Vaseline + buttsex = ?

August 5, 2008 7:36 PM

Is vaseline okay for gay sex? (NSFW and probably gross for most people)

I'm talking gay unprotected anal sex.

Assume these are two consenting adults that are engaged in a monogamous relationship. Don't derail my question with cautions of the inherent risk of bareback sex. It's extremely risky, don't do it!!!! Okay, lets move on.

I know that popular opinion is against using this material for lube. FACT: It breaks down latex in toys and condoms and can linger a bit so it could break down condoms used in the next few days or so. RUMOR? I've heard that it can harbor bacteria which is a risk for infection -- however, I just learned that silicone lube does this also and I've used it for years without any problems. I've also heard that it's used for actual medical purposes 'down there' without issue. I've done lots of googling, but I can only find info about how you're not supposed to use it for vaginal sex and the occasional cautionary tales of condom breakage.

So, that leads me to the question - can I use vaseline as lube and not mess up my ass or the ass of my loved one? Assume frequent usage 5-9 times per week, and a good shower post-coitus. It'd be great to hear from someone that actually uses it regularly or perhaps has a friend or whatever. Thanks!

throwaway email: [e-mail]

posted by anonymous to health & fitness (15 answers total)

Vaseline is so messy. This stuff is fantastic.
posted by bukharin at 7:45 PM on August 5, 2008

Good God, that is frequent use.

My number-one concern would be that at such a frequency, showering is going to do nothing to prevent the internal buildup* of layers and layers of petroleum jelly, fecal matter, semen, and (yes) bacteria for the receptive partner. The least-bad consequence is that it wouldn't be very comfortable.

*You know how hard it is to wash Vaseline off of exposed skin? Take away the direct contact with soap and water, and there you go.
posted by kittyprecious at 7:48 PM on August 5, 2008

It's really really hard to wash off of skin and even harder to wash it off of hair. So, I'm not sure what you'd consider a "messed-up ass" but if that definition includes being always sort of sticky/greasy down there, I'd avoid the Vaseline.
posted by jessamyn at 7:57 PM on August 5, 2008

Mucous cleans your rectum and colon.

Petroleum jelly is the standard rectal exam/insertion/probe lube used unless there's an electrical safety hazard. Some people get lubricated several times a day. External cleansing is all that's necessary. Petroleum jelly can be difficult to clean from hairy areas. If you use a light oil, like olive oil, to clean the petroleum jelly off before washing with soap and water, you'll have better success.
posted by reflecked at 7:59 PM on August 5, 2008

Go Ask Alice is a pretty excellent site from Columbia University. I didn't find anything specifically about petroleum jelly, but this tidbit of info about olive oil seems to apply:

Just because olive oil is ineffective for use with latex does not mean you have to avoid using it in all cases. Although using a condom is always a good idea, monogamous partners who have tested negative for sexually transmitted infections (STIs) could decide to forgo a condom and use olive oil for lubricant. However, even monogamous partners may think twice about an olive oil lubricant for other reasons. For some people, olive (or any) oil can clog the anal glands and follicles, which could lead to irritation and even fungal and bacterial infections. If you notice irritation after using any type of lube, it's probably a good idea to wash up well and switch to another.

(Here's the link)
posted by Stewriffic at 8:00 PM on August 5, 2008

Um, er, let's just say if you use a lot it tends to get funky.

Also, wash your hands before putting them back in the tub.

But other than that, it's cool.
posted by sondrialiac at 8:15 PM on August 5, 2008

Wellll, I've used a LOT of different lubes down there, including ye olden Vaseline. As long as you're going bareback, I personally prefer olive oil or plain 'ol spit (hey, this post ain't for the squeamish, right?), but more often than not we end up using KY lube. I know it's old fashioned, but I'll be damned if it doesn't work best for us.

Let's be REALLY gross for a second. 5-9 times per week? Every respectable gay man knows that a happy pounding will take at least a day to 'work it's way out of your system'. Vaseline hangs around... at that frequency you possibly COULD be dealing with some buildup. But honestly, only YOU can tell by taking a look at what's coming out when you do your post-coitus business.. as in the next day. Your diet could actually make a difference. In other words, take a look at the paper buddy. Greasy? Viscous? Lay off the Vaseline.

Butt (hehe) to reply to your question, I've never found any long term problems from using Vaseline - after all it was a staple around the house for YEARS before more exotic things came along. That being said, it's just too thick, too heavy with viscosity, and let's face it - it's PETROLEUM BASED! Why propagate our reliance on foreign oil?? Really though, if that's your lube of choice and it works for you and your partner - keep on using it. Just check that toilet paper and keep having fun!
posted by matty at 8:18 PM on August 5, 2008

I personally hate vaseline (or anything oil-based) as lube, as a top, due to the difficulty of washing it off. I couldn't imagine how difficult it would be to remove internally, and buildup would definitely be a concern, especially at the (rather awe-inspiring; well done!) frequency you're talking about.

Stick to water- or silicon-based lubricants. I prefer silicone-based, but just realized recently: the whole problem with breast implants was silicone leaking into the bloodstream. Food for thought.
posted by dirtynumbangelboy at 8:26 PM on August 5, 2008

I usually find LJ's Gay Sex Tips community to be a useful resource with plenty of first-hand experience to share. I looked through their (incomplete) archive and couldn't find an exact match, but you might have better luck (or just sign up and ask 'em).
posted by metabrilliant at 8:30 PM on August 5, 2008

Astroglide is fairly decent. It can be a little irritating but it cleans up nicely — much more so than other lubes. KY gets sticky quickly and we don't use it any more. Astroglide is definitely worth a try.
posted by Blazecock Pileon at 12:37 AM on August 6, 2008

One word answer: Applesauce.
posted by OneCrayon at 2:11 AM on August 6, 2008

Vaseline can provide a very comfortable lube for the same reasons it is difficult to wash off: It's heavy. That very heaviness smooths out the creases and wrinkles. At your idea of frequency, that may get quite important. This varies from person to person, butt also by situation. Also, I'll point out that petroleum jelly is sold in convenient squeeze tubes, so the supply stays more sanitary.

That being said, my lube of choice has for some time been, plain cooking oil. By 'plain', I mean the most tasteless oil you can find. I don't always like the fragrance of olive oil. If you can find a refillable squeeze bottle, it keeps things convenient and neat, too. (an empty real-lemon squeeze bottle, for example).

But seriously, the frequency you suggest is really amazing. And I don't mean for having sex, rather for anal sex. If I got it that way half as often, I'd end up in diapers (seriously). But there is this other wonderful thing two guys can do, endorsed even by a former President of the United States: 'fellatio', otherwise known as 'blow jobs', or 'sucking cock'. ;-9 It's really good fun, and relaxing, too. Clean-up is built-in, so you can enjoy it and fall right to sleep.

Do consider too, if you're out for a long-term relationship, you want to vary the sex as much as you can manage. Constant anal sex gets tiresome and mechanical, on the one hand, and on the other, can lead to addiction and dependency. In advanced cases, you end up a Size Queen, always looking for something bigger to stuff up your butt. Next thing you know, you're the new goatse. I've seen it happen, I've been around a long time.
posted by Goofyy at 4:11 AM on August 6, 2008 [2 favorites]

Oh, another fun lube is cocoa butter. The good stuff (pure) is sold out of a refrigerator at pharmacies (Used to by a brand called "Wooltra"). What I had was sold in a stick, like chapstick, but bigger.
posted by Goofyy at 4:16 AM on August 6, 2008 [1 favorite]

Would you put lube in your car? No? So don't put petrol up your ass. <>

Having said that, it should be fine if you really want to. But why not go with something designed for the purpose? I recommend Boy Butter.
posted by Lleyam at 5:35 AM on August 6, 2008

Years ago, my ex and I used to use Albolene. He claimed (don't know if this is true) that Al Parker used to use it. :-) It cleaned up well, being a cleanser after all, and lasted a long, slick, satisfying time. If you were in fact using it that frequently, though, you might have some concerns about how it would affect the insides.
posted by Robert Angelo at 8:27 AM on August 6, 2008