Anal Lubrication is very important because the anus and rectum do not self-lubricate, so lubricants from a bottle, tube, or jar are extremely useful and important for making anal penetration and play alot more comfortable and more pleasurable. There are quite literally hundreds of different types of lubricants available.
Water Based Lube
Water-based lube is usually considered to be the safest lubrication. It is popular because most people don’t find it to be irritating, but mostly because does not cause latex to deteriorate, so sex is safer. Its worth noting that some people find water-based lubes which contain glycerine or sugar can potentially cause yeast infections or irritations, particularly if already prone.
You maybe asking why would lube have Glycerine or Sugar in them, well this is usually how flavoured lubes are made, which are designed for external-use only and are not to be used inside the vagina or anus.
One minor drawback is that water-based lubes tend to dry more quickly than most other forms of lubricant, but adding a bit more lube, water, or saliva can reactivate its slippery properties with no time and adds a little more variation to the scheme of things.
Oil Based Lube
Oil-based lubes are not really recommended as a form of lubrication for safer sex any more, there are a number of valid reasons for this. First up the oil can leave a coating on the rectum, or vagina that can lead to bacterial or other infections taking hold. Secondly Oil-based lubes can also break down latex condoms, dams, gloves, other latex safe-sex products, diaphragms, and cervical caps, thus reducing their effectiveness as preventing STI / STD Transmission and Unwanted Pregnancy.
In saying that, its also worth noting that if your playing alone or using sex toys including butt plugs, that Oil-Based Lubes will allow you easier access and make it more pleasurable on the whole.
It is very important to consider if you apply oil-based lubes to latex condoms on sex toys or toys that are made of latex, either will deteriorate with use.
Silicone Based Lube
Silicone-based lubes are a newer form of lubrication. They have become quite popular since they are safe to use with all condoms and any latex products.
Silicone-based lubes are also longer lasting than water-based lubes. However, they can be a bit harder to wash off and some women report irritation if the silicone lube is left on for too long.
One main drawback is that they can cause damage to sex toys that are made of silicone.
Using a condom with water-based lube instead of silicone-based lube may help protect the toy from breaking or getting damaged.
