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? Unfortunately, there’s a bit of a catch here, which is important for expectation-setting. When you poop, your body should expel all the stool in your rectum, but some fecal matter might get left behind. While you probably don’t have to worry about pooping on your partner, you should know that they may be exposed to some visible or invisible fecal matter, Dr. Chinn says. Remember that anal sex should always be consensual and enjoyable for all parties involved. Taking your time, communicating openly, and prioritizing comfort and safety are key to a positive experience.

This advice still stands if your partner ejaculates inside you. Though some people worry this could cause runny poops that resemble diarrhea, Dr. Frankhouse says this actually isn’t the case. For one thing, since poop usually isn’t in your rectum until you’re close to expelling it, there’s no real opportunity for poop and semen to mix. Even if poop could go farther up into your colon, semen is usually runny. Since your anus will likely remain expanded for a few minutes after anal sex, that semen can just leak right on out, Dr. Frankhouse says. If you want to go to the bathroom to expel that, feel free, but it’s not necessary! If you're thinking about having anal sex or engaging in any kind of anal play, your safety and comfort (and pleasure) should always be at the forefront of your mind. Unfortunately, when it comes to anal penetration, you can't just go in there without any preparation.

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Use plenty of lubrication: The anus does not naturally lubricate like the mouth or vagina. Therefore, a high-quality, lubricant is essential to reduce friction and discomfort. Don’t be affraid to apply generous lube in and around the anus for smoother entry. You can even inject lube with a lube shooter. Another type? Oil-based lubes (think coconut oil), which have a nice slippery texture but typically can't work with latex condoms (because they weaken the barrier). And then there are hybrid lubes—a mix of water- and silicone-based—which offer the best of both worlds and can typically be used with everything. 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 If you are looking to avoid pain, or if are having anal sex for the first time, this is your most balanced option. The included silicone lube is also slippery and heavy-duty making things “slide” in with almost no effort. If you want to proceed, make sure you use 100% pure aloe vera. It should not have artificial fragrances or alcohol.

The silicone creates a pleasurable gliding feeling, which makes anal sex much more enjoyable and safe. But there’s one caveat with silicone-based lubes that’s important to keep in mind: They can degrade the material of silicone sex toys, meaning it’s not the best option if you’re planning to use toys. And, if you’re using a condom, you should stay away from oil-based lubes, as they can break down the latex.Most importantly, saliva can lead to potential health risks, considering it’s home to an average of 100 million (!) bacteria per milliliter of saliva. It degrades condoms as well, increasing the risks of transmitting HIV between partners. Plus, it could irritate the sensitive rectal tissue. Taylor Sparks is an erotic educator and founder of Organic Loven, one of the largest BIPOC-owned online intimacy shops.