Objectives

If you experience vaginal dryness during sex, it might be time to try using lubricant. Anyone can experience dryness or irritation during sexual activities regardless of their gender, age, or affection for partner. Just try it out if you think you need extra lubrication. Many people use lube to make their sex more enjoyable. It can be great for different types of sex, including vaginal sex, anal sex, and masturbation using sex toys or your fingers. Learn more about it below.

SMOOTH Solution in Bed

✔️ When Do You Need Lubricant?

According to an Indiana University study, 70% of the 2,453 women surveyed said that lube made sex more enjoyable. Lubricant is useful not only when you are not satisfied with your sex but also when you want more pleasure. It can also help when using a menstrual cup for the first time or beginning masturbation.

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Lube? Isn’t it only for people who are bad at sex? “Needing a lubricant does not mean that you’re not interested in your partner.” By Carli Blau, a sex therapist in New York.

✔️ Types of Lubricant

In 350 BC, ancient Greeks and Romans used olive oil as a lubricant. In today’s world, there are numerous options to help you get slick in no time. Choose a lube based on your physical condition, the type of sexual intercourse you want, and your taste.

• Water-Based Lubricant

The most commonly used type of lubricant. Some products contain glycerin, which tastes slightly sweet.

❤️ Pros: Safe to use with condoms or sex toys; Rinses off easily; Doesn’t stain the bedding.

💔 Cons: Water-based lubricants containing glycerin could irritate the vagina and cause a yeast infection, but ones without glycerin taste bitter. They may become a little sticky as they absorb into the skin.

🛒 Popular Products: Water-based lubes with glycerin - Astroglide; Pepee Gel.

Water-based lubes without glycerin - Eve Gel; BRSG Gel.

• Silicone-Based Lubricant

Colorless and tasteless. Provides great slickness with a smooth and soft feel.

❤️ Pros: Longest-lasting type of lubricant. You may have to apply your water-based lube several times as it gets sticky and dry during sex. However, a silicone-based lube does not dry quickly, reducing the need for re-application. It is also safe to use with latex condoms.

💔 Cons: Long-lasting means hard to clean. Cleaning silicone-based lube off with soap and water after having sex may be a hassle. In addition, note that they may damage the surface of silicone sex toys, making them less sanitary.

🛒 Popular Products: Sensuva Silicone Personal Moisturizer; Wet Platinum; Überlube.

• Oil-Based Lubricant

You can also use avocado, coconut, or olive oil for sex. While body lotions and moisturizing creams may seem like a good alternative these are not recommended. The synthetic chemicals in these products might irritate your vagina. Stick with something natural or specifically made for genital use.

❤️ Pros: Plant-oil-based lubricants are also great for body massages. In addition, they are generally safe in your vagina and safe to eat unless you are allergic.

💔 Cons: Cannot be used with a latex condom, whether it is plant- or synthetic-oil-based. It can damage the condom. Oil-based lube can also stain the fabric of sheets or clothing. Some ingredients may cause allergic reactions or harm the vaginal pH balance

🛒 Popular Products: Pure coconut oil and avocado oil without additives

• Organic/Vegan Lubricant

Lube products based on organic, natural ingredients are a growing market. You can also find vegan lubricants made without animal-based ingredients or animal testing.

Being organic is about the characteristics of the ingredients in the product while being vegan is about the way of manufacturing. Therefore, a water-based lubricant can also be organic; and a silicone-based lube can be vegan. Astroglide, for example, is the most popular water-based lubricant and is vegan at the same time.

❤️ Pros: Organic lubes consist of organic ingredients, which are generally eco-friendly and safer for the vagina. They don't contain parabens, widely-used preservatives. Vegan lubes are free of animal-based ingredients and harm no animals in their manufacturing processes.

💔 Cons: Shorter shelf life. May be pricier than non-organic/non-vegan lubricants.

🛒 Popular Products: Organic lubes - Passion; Aloe Cadabra.

Vegan lubes - Eve Gel; Good Clean Love; Astroglide

✔️ Tips for Effective Use

• Ingredients to watch out for

Some lube ingredients are more likely to cause infection or irritation than others. Here are some ingredients to watch out for:

- Glycerin

Glycerin makes lubricant moist and sweet-tasintg. However, it increases the product’s osmolarity, which can cause vaginal infections.

- Nonoxynol-9

Nonoxynol is an excellent antiseptic, commonly used as a spermicide, reducing the chances of conceiving. But it can harm the balance of vaginal flora, the microbiome of bacteria within the vagina, and can be a hindrance if you want to get pregnant.

- Propylene glycol and chlorhexidine

Are ingredients widely used in cosmetics and sanitary products. However, they may irritate your vagina or cause contact dermatitis.

- Benzocaine

Many lubricants claiming to help you “last longer” contain benzocaine, an anesthetic ingredient. It can cause unexpected irritation of the vagina or contact dermatitis. Would longer sex be worth the side effects?

- Paraben

Is a preservative commonly used in lubricants as well as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. Though there are arguments over its pros and cons, some suggest that it may increase the risk of breast cancer, accelerate aging, and affect fertility.

• When and how to use

- Before use, put some lube on your hands and warm it with your body heat.

- Use throughout foreplay to make all the moves smooth.

- Add some lube just before penetration to make it easier.

- You can also utilize lube for masturbation with toys or fingers.

- You may come up with new ways to use it as you play. Try them out!

• When to see a doctor

Most lube products don't have any side effects that require special attention. However, as certain ingredients may cause unexpected allergic reactions, you should seek medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

- Difficulty breathing

- Swelling of the tongue, neck, or face

- Hives

- Rashes

- Itching

Summaries

• Lubricants can make your sex life more enjoyable and comfortable.

• Explore various lube products and choose one that fits you the best.