Anal lube

The keys to enjoyable anal penetration

Contrary to popular belief, anal penetration isn't painful. It can sometimes feel unfamiliar or uncomfortable for a few minutes, but it should never hurt. Pain is your body's way of telling you something isn't right.

So, to avoid pain and get the most out of anal play, here are the 3 essentials:

• desire: it may seem obvious, but the more aroused the person being penetrated is, the easier it will be for them to relax.
• patience: the sphincters are powerful muscles that only open in one direction: outwards. Take the time to relax them gently before penetration.
• lube: helps things glide, prevents friction and increases comfort. It's essential.

What's the difference between regular lubes and anal lubes?

The anal mucous membranes are very sensitive and don't lubricate themselves (although the rectum does produce mucus, it's generally in such small amounts that it isn't enough for lubrication). The lube you use therefore needs to last a long time and protect the rectal walls from friction and irritation. Anal lubes are therefore:

• or thicker, to create a protective layer over the mucous membranes.
• or enriched with silicone for extra glide.
• or enriched with soothing ingredients such as calendula or allantoin.
• or formulated with relaxing ingredients to help the sphincters open up.
• or all four at once.

Bear in mind that while a very good vaginal lube can be used as anal lube, the reverse isn't always true: thick anal lubes used vaginally reduce friction so much that they also reduce sensation.