Lubricant guide

Wet sex is better than dry because wetness potentially delivers more pleasure to sex. Many individuals mainly relate lubrication to the vagina alone. But, that's wrong since a lot more is involved, smoother skin, less friction, and great fun.  There are no limits on age, stage of life, or gender. Most ladies report that extra lube makes them feel more pleasure than depending on the natural self-lubrication. Let’s read on to find out more.

Lube types

Lubes come in various types, thus can cause confusion during shopping. They include oil-based, water-based, silicone-based, and hybrid.

Oil-based lubricants

Do you fancy reapplying lube in between sessions? Well, this type is for you. It has a double function advantage; used for sex and body massage. Unfortunately, it doesn’t combine well with latex condoms. It may tear or rip off condom surfaces, thus declining the function that can ruin your good time. This lube is also linked to higher infection rates, including bacterial vaginosis. Your bedding and sheets are again at a huge risk of staining, causing difficulty in washing.

Water-based lubricants

Water-based lubricants are versatile. They can be used in almost all the activities you may imagine, including silicone toys. Again, they greatly match with condoms, whether latex or non-latex. They've also been shown to reduce condom breakage risk. There are oils for vaginal sex specifically. They mainly reduce friction by balancing the body's PH. Such lubes have three unique reasons; it's tender to the skin, don't stain the sheets, and washing is simple.

Silicone-based lubricants

Do you know how a silicone-based lube feels? It's sensitive and hypoallergenic, hence doesn't have risks related to allergies. The lube also takes longer to dry off. That means there's no tiring reapplication. However, this lube isn't the best for silicone toys since it can deteriorate their surface, leading to poor toy sanitation. This risks infection transfer. Suppose you're using sex toys with partners, it's best to use a water-based lubricant for safety since it’s compatible with various condoms.

Need for lubrication

Lube in sex is a wonderful thing. It can greatly transform your sexual experience. That’s why you can have a personal lube without embarrassment. Multiple women that naturally self-lubricate have reported using artificial lube in their sexual encounters for increased stimulation. Almost half of women in menopause experience discomfort and vaginal dryness during sex. Well, at such time, the women's genital area, such as the vulva and vagina, may undergo muscle atrophy due to diminished estrogen amounts. Without these hormones, the organs become thinner and less flexible. Their blood circulation reduces and they secrete fewer fluids. It’s the reason they need lube.

However, this doesn't suggest that the lube used solves the atrophy problem. Various people go through different experiences depending on their bodies. For instance, breastfeeding mothers taking antidepressants may also experience vaginal dryness. Such situations require an artificial lubricant.  

Considerations for buying lube

Think twice before buying lubes with artificial flavors, essential oils, colors, glycerin, or additional additive, because you're not sure of your body’s response. This concern is mainly for newbies attracted by characteristics labeled 'tingling' or 'warming.' Furthermore, a product labeled as, natural, doesn't mean it's better. Perhaps visit the brand's website and check people's reviews. What do the earlier users say about it? Don't forget to look at the ingredients used.  You're also not limited to walking into a sex toys store and inquiring from the experts about the same.

Some lube companies manufacture products containing glycerin. It’s still not clear if this element is linked to bacteria in the vagina. But, there’s some evidence showing that glycerin can increase the chances of contracting infections, whereas other studies say it has no impact. Research is ongoing to find out more details. Glycerol is also another similar compound to glycerin. It's been concluded that when in larger concentrations, it can create special features, for example, warming sensations and additional slipperiness. This lube kind is said to have a negative influence on the vagina or anus. It's due to the dehydration effect on tissues. It can also heighten the risk of spreading STIs.

For water-based lubricants, please select one reflecting a healthy vagina's acidity. That's about 3.8 to 4.5 PH level for hindering bacterial vaginosis spread. Consider the same for the anus because they've got an acidity of around 5.5 to 7- neutral. There are also lubes composing spermicide chemicals. They mostly result in vaginal damage and irritation. Suppose you wish to conceive, please avoid them and get one specifically for conception. Remember, some lubes don’t support sperm survival.

Caution to painful sex

Sex should be fun and enjoyable. Nevertheless, whenever there's pain, lubrication may not be the answer always. Some illnesses and infections in the genital area can be associated with pain. You should, therefore, be on the lookout to determine the cause. The source could be inflammation, trauma, hormonal changes, skin disorders, and infections. It's best to see medical personnel if your pain persists.

The Bottom Line

We've learned that there's no shame in having personal lubrication, and for you to enjoy sex, make it wetter. If not lubricated properly, sex may not be sweet as expected. Therefore, it’s good to lube up with the right lubricant for an amazing sexual encounter.