Lubrication 101

Have you ever thought that you may need lubrication or ever wanted to try some to enhance your sexual pleasure? Has your doctor ever suggested getting lubes for dryness? How do you know which lubrication is good? Have you ever been in a sex toy shop, drug store, or looking online only to find yourself overwhelmed when you got to the lube section? Fear no more, lubes do not need to be overwhelming subject and I am here to break it all down for you.

What is lubrication and what is it used for?

A lubricant typically is a substance that can be applied to various parts of the body to reduce friction. Lubricants also referred to as “lube,” offer an answer for people who are not lubricated well enough or do not lubricate in any respect. Lubricants operate by lowering the friction between body parts in the course of sexual pleasure. The absence of proper lubrication may lead to pain during intercourse that frequently causes complications for sexual partners. While lubricants can be used in the course of sexual activities with partners, it can also be used for masturbation. Lubes are also useful to augment various sensations, regardless of if partners lubricate well enough or not! For example, some “lubes” are flavored while others manifest warming or cooling sensations which may improve the sexual experience.

By using a lubricant, you could keep away from pain all through sex and not experience desensitization as an anesthetic would produce. It is recommended to apply lubricants particularly if natural secretion is low. This does not necessarily mean anything is wrong with you if you need to lubricate. Having low amounts of lubricant in your vagina can be caused by many factors such as time of the month, menopause, medications, birth control, and much more.  Lubes also decrease the possibility of condom breakage due to easier penetration of the penis and vagina.

Types of Lubricants

One question that you should ask yourself is “what do I need the lubricant for?” The answer will help you determine what type of lube to get.

Water Based Lubricants

Water-based lubricants are the most common lubricants, though they do have the tendency to dry out so when the lube dries out all you need to do is add more water or saliva to reactivate the lube. They are most suitable for various toys as well as condoms. Water-based lubricants are not suitable for sexual activities which involve water like having intercourse in the shower, Jacuzzi, or swimming pool.

Pros

Compatible with many condoms and sex toys
Typically, Cheap
Doesn’t stain
Very Easy to clean
Has a gentle natural feel

Cons

It dries up fast
Can also be sticky
Not suitable for shower or other water activities
May cause yeast infections if glycerin is an ingredient

Silicone Based Lubricants

Silicone-Based lubricants are longer-lasting compared to other lubricants you may find. Many silicone-based lubes are hypoallergenic and safe to use with most condoms (excluding silicone-based condoms). The benefits of using silicone-based lubricants include their effectiveness for women with sensitive genitals such as vaginal dryness or genital pain. Silicone lube is not recommended to be used with silicone sex toys as it may break down the silicone material over time.

Pros

Compatible with non-silicone sex toys
Long-lasting lubricant
Water-friendly
Silky texture
Great for anal exploration

Cons

Typically, more expensive than water-based lube
Hard to clean off, Soap and water ought to be used to clean it
Not well suited for silicone toys or Cyberskin sex toys

 

Oil Based Lubricants (Natural)

Many people think of oils that can be found in your kitchens such as vegetable oil, avocado oil, olive oils, butter, and much more. Generally, if it’s safe to eat than its safe to put on your body. However, you may want to think twice since oil based lubes can destroy latex condoms. Oil based lubes are safe to use with condoms made from polyisoprene, nitrile, or polyurethane materials.

Pros:

Safe for the vagina
Safe to eat
Low cost
Easily accessible
Good for genital massage

Cons:

Destroys latex condoms
Stain Fabric

Oil Based Lubricants (Synthetic)

Synthetic Oil-based lubes usually refer to petroleum-based products like Vaseline, body lotion, and mineral oil. Just like natural oil-based lubricants, synthetic oil-based lubes can result in breakage of a condom, therefore increasing the possibility that the condom will damage.

Examples of oil-based lubricants include:

Baby oil
Vaseline
Body Lotions

Pros

Slick feel
Pleasant for external masturbation
Highly slippery

Cons

Hard to clean off, stains fabric
Not suitable for condoms

 

Hybrid Lubricants

Hybrid lubes are made of two different bases of which are water and silicone.

Pros

Last Longer
Benefits of a couple of lubrication in one
Thicker than silicone-based lube
Very simple to clean
Condom uses safe as long as there is no oil.

Cons

 Not very effective for massage
Not always compatible with silicone sex toys

 

Things to Consider When Buying Lube

Sure, you could pretty much head to any store and collect some lube, however, if you grab whatever you see on the shelf, you run the danger of buying a lube that is sticky, reacts adversely on your body or just does not feel good.

Most of the time, you’ll have no troubles with these ingredients, but a few substances were regarded to annoy or even contribute to infections such as yeast infections.

Here are some ingredients to stay away from when selecting the proper vaginal lubricant for sensitive skin.

Glycerin

Although glycerin triggers a warming sensation when applied to the skin, it is also food for yeast because it contains sugar. As a result, lubes that contain glycerin change the PH in your vagina which can lead to yeast infections. If you are sensitive down there you may want to look for a lube that is glycerin free.

Menthol

It is mostly used for its cooling power; however, it can also be too drying, which can cause light tissues in the genital area to dry out. Some may feel a burning sensation if they also are sensitive to menthol.

Bottom line

As you already know, avoiding ingredients like glycerin can reduce the risk of irritation and yeast infections. Sensitive skin lubricants are a great choice for those that suffer from vaginal pain, irritation, and itching.

 

 

 

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