If you’re bringing silicone anal toys into the mix, you’ll want to avoid silicone-based lubes, since this kind of lube erodes silicone toys. But oil-based lubes (like coconut oil) can break down condoms and render them less effective, so if you’re using a condom, steer clear of that kind of lube. Oil- and silicone-based lubes are thicker and longer lasting, making them great for anal play. When it comes to lube, you pretty much have three options: oil-based, silicone-based, and water-based. That’s because these tears create openings in the skin, potentially allowing infection-causing pathogens to enter. Not only is that painful, it also makes you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections, like gonorrhea and HIV, board-certified ob-gyn Jacques Moritz, M.D., tells SELF.
