Can You Use Cum As Lube, Or For Anal Sex?
While you can technically use cum as lube and it can be safe in certain circumstances, it isn’t always going to be the best choice for everyone.
Here’s why:
- Cum is a bodily fluid that can contain bacteria or viruses responsible for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If the person providing this lube alternative is infected, they can pass their infection(s) to their partner.
- The risk for pregnancy is high when using semen as lube because the average ejaculate contains almost 100 million sperm.
- As a bodily fluid, cum has a limited supply that may not provide enough lubrication during vaginal or anal penetration.
- Although uncommon, semen allergies can cause adverse reactions (rash or irritation in mild cases, or anaphylaxis if the allergy is severe) when using cum as lube.
If you’re not concerned about unintended pregnancy or STIs, cum can be a safe lube alternative — but it might not be the best choice if you’re looking for something long-lasting.
Whenever possible, it’s better to buy a personal lubricant formulated for the kind of sex you’re having.
In this article, we’re going to cover everything you need to know about using cum as a personal lubricant, including:
Editor’s Note: This article is part of our Lube Alternatives and Everything Lube hubs, in-depth and evolving resources that comprehensively explore 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.
Can You Use Cum As Lube?
You can — and it might be safe — but there are considerations.
Here’s what you need to know about using cum as lube:
- Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are passed through bodily fluids that including cum (semen). If an infected person uses their cum as a lubricant, they can pass their infection(s) to their unprotected partner.
- The average single load of ejaculate (semen) contains almost 100 million sperm cells so using cum as lube carries a high risk of unintended pregnancy.
- There is a limited supply of cum, so it may not provide adequate lubrication during sex — especially when it comes to anal penetration.
- Although the frequency is unknown, people can be allergic to semen, and using cum as lube may cause a reaction that, in some cases, can be life-threatening.
The biggest concerns over using cum as lube have to do with prophylaxis (staving off a pregnancy) and preventing STI transmission between partners.
If you’re at all worried about STIs, using cum as lube is about as far from safe as you can get — even if you use condoms.
The reason? Lube is applied over the outside of the condom before penetration.
If you’re using cum as lube, that fluid will make direct contact with your (now) unprotected partner.
This is also why cum shouldn’t be used as a lubricant if you’re concerned about pregnancy and aren’t taking precautions to prevent it.
Semen (cum) contains an average of almost 100 million sperm cells and without the use of birth control (like a diaphragm, IUD, or the pill, for instance), it can result in unintended pregnancy when used as a lube.
Perhaps the most inconvenient aspect of using cum as lube is that someone has to ejaculate at least once first.
Even so, there will be a limited supply on hand — the body can only produce so much semen at any given time. Additionally, it can “dry up” quickly during penetration.
For this reason, it may not provide enough lubrication for sex, particularly the anal variety.
Finally, as with anything you’re using as a personal lubricant, it’s important to ensure that neither partner has an allergy to it — and that includes semen.
Yes, it’s possible to be allergic to semen, although the rate of incidence is unknown.
Allergic reactions to semen can be mild (including irritation or rash) to severe (anaphylaxis). If either partner has an allergy to semen, it should never be used as a personal lubricant.
Cum won’t degrade condoms or sex toys of any material, however, the risks associated with STIs or pregnancy are still a consideration.
If either is a concern, it’s best to find a safer lube alternative or store-bought lube. If you enjoy the visual appeal of semen, cum lubes can provide that — without the risk of STIs or pregnancy.
Can You Use Cum As A Vaginal Lube?
Yes, you can — if it is a safe option for your situation.
Dr. Susan Milstein, a human sexuality educator on our medical review board, explained that the definition of “safety” can vary depending on the risk associated with pregnancy and STIs — or both.
“While [semen] can be used as a lubricant for vaginal [sex], there might be a risk of pregnancy if the person isn’t using some form of birth control (aside from a condom),” she said.
Seminal fluid can be an effective personal lubricant in terms of glide and it’s safe for all condom materials — but the use of a condom won’t prevent pregnancy if it’s being used with cum as lube.
Lubricant is used on the surface of the condom — which comes in direct contact with the person on the receiving end of vaginal penetration.
During vaginal sex, seminal fluid as lube is essentially the same as cumming inside — and carries the exact same risks.
“For both vaginal and anal [sex], there’s the potential risk for STIs,” Dr. Milstein added.
Both partners should disclose their STI status before using cum as lube to ensure that any needed precautions can be taken.
If it isn’t safe to use cum as lube, choose a better lube alternative or store-bought personal lubricant.
Can You Use Cum As Anal Lube?
Yes, you can use cum as anal lube but it’s probably not going to be the best option.
Aside from the precautions detailed above — disclosing STI status and using birth control (in case of leakage on the vulva or in the vagina) — seminal fluid will dry up quickly when used as anal lube.
The anus doesn’t self-lubricate so some type of lube is always necessary for anal penetration.
Ideally, the best anal lube is one that provides enough slippage to reduce friction and aid comfort.
If adequate lubrication isn’t used during anal sex, injury to the anus can occur — including tears, fissures, irritation, and inflammation, all of which can lead to infection.
Cum as anal lube may be slick enough as penetration begins, but it won’t last nearly as long as a proper anal lube will.
For this reason, it shouldn’t be used as anal lube because there’s simply not enough of it.
But there’s more.
Social media is awash with men wanting to know how to store ejaculate for use as lube at a later time.
The best way to do this is to NOT do it. There are plenty of safe cum lubes available on the market if you’re really into the idea of using a bottle of “semen” as lube.
Semen can be stored safely in a scientific environment that includes cold storage, sterile conditions, and medical expertise.
Laypeople simply cannot create these same conditions in the home.
Semen should never be saved for later use as lube because:
- It develops a foul odor in a short amount of time.
- It literally spoils as oxygen degrades the sperm.
- Semen will dry out, even if kept at cold temperatures.
- It is just unhygienic, as it can carry bacteria or viruses that cause STIs if the semen comes from an infected person.
If you’re into anal sex, the very best course of action is to skip using cum as lube and choose a quality anal lubricant instead.
What Is Cum Made From And Is It Safe?
Seminal fluid contains a few interesting chemicals and of course — sperm, although not always. Biologically speaking, its purpose is to facilitate impregnation.
Seminal fluid changes in phases as it progresses from pre-ejaculate (precum) into semen (cum).
Precum is a natural lubricant that typically presents itself once a penis is erect and stimulation begins.
That said, precum may contain some sperm. One study found that motile sperm were present in 37% of pre-ejaculate samples.
Without precum being tested in a lab, it is impossible to know if it contains live sperm cells.
As ejaculation approaches, a few drops of mucus are secreted from bulbourethral glands, also known as Cowper’s glands.
This mucus neutralizes urethral acidity, creating a safe, pH-friendly path for sperm to be released.
The sperm-rich portion of ejaculate is viscous to protect sperm from oxygen, which is toxic to little swimmers.
Although there may be as many as 100 million sperm in one load of ejaculate, actual sperm comprises 2-5% of the total volume of semen.
The composition of semen is a combination of fluids from the seminal vesicles, prostate gland, testicles, and the urethral and bulbourethral glands.
Seminal fluid contains several different enzymes, prostaglandin, citric acid, free amino acids, fructose, phosphorylcholine, zinc, and potassium.
Cum is safe — even to ingest during oral sex — but as Dr. Milstein mentioned earlier, safety is relative based on your risk associated with STIs or pregnancy.
What Are Better Lube Alternatives To Cum?
Instead of using cum as a lubricant, it might be best to buy a body-safe personal lubricant.
There are many personal lubricant options to suit any kind of sexual activity you plan to indulge in and there is even a variety of realistic cum lubes to choose from.
- Water-based lubricants
- Silicone-based lubricants
- Oil-based lubricants
- Organic/natural lubricants (water or oil-based)
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? |
There is a personal lubricant designed for every situation, so if you’re not sure which to choose, you can read through our in-depth lube guide or take our lube quiz to find your perfect match.
Our Top Lube Recommendations
After researching hundreds of personal lubricants — and personally testing dozens of them ourselves — we have found the very best lubes of each type, vetted by our team and recommended for their safety and performance.
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Best Overall Lube
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Top Pick: Water-Based
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Top Pick: Silicone-Based
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Top Pick: Oil-Based
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$11.95 (2.5 oz)
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$12.99 (4 oz)
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$21.95 (8.5 oz)
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$21.99 (4.7 oz)
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Description: Bottom Line: The best personal lubricants offer a completely natural texture that mimics your body’s own lubrication while being compatible with all condom types, sex toys, and sexual activities. Aloe Cadabra is our best overall lube because it is easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, and made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe — a soothing ingredient that is perfect for those with sensitive skin — plus it’s available in 12+ flavors to sweeten oral sex safely. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: Water-based personal lubricants are the go-to choice for many people because they are compatible with every sex toy material and condom type, making them incredibly popular among lube enthusiasts. Almost Naked is our top lube in this category because it is made with 95% organic ingredients while offering a long-lasting, gel-like formula that mimics your body's natural lubrication with a delicious vanilla scent and no sweet flavor during oral sex. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: This is our team's favorite silicone-based lubricant because a little goes a very long way and it feels incredibly silky and smooth to the touch. The need for reapplication is minimal and like most lubes of this nature, holds up well when used in the water. One thing we really loved about Valm is the smart bottle design, which not only features a sleek pump, but a smart locking mechanism that prevents accidental spills or leakage — and it can be activated with just one hand. [Full Review + Video] |
Description: Bottom Line: While often overlooked, oil-based lubricants are as long-lasting as those made from silicone while being equally waterproof, moisturizing, and suited to anal sex. They are not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms and shouldn't be used with latex or rubber sex toys. Made with the best ingredients, AH! YES OB is a certified 99% organic lubricant that doubles as a sensual massage oil. Formulated to soothe and condition skin, it doesn’t need to be washed off. [Read Full Review] |
Bottom Line: The best personal lubricants offer a completely natural texture that mimics your body’s own lubrication while being compatible with all condom types, sex toys, and sexual activities. Aloe Cadabra is our best overall lube because it is easy to use, lightweight, highly versatile, and made with 95% food-grade NSF Certified organic aloe — a soothing ingredient that is perfect for those with sensitive skin — plus it’s available in 12+ flavors to sweeten oral sex safely. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: Water-based personal lubricants are the go-to choice for many people because they are compatible with every sex toy material and condom type, making them incredibly popular among lube enthusiasts. Almost Naked is our top lube in this category because it is made with 95% organic ingredients while offering a long-lasting, gel-like formula that mimics your body's natural lubrication with a delicious vanilla scent and no sweet flavor during oral sex. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: This is our team's favorite silicone-based lubricant because a little goes a very long way and it feels incredibly silky and smooth to the touch. The need for reapplication is minimal and like most lubes of this nature, holds up well when used in the water. One thing we really loved about Valm is the smart bottle design, which not only features a sleek pump, but a smart locking mechanism that prevents accidental spills or leakage — and it can be activated with just one hand. [Full Review + Video]
Bottom Line: While often overlooked, oil-based lubricants are as long-lasting as those made from silicone while being equally waterproof, moisturizing, and suited to anal sex. They are not compatible with latex or polyisoprene condoms and shouldn't be used with latex or rubber sex toys. Made with the best ingredients, AH! YES OB is a certified 99% organic lubricant that doubles as a sensual massage oil. Formulated to soothe and condition skin, it doesn’t need to be washed off. [Read Full Review]
Editor's Note: When you purchase a product via an affiliate link (*) on our site, we earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. On behalf of our entire team, thank you in advance for your support!
We’ll take a quick look at the four main lubricant categories below.
- Water-Based Lubricants
Water-based lubricants are a great alternative to using cum as lube.
Water-soluble lube provides excellent glide and it feels almost like your body’s natural lubrication.
Better still, water-based lube can be used safely with diaphragms, dental dams, condoms of all types, as well any type of sex toy.
If you’re into marathon sex sessions, you may find yourself needing to reapply water-based lube. Additionally, it can’t be used for sex in the bath or shower, as the water will rinse it away too easily.
Our selections for the safest and best water-based personal lubricants can help you find the right one for your needs.
- Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone-based lubes are popular because they last so much longer than water-based lubes and they’re equally safe for every type of condom.
If you’re trying to decide between water-based and silicone-based lubes, there are a few things to consider.
Silicone lubricants are thick and silky — and very different from the lubrication produced by your body.
These lubes are heavier and more viscous, making them a great choice for anal sex.
Silicone-based lubes may seem like an ideal partner to silicone sex toys — but they aren’t. In fact, using silicone lube with a silicone vibrator, dildo, or sleeve will damage it.
You certainly don’t want to ruin your favorite sex toy because you chose the wrong lube.
We’ve researched and reviewed the best silicone-based lubricants and ranked our findings.
- Oil-Based Lubricants
Oil-based personal lubes are made from natural and/or organic ingredients that are safe for anal or vaginal sex.
These may include oil blends containing tree nut oils that may impact those with allergies. Always check labels and consult a doctor if you’re unsure about whether a product is safe for you.
Oil-based lubricants are a good choice for anal sex as they’re similar in texture to silicone lubes.
They tend to last longer than water-based or silicone lubricants and are a popular choice for those looking for a less chemical, more natural option.
Keep in mind though that the word “natural” means something different to every company.
However, oil-based lubes should not be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms or diaphragms, nor with sex toys made from latex or jelly rubber.
They should also not be used with dental dams, although most oil-based lubricants shouldn’t be ingested or used for oral sex because their thick texture can present a choking hazard.
Interested in learning more about oil-based lube? We’ve compiled our favorite oil-based personal lubricants.
- Natural And Organic Lubricants
Natural and organic personal lubes encompass a wide variety of water-based or oil-based body-safe products for vaginal or anal sex.
Some of these products do contain nut-based oils or other potential allergens.
Always ensure that what you’re buying is compatible with you, your sex toys, and your preferred method(s) or pregnancy protection and STI precautions.
Choosing the right natural or organic lube depends on your personal needs. We’ve researched and ranked the safest and best natural and organic lubes you can buy right now.
Are There Any Safe Home Lube Alternatives?
If it’s an emergency and you need a lube alternative that can be found around the house, there are some options available:
- Aloe vera gel (pure)
- Argan oil
- Avocado oil
- CBD oil
- Coconut oil (virgin, unrefined)
- Shea butter
- Vitamin E oil
If you intend to use an oil-based lube alternative, note that it can’t be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms, diaphragms, or dental dams.
It’s a good idea to do a patch test on your inner elbow to monitor potential skin reactions before using any lube alternative for masturbation or sex.
Bottom Line:
Sometimes you just need a lube alternative in a hurry and using cum as lube is a viable solution in certain situations.
Under the wrong circumstances though, using semen as lube can lead to unintended pregnancy or STIs.
It’s better to be safe than sorry.
A good rule of thumb to follow: If it isn’t safe to cum inside, don’t use cum as lube.
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