Oil-based lube: Oil-based lubes are known for their staying power. But heads up that the oil may leave a coating on the rectum or vagina that can increase the risk of urinary or vaginal infections, Dr. Shepherd says. Not everyone has this issue, though, and if you're able to use oil-based lube just fine, feel free to keep at it. Just remember that oil-based lubes should never be used with latex condoms. “If you're using any type of latex product, you can't use an oil-based lubricant because that will disintegrate the latex,” Dr. Shepherd says. 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

Lubrication on an O-ring may also create gaps between two surfaces, leading to uneven pressure distribution across the component. This can result in increased wear and tear over time due to increased friction and decreased seal integrity. 5. Possible Corrosion or Damage Oil-based lubricants are slippery and long-lasting, which is why sex experts like them. Coconut oil-based lubes especially have become popular in recent years. However, “oil-based lubes cannot be used with polyisoprene or latex condoms, as the lube can cause them to weaken and break,” says Mason. We do recommend using condoms for any kind of sex, so ensure that you find a compatible option (like lambskin, nitrile, or polyurethane condoms) should you opt for an oil-based lube. What to look for when shopping for anal lube 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.By being aware of these common causes and symptoms of O-ring damage, you can ensure that your fuel system is functioning properly and that your engine performance remains optimized at all times. With proper maintenance and care, you can help ensure that your vehicle runs smoothly for a long time. Common Types of Damages Found in the Injector O-Ring The SLHP-D Single Line Volumetric Injectors are made from white-galvanised steel and are fitted with Viton seals. An adjusting screw is used to set the quantity of lubricant that will be delivered per cycle. A visual indicator allows the user to verify correct operation. These injectors conform to the dimensions of competing injectors allowing easy replacement. The design of the system allows for expansion and facilitates easy maintenance. Manufacturer Silicone-based lube: These last longer than most other lubes, but they can be harder to wash off than other types, Dr. Shepherd says. They’re also not compatible with silicone sex toys, as it can break down the material, Dr. Shepherd explains. It is important to be aware of the potential risks of lubricating faulty O-rings and how they could affect your vehicle's performance. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to have your O-ring or the injectors inspected as soon as possible by an experienced mechanic to ensure maximum performance from your engine. Proper maintenance and inspecting for signs of O-ring damage regularly can help reduce the chances of costly repairs down the line. Common Causes of Wear or Damage in the Injector O-Ring

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?

Injectors

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 Age 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 One more symptom is abnormal noises coming from the engine due to uneven pressure distribution caused by faulty O-rings leading to increased friction between two surfaces. This could potentially cause parts to wear out over time and lead to costly repairs down the line. 5. Low Pressure Beyond the base of the lubricant, there are other things to keep in mind when looking for a go-to option. Mason recommends a high-viscosity, long-lasting lube for extra comfort. Jojoba oil, olive oil, grapeseed oil, sunflower oil, or sweet almond oil are also good ingredients to look for, per the Cleveland Clinic. A fragrance-free lube is ideal for everyone, but if you have sensitive skin or you've been sensitive to lube in the past, it’s even more important to find an option that’s hypoallergenic and made without fragrances. “Use a high-quality lube, be patient, and take the time to really enjoy yourself and set time aside to get fully aroused for sex,” Gigi Engle, ACS, a certified sex educator and host of Internet Sex Therapy, tells SELF. “The more lube the better. I always say you shouldn’t be thinking there can be “too much” lube. You should want to be on a water slide. It just makes everything better. This applies for all kinds of sex—but is especially important during anal—because the anal doesn’t self-lubricate like a vagina.” What you should avoid in an anal lube 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.

The O-rings are already designed to snuggly fit into the part where they are supposed to go. Typically, they come with a silicone-based grease coating already to aid their installation. So, adding more lubrication may result in more harm than good, unless specified by its manufacturer. O’Reilly recommends adding a few drops of lube to the base of your vagina or your toys before hitting the shower. Why? Water is notorious for washing away your own natural juices, and that can lead to some not-so-comfortable friction. Make anal play seamless. 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 PerformanceYou’re not born knowing how to use lube, and it's not always a topic covered in sex ed, so it’s more than fair if you’re not ~exactly~ sure what to do when you get your hands on a bottle. And, while you probably have a general idea of what to do with it, you might be missing out on some of the added perks it can offer you (and your sex life). Lube is everything when it comes to hand jobs,” O’Reilly says. Try smearing a few drops on your hands or putting some on your partner’s penis before you dive in. “Anything you can do with your mouth, you can do with your hands as long as you use lube—and your hands are more flexible and dexterous,” O’Reilly says. She recommends interlacing your lubed-up fingers and going for it. Take fingering your partner up a notch. 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.

Extrusion and nibbling occur when the O-ring is forced through a small opening due to high pressure, resulting in a rough surface texture that can cause abrasive wear over time. 3. Abrasion Natural lube: Natural lubes don’t contain chemicals and additives that can be irritants, particularly to people with sensitive skin. “Natural lubes usually consist of ingredients that can range from homemade to store-bought and have the lowest amounts of ingredients,” Dr. Shepherd says. While Dr. Shepherd notes that the specifics of what is and isn’t considered “natural” is debatable, these lubes typically will not contain synthetic ingredients.

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.