WHAT IS LUBE, AND SHOULD WE USE IT?

Do you want to add pleasure to your sexual antics? Consider adding lubes and enjoy sex. Below are reasons you should consider adding lubes, including vaginal dryness. 

Lube is a short form of lubricant. According to Wilson et al. (2017), lubricants are used during procreative intercourse to moderate the amount of wetness in the genitals. People had to endure painful sex because of injuries caused by friction in the past. But times have changed now, and people enjoy sex because lubes are readily available. Lube can be necessary during any type of sex, vaginal or anal. We do not have to use lubes if we do not experience painful sex because lubrication does happen naturally. However, lubes make sex more comfortable and pleasurable. Some women experience more lubrication than others, and the ones who have little or no lubrication may need to use lubes for the following reasons;

Vaginal Dryness

When sexually aroused, a woman's vagina is naturally lubricated to ensure smooth sexual intercourse. The hormone estrogen ensures that the vagina is healthy. When the estrogen levels drop, the vaginal wall will be thinner and less elastic. According to Edwards & Panay (2016), menopause can cause vaginal dryness. Other causes of a dry vagina are allergies, antidepressants, insufficient foreplay, birth control pills, exercise, smoking, drinking, and menstruation, age notwithstanding. Vaginal dryness can have a huge effect on your sex life because it can lead to painful intercourse, itching, and wounds. Therefore, lubricants will be of help as they will reduce chafing and irritation. 

To Free the Mind

Before sex, the woman may not know whether she is lubricated enough or not, and using lube can help her be less nervous about the experience. She will not be anxious about her vagina tearing up.

If She Has Never Had Sex Before

The first time a woman has sex can be very painful with a long-lasting traumatic effect. Using lube can make sex less painful. One will also not have to deal with tearing and injuries after her first time having sex.

Lengthen Sexual Activity

Since there are no worries about pain and friction, the couple can focus on each other and last longer during sex. Using a lubricant makes the experience longer and more enjoyable.

As a Sex Routine

Some people use lube as a natural part of their sexual activity. Such couples use lube to eliminate every chance of painful sex. Their goal is to prevent friction entirely that can spoil a good sexual mood. People who are conscious about their sexual health are also the ones that would most likely invest in lubes even when they do not have natural lubrication problems.

When You Want To Have a Quickie

You may not have time for fore-paly anytime you want to have sex. Female arousal does not trigger vaginal lubrication as rapidly as a mental trigger would cause an erection. You may want a quickie, but the vagina is still dry. That's when the lube comes in handy.

Use Lube for Pleasure

Lube is harmless, and anyone can use it, age, gender, and sexuality notwithstanding. You can even apply it to your sex toy. You do not have to use lube only when the sex is painful. Sometimes you can use the lube with a condom to reduce friction and give a cooling effect. Moreover, lube can be used for fun and pleasure, even when natural lubrication is sufficient.

For Arousal

Older men may have a hard time getting aroused. Their genitals are not as sensitive to touch as their younger counterparts. Lubes can come in handy during arousal through caressing. It allows the men to be aroused and to enjoy sensual pleasure.

During Anal Sex

Anal sex entails the penetration of the anus. The anus does not self-lubricate, and hence artificial lubrication is necessary. According to Hirst et al.  (2022), the act of anal intercourse is considered a way for the male to dominate the woman's body. You should always use lube during anal sex to decrease discomfort, pain, or tearing. Tearing during sex is very risky because it can increase the risks of spreading HIV and STIs. Sometimes tearing can be so bad that it may need surgery. The recovery period can be very painful, especially during bowel movements. During foreplay, apply enough lube in the anal area to enjoy sex. 

For Safer Sex

Lube can make sex safe by reducing friction and lessening the risk of injuries during sex. Condoms will rarely fall or break off, ensuring increased protection against HIV and STIs. 

Conclusion

Lube reduces friction during sex. It was thought to be necessary for women past menopausal age, but people of all ages use it nowadays. People have come up with alternatives to lubrication, such as baby oil. These alternatives can work well until they contact condoms and break their material, thus making them less effective. In the end, one is in pursuit of enjoyable sex. If sex is painful, it is important to use lubricants because sex should not hurt. However, if the lubrication does not help, the patient should seek medical assistance.

References

Edwards, D., & Panay, N. (2016). Treating vulvovaginal atrophy/genitourinary syndrome of menopause: how important are vaginal lubricant and moisturizer composition?. Climacteric, 19(2), 151-161.

Wilson, S. L., Adam, J. K., & Krishna, S. B. N. (2017). Effects of vaginal lubricants on in-vitro progressive spermatozoa motility. African Journal of Reproductive Health, 21(3), 96-101.Hirst, J., Pickles, J., Kenny, M., Beresford, R., & Froggatt, C. (2022). A qualitative exploration of perceptions of anal sex: implications for sex education and sexual health services in England. Culture, Health & Sexuality, 1-15.