Is It Safe To Have Anal Sex Without Lube?

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Medically Reviewed By:

It is not safe — nor is it wise — to have anal sex without lubrication if the goal is to have a positive, enjoyable experience.

Here’s why:

Without adequate lubrication, the person being penetrated is practically guaranteed to have a painful anal sex experience.
The lack of lubrication can easily lead to anal injury, which could make STI transmission even more likely between partners.
If it’s their first time, the partner on the receiving end will likely never want to try anal sex again — with anyone.

If the idea is to have good anal sex that feels amazing and makes you want to do it again, don’t ever skip the lube.

In fact, use more than you think you should.

The right kind and amount of lubricant is the key to great anal sex.

Things To Know

In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about the importance of using lube during anal sex, including:

Why Lube Is Important During Anal Sex
- What Can Happen Without Lube
- Is It EVER Safe To Have Anal With No Lube
Anal Lube Options
- Anal Lube Alternatives
Conclusion

Why Lube Is Important During Anal Sex

A personal lubricant might be seen as something “optional” for other kinds of sex but when it comes to anal, lube reduces friction — which helps to prevent injury while minimizing discomfort and making penetration easier.

Here’s everything you need to know about using lube during anal:

The number one reason to use lube during anal is to make it as pain-free and pleasurable as possible for the person on the receiving end
The anus doesn’t self-lubricate the way (most) vaginas do
Anal without lubricant can lead to small tears in the rectal lining of your anus among other injuries
Those tears make it easier for bacteria from feces and other sources to cause infections later
Tears can also make STI transmission even easier, especially if your anal sex doesn’t involve condoms
Using lube during the activity can also help to prevent accidental poop during anal because it makes penetration easier and more comfortable

Anal sex, along with pegging, is often seen as taboo or kinky because you’re using an exit as an entrance for sexual pleasure.

During our research into pegging statistics, for instance, we found that only 16% of sexually-active adults had tried the activity, and straight adults report engaging in anal sex an average of only 1 to 3 times per month.

It’s an activity that not everyone does so it makes sense that it’s not exactly “obvious” how to do it at first.

No matter how excited you are to try it, if you’re the bottom in anal (meaning you’re on the receiving end), you’ve probably also heard how much it’s going to hurt.

But it doesn’t have to — thanks to lube.

Personal lubricant reduces friction between a penis (or dildo) and a booty.

By using enough anal lube — and moving slowly during anal penetration — you can avoid pain and possible injury during anal sex.

→ For more, read: What Is Lube, What Does It Do And Why Do People Use It For Sex?

What Can Happen If You Have Anal Sex Without Lube?

The most common thing that is likely to happen if you have anal sex without lubricant is serious pain during penetration.

It might be so painful that you (or your partner) may not want to try it again in the future.

The second most common thing, which can lead to other (and bigger) problems, is an injury to the anus — specifically micro tears.

Some bleeding may even occur, which may not be too serious but can be stressful to deal with.

In some cases, however, serious injury can occur to the anus — which may lead to hospitalization.

Never wanting to do anal again may be the most likely outcome when having “no lube anal” — which is bad enough on its own.

But a severe injury to your (or your partner’s) anus, while not common, is still possible.

Dr. Susan Milstein, a human sexuality health educator on our medical review board said that even if an injury isn’t severe, “you still want sex to be pleasurable for both you and your partner, and lube is one of the ways to make that happen. Especially for anal.”

It simply isn’t worth the risk when it’s so easy to just use an anal lubricant before penetration begins.

Finally, people can and do poop during anal — it happens, but personal lube can help to make penetration easier, improving the sensations and potentially easing the urge to have a bowel movement.

→ For more, read: Pooping During (Or After) Anal Sex Is Normal — Here’s How To Deal

Is It EVER Safe To Have Anal Sex Without Lube?

Not really.

You might be asking, “What about lubricated condoms?”

Condoms are a great idea for anal sex, especially now that the FDA has approved at least one that’s safe for reducing STI transmission during anal sex.

But the amount of lube used on condoms is not designed to last much longer than initial penetration — and that’s mainly for vaginal penetration.

Anal sex usually requires a lot more lube.

Lubricated condoms are a great step in the right direction, but you’re still going to need to add more lube as you go.

And when you do, make sure your lubricant is 100% compatible with the type of condom you’re using.

Anal Lube Options: How To Choose A Lubricant

Now that you’re convinced about needing lube for anal sex, you might not be sure which lubricant to reach for.

We’ve got you covered.

You can start with our top picks of the safest and best lubes for anal.

Best Overall (Silicone)	Best Overall (Oil)	Also Good (Silicone)	Also Good (Oil)
GUN OIL	AH! YES OB	Sliquid Silver	Organic Glide
4.7	4.8	4.3	4.7
$30.95 (4 oz)	$21.99 (4.7 oz)	$34.00 (4.2 oz)	$22.95 ($9.18 / Ounce)
$16.99 @ Lovehoney –> CODE: AFF-WH15	$18.70 @ AH! YES –> CODE: WHI	$25.49 @ Lovehoney –> CODE: AFF-WH15	Check Price
$26.99 @ The Enhanced Male	$21.99 @ Lovehoney	$27.99 @ HotCherry
Description: Bottom Line: Our consensus top-rated silicone anal lube hits the bullseye every time providing long-lasting slippery-smooth velvety comfort during all forms of butt play with minimal need for reapplication, even in water and during extended anal sex sessions. Don’t let the bullet-like (and über-macho) bottle design stop you from picking this one up — its formula was a clear winner for our anal aficionados. [Full Review + Video]	Description: Bottom Line: Extremely hydrating and long-lasting thanks to a rich formula that includes skin-loving shea butter and vitamin E, this lube is our top oil-based pick for anal use. Although it is incompatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms (as all oils are) and cannot be used with latex or rubber toys, the texture of AH! YES OB is incredibly thick and lotion-like, requiring little in the way of reapplication. [Full Review + Video]	Description: Bottom Line: This ultra-concentrated premium formula uses three of the slickest pharmaceutical-grade silicones available and requires minimal reapplication, even during extended use. With just a few drops applied, the silk-like texture goes on smooth and reduces friction while heightening sensation. Our testers loved its lasting endurance and versatility in water and the bedroom. [Full Review + Video]	Description: Bottom Line: Made with all-natural ingredients, Organic Glide’s thick texture melts into friction-reducing magic when used as an anal lubricant. A little bit goes a long way with impressive staying power, although it cannot be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms, nor with latex or rubber sex toys. While oil-based lubes can be a mess to clean up after, Organic Glide washes out of fabrics easily and does NOT stain — at all! [Full Review + Video]

Best Overall (Silicone)

GUN OIL

4.7

$30.95 (4 oz)

$16.99 @ Lovehoney –> CODE: AFF-WH15

$26.99 @ The Enhanced Male

Description:

Bottom Line: Our consensus top-rated silicone anal lube hits the bullseye every time providing long-lasting slippery-smooth velvety comfort during all forms of butt play with minimal need for reapplication, even in water and during extended anal sex sessions. Don’t let the bullet-like (and über-macho) bottle design stop you from picking this one up — its formula was a clear winner for our anal aficionados. [Full Review + Video]

Best Overall (Oil)

AH! YES OB

4.8

$21.99 (4.7 oz)

$18.70 @ AH! YES –> CODE: WHI

$21.99 @ Lovehoney

Description:

Bottom Line: Extremely hydrating and long-lasting thanks to a rich formula that includes skin-loving shea butter and vitamin E, this lube is our top oil-based pick for anal use. Although it is incompatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms (as all oils are) and cannot be used with latex or rubber toys, the texture of AH! YES OB is incredibly thick and lotion-like, requiring little in the way of reapplication. [Full Review + Video]

Also Good (Silicone)

Sliquid Silver

4.3

$34.00 (4.2 oz)

$25.49 @ Lovehoney –> CODE: AFF-WH15

$27.99 @ HotCherry

Description:

Bottom Line: This ultra-concentrated premium formula uses three of the slickest pharmaceutical-grade silicones available and requires minimal reapplication, even during extended use. With just a few drops applied, the silk-like texture goes on smooth and reduces friction while heightening sensation. Our testers loved its lasting endurance and versatility in water and the bedroom. [Full Review + Video]

Also Good (Oil)

Organic Glide

4.7

$22.95 ($9.18 / Ounce)

Check Price

Description:

Bottom Line: Made with all-natural ingredients, Organic Glide’s thick texture melts into friction-reducing magic when used as an anal lubricant. A little bit goes a long way with impressive staying power, although it cannot be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms, nor with latex or rubber sex toys. While oil-based lubes can be a mess to clean up after, Organic Glide washes out of fabrics easily and does NOT stain — at all! [Full Review + Video]

09/30/2023 10:13 am GMT

Beyond our top recommendations, there are plenty of personal lubricant options available for anal sex, including:

Water-based lubricants (not recommended for anal sex)
Silicone-based lubricants
Oil-based lubricants
Organic/natural lubricants

Here’s a cheat sheet for selecting the best lube based on how you intend to use it:

Lube Type:	Water-Based	Silicone-Based	Oil-Based
Oral Sex	Yes	Yes	Not usually
Vaginal Sex	ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable	Yes	Yes
Anal Sex	ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable	Yes	Yes
Condom Types	All	All	Polyurethane, nitrile and lambskin only
Sex Toy Types	All	All but silicone	All but latex
Bath/Shower Use	No	Yes	Yes
Does It Stain?	No	Yes	Yes

Lube Type:
Oral Sex
Vaginal Sex
Anal Sex
Condom Types
Sex Toy Types
Bath/Shower Use
Does It Stain?

For every situation and personal preference, there’s a personal lubricant, so if you’re not sure which is right for you, read through our in-depth lube guide or take our helpful lube quiz to find your perfect match.

Dr. Susan Milstein, the medical review team member we spoke with earlier, explained:

“Deciding to use lube for anal sex is important, but make sure it’s one that’s safe for anal sex. Having the wrong lube, like a water-based one for anal, defeats the purpose of using it in the first place.”

Let’s take a look at the four main lube categories below.

Water-Based Lubricants (Not Recommended For Anal Sex)

Water-based lube is water-soluble — making it easy to clean up — and it tends to have a texture that’s similar to your body’s natural lubrication.

Additionally, water-based lube is safe to use with any type of condom, dental dam, or diaphragm.

That’s where their benefits stop, however, when it comes to anal sex.

Water-based lubes are often too thin to provide comfortable anal penetration, but more importantly, they rarely have an anal-safe pH or osmolality level — which can lead to irritation or infection.

In fact, we cannot recommend a single water-based anal lubricant for this reason and highly suggest you choose a different lubricant base altogether.

Silicone-Based Lubricants

Silicone-based lubes last much longer than water-based options and are just as safe for condoms of all types.

Since we’re discussing anal sex, silicone may be a better and safer option than water-based lube.

Silicone personal lubricants tend to have a thicker consistency and silky-smooth texture that is noticeably different from your body’s natural lubrication.

Their heavier, cushiony texture makes them a particularly good choice for anal sex; in fact, most of our anal lube recommendations are silicone-based.

Silicone lube won’t wash away in the shower, which is great. But they can’t be used with silicone sex toys because they may damage the material.

Our review of the best silicone-based personal lubes explores all of our hand-picked recommendations of the safest products available right now.

Oil-Based Lubricants

An oil-based lubricant is one that is made from natural (and sometimes organic) oils that are body-safe for anal sex.

Oil-based lubes are thicker than other lubricants, last longer, and don’t need to be re-applied as often as others.

But they’re not right for everyone.

Some products may include nut-based oil ingredients, which is cause for concern for those who have allergies.

Additionally, oil-based personal lubricants cannot be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms, which is problematic if you rely on these during anal sex.

If you’re interested in learning more about them, we’ve found the best oil-based personal lubricants.

Natural And Organic Lubricants

Natural and organic personal lubricants may be water-based or oil-based, depending on the formulation, although when it comes to anal sex, it’s best to stick with oils.

Natural and organic products made using nut-based oils should be avoided if you or your partners are allergic to those ingredients.

Through our independent research, we found the best and safest natural and organic lubricants that are available right now.

Are There Any Safe Home Anal Lube Alternatives?

If you’re in a bind and you need a safe anal lube alternative that can be found in your home right now, there are some decent options available:

Argan oil
Avocado oil
CBD oil
Coconut oil (virgin, unrefined)
Shea butter
Vitamin E oil

Although these anal lube alternatives are generally considered to be safe, remember that oil-based lube alternatives should never be used with condoms made from latex or polyisoprene, as they’ll degrade their materials, increasing the risk of STI transmission.

Additionally, before using any of them as anal lube, it’s smart to do a patch test by applying a little bit of the substance to your inner elbow to watch for any sign of allergic reaction.

In Conclusion

Anal without lubrication doesn’t feel good, leads to painful anal penetration, and could cause injuries in an area you definitely don’t want them.

Dr. Milstein, the human sexuality health educator from our medical review board, offered this advice:

“One last thing to keep in mind, lubes that are good for anal sex may not be good if you plan on also having vaginal sex. Make sure to have different lubes on hand for wherever your sex play might take you.”

It’s so easy to find a high-quality and safe personal lubricant for anal sex — and plenty of reasons to make sure you do.

Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Everything Lube hub, an in-depth and evolving resource that comprehensively explores all aspects of personal lubricants from the different types and how to use them, to ingredients and safety — created to help you achieve the sexual pleasure you deserve.