels comfortable, or slightly wiggle side-to-side to massage and relax the anus. 8. Go for the spots that are easily stimulated, like the prostate and the G-spot. Lubricant can help create a more pleasurable sexual experience by providing more moisture for your genitals,” explains Charlene Douglas, a sex and intimacy therapist.

The Best Lube for Sex Toys: Unbound Jelly

At the end of the day, when it comes to anal sex, do what makes your body feel good. And don’t give up if your first attempt isn't immediately wonderful: This type of play can have a bit of a learning curve, so go at your own pace, communicate with your partner, and enjoy the ride. Let’s start by clearing one thing up: Unless you urgently feel like you have to use the bathroom, or you have health issues that affect your gastrointestinal system, you’re probably not going to spontaneously poop during sex. A finger, penis, or sex toy would go in your rectum during anal sex, and that part of your body isn’t where your poop lives. (It’s stored further up and out of reach in the sigmoid colon until a muscle contraction called a “mass movement” empties it into your rectum.) It’s tempting to use something that takes away some of the discomfort you might have at the beginning of anal play, but it’s there to let you know that you have to change something—the angle or the amount of lube you’re using,' Wright adds. 'So taking that away can be really dangerous, because it’s much easier to tear the skin if you can’t feel what’s going on.' Ingredients to avoid when shopping for an anal lube

Water-based lube is most like your natural wetness and can be used in practically any activity you can think of - even those involving silicone toys and contraceptives. Aloe vera is water-based and can improve skin hydration while also reducing irritation. Its consistency makes it a good lube alternative. It is very rare for anal sex to result in physical trauma, though it isn’t uncommon to experience haemorrhoids after engaging in anal play, which sometimes require an over-the-counter treatment or a doctor’s opinion. Now, if you are a condom user and want a homemade anal lubricant that is safe to use with condoms, I also have a recipe for you.If you’re interested in something more long lasting that needs to be reapplied less often, you may have found your match. Some people opt for additional internal cleaning in the form of an enema (often called an “anal douche”), which flushes the inside of your butt with water or saline. But doing so isn’t necessary and there are lots of safety and health caveats involved, so there are some things you need to know if you’re considering trying it out. Exactly what it sounds like, anal masturbation is the actual of sexual self-exploration using simply your body or toys, but focused around the anus. If you’re interested in making your own homemade anal lube and not just stopping with using coconut oil, I have a few great recipes for you: 1. Coconut Oil and Shea Butter Delight If you’re not sure that having a smell is your jam, simply skip the essential oils and only use aloe vera gel with flaxseed oil.