No matter how close the vagina and the anus are, they are different worlds with their own rules, opportunities and risks. There are also two completely different ways of obtaining them for their use. In order for both of these events to turn into a fun and enjoyable party for all parties involved, these differences must be taken into account and the body's needs adjusted. Any vaginal lubricant can also be used as anal, but not all anal lubricants are vagina-friendly. So what is the best lubricant for sex?
Vaginal lubricants
Neutral pH
Lubricants intended primarily for vaginal use must be harmless to the vaginal microflora. This means that their pH level should be neutral so that it does not disturb the healthy pH balance of the vagina. The vagina has an acidic environment that corresponds to a pH of 3.8 to 4.5. It has its own microbiome, which contains “good” and “bad” bacteria. As long as the amount of this drug is in balance, the vaginal microflora is healthy. Inappropriate use of lubricants can be one of the reasons for the imbalance of the vaginal microflora, which can cause discomfort, irritation or even an outbreak of a yeast infection. The pH level of the vaginal lubricant should be within the vaginal pH range. The higher the pH of the lubricant, the greater the risk of experiencing an adverse reaction to this substance. If the pH of the lubricant is only slightly below the recommended norm, it is automatically not yet possible that its use will have bad consequences, but it will still be bad, to avoid such risk. Ladies who are exposed to dairy products or often face a fungal infection should be especially careful. Also, during pregnancy and postpartum, risk using lubricants of unknown quality, which can negatively affect well-being and even health.
Water base, silicone base and oil base
The most suitable for vaginal use are water-based lubricants(with an indication on the package about pH compatibility). Silicone-based variants are not inherently harmful to the vagina, but the body's reaction and the state of the vagina's health must be monitored if there is a desire to use it as the only lubricant in the long term. Every time after using a silicone-based lubricant, it should be thoroughly washed off the body with soap, which can cause too much stress on the female genitals. It should be remembered that the inside of the vagina should not be washed, rinsed or cleaned in any other way! This means that you have to wait for the vagina to clean itself and all the lubricant remaining together with the vaginal discharge will be washed out. In contrast, water-based lubricants do not necessarily need to be washed off. However, if there is such a desire, it can be rinsed very easily with just water (even without soap), because water dissolves them perfectly.
The least suitable lubricant base for vaginal use is an oil base. We can never be absolutely sure of the added quality, as manufacturers tend to choose cheaper raw materials so that the price of the final product is within the user's ability. First of all, high quality oils are very expensive. Even with an expensive product, you still have no guarantee of the desired result, because good behavior on the skin can be very unpredictable. Natural oils are biologically active and therefore can be dangerous. In contrast, synthetic oils can create a non-breathable oily layer that blocks the skin from breathing and cleansing. The most common complaints after using oil-based lubricants (or other oil products for the same purpose) are clogged pores, which can further manifest as comedones or even blackheads. If there is a strong desire to use an oil-based lubricant, e.g. for vaginal fisting, then these risks should be taken into account. After the activity, the vulva (the outer part of the female genitals) must be thoroughly washed with gentle intimate soap. Why is such a specific type of activity as fisting mentioned in the example? Because oil-based lubricants are usually meant for fisting and big toy use. It is safest not to use such a lubricant or to leave it for anal play and not to provoke the prescribed vaginal microflora. There are some high-quality natural oils (not oil-based lubricants, but oils) that are commonly used for perineal massage, but they will not be lubricants in nature. It is better to use these oils only when necessary and not as a regular helper in moments of intimacy. If there is a desire for a lubricant that is not an oil, but has an oil-like consistency, a silicone-based lubricant can be chosen.
Hybrid lubricants, which contain both water-based and silicone-based components, should theoretically combine the properties of these two bases. They will be more slippery than pure water-based lube, but rarely have the right pH. Most often, however, hybrid lubricants are intended for anal stimulation or use on the external genitalia.
Anal lubricants
Since the anus is not able to lubricate by itself, it needs proper additional forces to ensure gliding. Also, in terms of volume, anal play usually uses much more lubricant than vaginal or external genital play. Lubricants of this category have additional comfort-providing ingredients added, such as jojoba oil or panthenol.
Selection by lubricant base
If silicone toys are planned during anal activities, then a water-based or hybrid lubricant will be used. Silicone-based and oil-based lubricants will damage silicone toys. If there is a desire to reuse silicone toys and silicone-based lubricant, then place the toy in a condom. If you want to use an oil-based lubricant, the toy can be placed inside a polyisoprene or polyurethane (not latex!) condom. Do not use an oil-based lubricant or other oils with a latex condom, as this will damage the condom material, which may cause it to tear.
If no toys are used during anal play or only glass and metal objects are used, any base lubricant can be used!
Water-based lubricants intended for anal play will be thicker in consistency, longer sliding, with a higher concentration of lubricants relative to water, the pH of some water-based anal lubricants is not suitable, although in terms of ingredients, there is nothing harmful to the vagina. Such water-based anal lubricants will not do any harm, even once they accidentally or accidentally get into them, but it is better not to choose it as a basic vaginal lubricant for daily use.