We often say, ‘the wetter the better,’ but that may not apply to all types of sex,” O’Reilly says. While plenty of lube can be a great accessory for penetrative sex, she says it might be better in small amounts—like, only a few drops—for non-penetrative sex. Contaminants such as dirt, dust, and debris can accumulate over time inside the injector and O-ring assembly, causing wear or damage to the seal. This is why it's important to keep your fuel system clean and free of any contaminants that might cause issues down the line. 2. Poor Installation Lastly, depending on the type of lubricant used, certain chemicals may interact with other components in the fuel injection system resulting in corrosion or further damage to the parts. Therefore, it is important to use only compatible lubricants that have been tested for compatibility with all applicable components when applying lubrication on O-rings. Key Symptoms of Worn or Damaged Fuel Injector O-Ring

Another common issue is improper installation or fitment of the O-ring in its respective port. If not installed correctly, it may prevent the injector from properly sealing at the connection point which could lead to a leaking injector or poor engine performance. 3. Overheating of Engine Parts Seriously, the worst-case scenario is that you have to wipe a little bit away if you over-pour. There is not a soul on this green earth who doesn’t need lube from time to time — and if that statement makes you feel defensive, consider where that lube stigma is coming from. Your body is in no way “broken” and there is nothing “wrong” with you if you use lube. Lube is not solely for postmenopausal folks or anal play: It is ideal for any activity (unless you have a thing for really dry sex or something). There are a lot more options out there besides just smearing some on and calling it a day. Try these options to max out your lube experience. Use it for an epic hand job. But then again, only apply lubricant if the parts manufacturer or your vehicle manufacturer advises you to, and only use the one they have specified for this purpose. 5. Wear and Tear Due to AgeThrow on your bathing suits, folks, because we're going down the slip-n-slide to find the best anal lube for you. Going into anal sex without a lubricant is like going through your day without coffee: painful and almost always unsuccessful. On a more serious note, “using lube for anal play is crucial,” Jenn Mason, founder and owner of WinkWink, a Washington-based, women-owned sex shop, tells SELF. We spoke with experts to understand what to look for when shopping for anal lubes and why it’s beneficial for anal sex. Why should you use anal lube? Excessive heat can result in either melting or hardening of certain components within the fuel system, including the O-ring itself. This can lead to a decrease in performance as well as an increased risk of leakage or failure of the seal. 4. Incorrect Lubricant We have encountered a lot of people who strongly recommend lubricating the injector O-rings with soap, Vaseline, or other petroleum-based products upon installation or if they are having issues with their fittings. For us, doing any of these is bad news waiting to happen because of several reasons. We all have our less-hydrated days and, let’s be honest, spit is a really ineffective lubricant. If you’ve avoided lube in your sex life thus far, I challenge you to get yourself a small bottle, try it out next time you play, and tell me that shit isn’t awesome. You don’t even have to save it for partnered sex. Use a little the next time you masturbate and notice the difference. Abrasion occurs when the O-ring is rubbed against another surface, such as metal components within the fuel system, resulting in uneven surfaces and eventual wear on the seal itself.

It is clear that applying lubrication on an O-ring when it is worn or defective can lead to disastrous consequences. So, if you notice any signs of wear, damage, or defect in the injector O-ring, never attempt to use lubricants, and instead, have the damaged component replaced by a professional mechanic as soon as possible. One of the most obvious symptoms that may suggest a problem with your O-ring is leaking from the fuel line. If you find fuel leaks around where the injector attaches to its respective port on the engine, then chances are there's an issue with your O-ring. 2. Poor Engine Performance Using an incorrect lubricant on your O-ring may also cause it to wear prematurely due to incompatibility between the lubricant and components within the injector assembly. This is why you must always use a compatible lubricant that has been tested for compatibility with all applicable parts when applying lubrication on O-rings.

Unlike vaginas, [which provide natural lubrication], anuses do not self-lubricate,” board-certified ob-gyn Jacques Moritz, MD, previously told SELF. Anal penetration without adequate lubrication can cause the tissue in your anus to tear, SELF previously reported, which is both painful and dangerous. These tears in the anus area can make you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections (or STIs), like gonorrhea and HIV, according to Dr. Moritz. What kinds of lube are safe for anal sex? All of the experts we spoke to discouraged the use of flavored or scented personal lubricants for anal, vaginal, and oral sex. What’s more, avoid glycerin in your lubes, as it contains sugar, and that can alter vaginal pH, SELF previously reported. Water-based lube is also the best lube for sensitive skin. According to Engle and Dr. Queen, you should also avoid petroleum-based lubricants, and anything with parabens or preservatives. Oh, and please don’t put Vaseline down there. If you use a lube with numbing agents that gives you “tingly” or desensitizing sensations for vaginal sex, Dr. Queen says to skip it for anal play. “Anal sex can be painful when it’s not done right, but you want to listen to those messages and respond accordingly,” she says. “Slow down, add lube, take a break, ask your partner to be more gentle, etc. You don’t want to ignore your body’s signals. If you’re numb, you won’t receive those signals clearly, which can put you at risk.” Try this pro tip from O’Reilly: Lube up your fingers, and cross them, like you’re making an “I swear” motion. Then, slide them into your partner's vagina, while gently rotating them. You can use your thumb to work your partner’s clitoris while you’re at it. Smear them over your toys.