Beyond the base of the lubricant, there are other things to keep in mind when looking for a go-to option. Mason recommends a high-viscosity, long-lasting lube for extra comfort. Jojoba oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or sweet almond oil are also good ingredients to look for, per the Cleveland Clinic. A fragrance-free lube is ideal for everyone, but if you have sensitive skin or you've been sensitive to lube in the past, it’s even more important to find an option that’s hypoallergenic and made without fragrances. “Use a high-quality lube, be patient, and take the time to really enjoy yourself and set time aside to get fully aroused for sex,” Gigi Engle, ACS, a certified sex educator and host of Internet Sex Therapy, tells SELF. “The more lube the better. I always say you shouldn’t be thinking there can be “too much” lube. You should want to be on a water slide. It just makes everything better. This applies for all kinds of sex—but is especially important during anal—because the anal doesn’t self-lubricate like a vagina.” What you should avoid in an anal lube Requires disconnecting lube lines, multiple tools and oftentimes removal of adjacent injector lube lines to replace inside injectors on a manifold.

I find this criminal. These lubes are marketed towards folks trying to “open up” and not feel any pain during anal or deep-throating, but if you’re doing either of these activities mindfully you shouldn’t be feeling pain anyway. Pain is the body’s natural way of telling you to slow down or stop what you’re doing, and if your orifice is numb, you may end up injuring or tearing something. It’s quite possible to relax the sphincter and throat organically when you’re going slow, focusing on foreplay, and communicating with your partner before and during a sex act. Consider this your guide to all things lube. Ah, there are SO many kinds out there. Which type of lube should I buy?

Oil-based lube: Oil-based lubes are known for their staying power. But heads up that the oil may leave a coating on the rectum or vagina that can increase the risk of urinary or vaginal infections, Dr. Shepherd says. Not everyone has this issue, though, and if you're able to use oil-based lube just fine, feel free to keep at it. Just remember that oil-based lubes should never be used with latex condoms. “If you're using any type of latex product, you can't use an oil-based lubricant because that will disintegrate the latex,” Dr. Shepherd says. If you are looking for a very long-lasting lubricant, silicone-based lubes are a great choice. They can be used for anything but are ideal for butt stuff (which always requires lubrication — remember that your anus doesn’t self-lubricate). The line (pipe) entering from the top left is the feed from the pump. The line passes from manifold to manifold. The injectors are attached to the manifolds and are supplied with lubricant from below. The first manifold in this system has eight injectors. Each injector's output is routed to a lubrication point and each injector can be adjusted so that each lubrication point receives exactly the right amount of lubricant. Natural lube: Natural lubes don’t contain chemicals and additives that can be irritants, particularly to people with sensitive skin. “Natural lubes usually consist of ingredients that can range from homemade to store-bought and have the lowest amounts of ingredients,” Dr. Shepherd says. While Dr. Shepherd notes that the specifics of what is and isn’t considered “natural” is debatable, these lubes typically will not contain synthetic ingredients. Here are our reasons why lubricating the injector O-ring can spell disaster in many ways: 1. The Lube May Compromise the Seal

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? But knowing how much lube to use is only part of the picture. O’Reilly says there’s a huge range of options, including plenty you’ve probably never even considered, like using lube in the shower or making your oral experience next-level. And, of course, the type of lube you reach for matters. “There are many types of lube and often, the use can help determine which ones are best for that person,” says women’s health expert Jessica Shepherd, MD, founder of Sanctum Med + Wellness. Obviously, all these conditions definitely make the application of lube a bad idea in more ways than one. Therefore, should your injector's O-ring start exhibiting signs of these, have it replaced as soon as possible. In some instances, it may be necessary to replace the injector as well. Conclusion It is clear that applying lubrication on an O-ring when it is worn or defective can lead to disastrous consequences. So, if you notice any signs of wear, damage, or defect in the injector O-ring, never attempt to use lubricants, and instead, have the damaged component replaced by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. Excessive heat at the point of connection between the O-ring and injector is also a telltale sign of a problem with your O-ring. The extra heat usually indicates an improper fitting or defect in the O-ring that is causing it to not properly seal the connection. 4. Abnormal Noises

It is important to be aware of the potential risks of lubricating faulty O-rings and how they could affect your vehicle's performance. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to have your O-ring or the injectors inspected as soon as possible by an experienced mechanic to ensure maximum performance from your engine. Proper maintenance and inspecting for signs of O-ring damage regularly can help reduce the chances of costly repairs down the line. Common Causes of Wear or Damage in the Injector O-Ring You’re not born knowing how to use lube, and it's not always a topic covered in sex ed, so it’s more than fair if you’re not ~exactly~ sure what to do when you get your hands on a bottle. And, while you probably have a general idea of what to do with it, you might be missing out on some of the added perks it can offer you (and your sex life). Portland-based obstetrician-gynecologist Jennifer Lincoln, MD says anyone can benefit from incorporating a personal lubricant into their sex lives. With that being said, Dr. Lincoln also notes that lubes are especially helpful if you have any concerns about vaginal dryness. "People who are in low estrogen states — such as those who are perimenopausal, postmenopausal, or breastfeeding — [can benefit from lubricants] as low estrogen can lead to thinning of the vaginal mucosa and decreased lubrication production," she says. "It's also a definite must for anal sex as the rectum does not self-lubricate." We all have our less-hydrated days and, let’s be honest, spit is a really ineffective lubricant. If you’ve avoided lube in your sex life thus far, I challenge you to get yourself a small bottle, try it out next time you play, and tell me that shit isn’t awesome. You don’t even have to save it for partnered sex. Use a little the next time you masturbate and notice the difference. Not all lubes are created equal, and the right one for you depends a lot on your personal preferences and needs. Here’s a breakdown of your options:

The SLHP-D Single Line Volumetric Injectors are made from white-galvanised steel and are fitted with Viton seals. An adjusting screw is used to set the quantity of lubricant that will be delivered per cycle. A visual indicator allows the user to verify correct operation. These injectors conform to the dimensions of competing injectors allowing easy replacement. The design of the system allows for expansion and facilitates easy maintenance. Manufacturer The line is then routed to the next 2-way manifold where the output flow of both injectors has been combined to increase the flow to the gear assembly. By being aware of these common causes and symptoms of O-ring damage, you can ensure that your fuel system is functioning properly and that your engine performance remains optimized at all times. With proper maintenance and care, you can help ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly for a long time. Common Types of Damages Found in the Injector O-RingBut then again, only apply lubricant if the parts manufacturer or your vehicle manufacturer advises you to, and only use the one they have specified for this purpose. 5. Wear and Tear Due to Age

All of the experts we spoke to discouraged the use of flavored or scented personal lubricants for anal, vaginal, and oral sex. What’s more, avoid glycerin in your lubes, as it contains sugar, and that can alter vaginal pH, SELF previously reported. Water-based lube is also the best lube for sensitive skin. According to Engle and Dr. Queen, you should also avoid petroleum-based lubricants, and anything with parabens or preservatives. Oh, and please don’t put Vaseline down there. If you use a lube with numbing agents that gives you “tingly” or desensitizing sensations for vaginal sex, Dr. Queen says to skip it for anal play. “Anal sex can be painful when it’s not done right, but you want to listen to those messages and respond accordingly,” she says. “Slow down, add lube, take a break, ask your partner to be more gentle, etc. You don’t want to ignore your body’s signals. If you’re numb, you won’t receive those signals clearly, which can put you at risk.” One of the most obvious symptoms that may suggest a problem with your O-ring is leaking from the fuel line. If you find fuel leaks around where the injector attaches to its respective port on the engine, then chances are there's an issue with your O-ring. 2. Poor Engine Performance Before we get into all that, just know this: There’s really no wrong way to use lube. “Like all things sexual, use lube in whatever way feels good for you,” says sexologist Jess O’Reilly Ph.D., host of the Mind Blowing Oral video courses. If you focus on your own pleasure, using lube can become second nature, she says.

What kinds of lube are safe for anal sex?

Lastly, depending on the type of lubricant used, certain chemicals may interact with other components in the fuel injection system resulting in corrosion or further damage to the parts. Therefore, it is important to use only compatible lubricants that have been tested for compatibility with all applicable components when applying lubrication on O-rings. Key Symptoms of Worn or Damaged Fuel Injector O-Ring Seriously, the worst-case scenario is that you have to wipe a little bit away if you over-pour. There is not a soul on this green earth who doesn’t need lube from time to time — and if that statement makes you feel defensive, consider where that lube stigma is coming from. Your body is in no way “broken” and there is nothing “wrong” with you if you use lube. Lube is not solely for postmenopausal folks or anal play: It is ideal for any activity (unless you have a thing for really dry sex or something). Try this pro tip from O’Reilly: Lube up your fingers, and cross them, like you’re making an “I swear” motion. Then, slide them into your partner's vagina, while gently rotating them. You can use your thumb to work your partner’s clitoris while you’re at it. Smear them over your toys.