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Choosing the Right Lube
Lubricants are a standard item in drugstores and convenience stores, along with condoms. Lubricants come in a spectrum of colors and flavors. While this vast array of options appears very enticing, choosing a lube is better when used with proper knowledge about what each product does and how it can improve a sexual experience.
There are many different types of lubricants on the market offering different sensations and experiences. Some lubricants have additives that can cause unwanted reactions, and it only takes one bad experience for players to get discouraged and avoid lubricants altogether. But most people will find that lubricants are useful and can enhance intimate moments.
There may not be one perfect lubricant in the world for you, but knowing what is out there can help you make a good choice when shopping for a personal lubricant.
Even for the right type of play:
- Compatible With Contraception
- Good for Anal Play
- Wet Applications for Wet Locations
- Long Lasting Lubes
- A Good Addition to Solo Play
- Sensuous Experiences
Why Use a Lubricant
There are plenty of reasons why an individual or partners use lubricant. Many of the benefits revolve around sexual health.
Helps When Dryness Happens
The vagina becomes naturally moist when sexually excited. Sometimes women can experience insufficient secretion, and medical experts have found that dryness can happen even if the woman is excited about having sex. Just like erectile dysfunction, unintended dryness can have many common causes.
According to The Mayo Clinic and webMD, a doctor may find vaginal dryness is caused by:
- A reduction in estrogen
- Recent childbirth
- Changes in hormones due to pregnancy, breastfeeding, menstruation, or menopause
- An autoimmune disorder including Sjögren's syndrome
- Chemical products such as harsh soaps, feminine sprays, or douches
- Oophorectomy (surgery to remove the ovaries)
- Side effects from medications like antidepressants or cold medication
Dryness can cause pain during vaginal penetration and could cause tearing in the vaginal wall, which may result in fissures that can increase the vulnerability to STI’s and other infections. The same could happen during anal sex or when using sex toys.
For people who occasionally experience unintended dryness during sex; lubricants can be a life-saver. No matter what, always discuss lube options with a physician if the problem is medically related.
Double The Pleasure
There are many incentives to using lube. Many couples will find that the right lube can not only help with making sex more comfortable but may add some satisfying sensations.
According to a study from 2013, most women feel positive about using lubricants and nine out of ten women experience more pleasurable and comfortable sex when using lube.
Use Lube to Make Sex Even Sexier
Use your imagination and go wild with your partner. Here are a few ideas to stimulate your creative juices:
- Try using the lube like a massage oil. Lay down on a bed together and stimulate each other with sensuous lubes. The cooling then warming sensation from all natural menthol stimulates blood flow and gets you both ready for the big event.
- Slip a few drops of lube in a condom. The sensation will feel amazing! Just remember to use a condom friendly lube.
- Slick lube on the breasts and slide the slick parts up and down bare skin. You’ll both enjoy the feeling.
- Massage sensitive areas like the nipples with a cool lubricant. Kiss and blow on that area for a tingling sensation.
- Enhance oral sex with flavored lubricants.
What are Lube Substitutes and Are They Safe?
People have used some interesting substances for lubrication. It can be fun to incorporate things like chocolate sauce or whip cream into foreplay, but experimenting with different substances as lube can have unintended and unhealthy results.
- Margarine, butter, peanut butter, jelly - We are not a piece of toast and using food as lubricant could cause yeast infections and mess up pH levels.
- Coconut oil - May work safely but if used regularly, food grade coconut oil may cause a disrupted balance of vaginal bacteria. There are coconut based lubricants that are specially formulated to be safe to use, like Coconut Oil-Based Organic Lubricant.
- Lotions, hand creams, moisturizers, massage or baby oils - While fancy lotions appear sexy when applied, some of these products contain chemicals not suitable for internal use.
- Petroleum jelly - Not only is petroleum jelly difficult to wash off it may cause irritation and is not compatible with condoms and other latex products.
- Saliva - Although many would consider saliva a “natural” lubricant, saliva can transfer STDs from an infected mouth to private parts.
Using the right kind of lube makes a huge difference regarding pleasure and safety. It is also true that many substances not intended for use during sex can degrade condoms and increase the likelihood of STDs and unintended pregnancy.
Types Of Lubricants
Like sex toys, lubes are not created equal. Different types will suit different needs and tastes. Many couples can benefit from the friction-free glide all lubes offer and can enjoy blends that have special qualities, starting with the base.
Oil-based lubricants
These substances work as they provide a long-lasting and smooth experience. They are usually thicker and creamier. Oil-based lubes are fantastic for masturbation but do not go well with latex contraceptives.
Water-based lubricants
The most common type of lubricants and the most versatile. Water-based lubricants work safely with almost all types of sexual activities. They don’t damage condoms, latex and sex toys made of silicone.
Water-based lubes often cost less than other types. They can be safely ingested in small amounts and can be easily washed off. They dry out after a long time, but you can just quickly add some more if you’re going for an all-nighter.
Silicone-based Lubricants
Silicone-based lubes are the perfect choices for sexual play involving water. If you like doing it in a shower or pool, a silicone-based lube will make aquatic sex even more enjoyable. It’s dermatologically safe and also skin-moisturizing. Just don’t use with silicone toys as the lube will damage its surface, unless stated otherwise.
Aloe-based Lubricants
The naturally slippery insides of the aloe vera plant make a great base for personal lubricants. Moisturizing and hypoallergenic, aloe-based lubricants are supportive of the body’s natural lubrication.
Hybrid Lubricants
Hybrid lubricants utilize the power of two bases and have a lot to offer. Some water-based lubricants are enhanced by silicone or other natural ingredients to make them more versatile.
The Right Lube for the Right Job
There are many things to consider when choosing the right lube. First is knowing what is body friendly for you and your partner. Lube is applied to sensitive locations, making sure there aren’t any harmful ingredients used in the making of the product is essential to finding the right lubricant.
Second is matching the action to the right lube.
Super-Natural Lube
Find lubes with organic, glycerin-free, paraben-free and natural ingredients. Check their labels to make sure. Some lube under this category include:
- Sliquid Organics Natural - Made without glycerin and parabens, this lubricant is formulated to work with the chemistry of the body and can help prevent UTI’s or yeast infections.
- Sliquid Naturals Sea Lubricant - Water-based and water soluble, this lubricant is made from seaweed extracts for a smooth and watery feel without glycerin or silicone.
Compatible With Contraception
Male and female condoms are commonly used to prevent pregnancy and the spread of most STDs and are successful when used correctly. Condoms are made from a variety of materials, and some come pre-lubricated. However, some common ingredients lubricants can react with the condom material and cause it to break.
According to a recent publication by Cornell Health, oil-based lubricants have been found to degrade latex based contraception, while silicone and water based lubricants work with most types of condoms. Some good examples are:
- We-Vibe Water Based Lube - Offers premium moisture for comfortable sexual experiences.
- Intimate Earth Hydra Natural Glide - Water-based with a special formula of plant cellulose, this lubricant is so safe you could ingest it.
Good for Anal Play
Anal sex adventurers can go for something that’s highly lubricating since the anal part of the body does not produce the same amount of wetness as a vagina. Some good options are:
- Sliquid Natural Sassy Booty - Super thick formula is specially designed to be safe for anal sex and/or plugs.
- Sliquid Naturals H2O - Water-based lubricant free of glycerin, sugar derivatives, or parabens and safe to use with condoms or anal toys.
- Intimate Earth Ease Anal Silicone Glide - Made with Bisabolol, a natural extract from the chamomile plant that can help ease penetration by relaxing the muscles of the anus.
Wet Applications for Wet Locations
Couples who like to add water to passion, or visa versa, may find some lubricants will quickly wash away in a shower, jacuzzi, or swimming pool. However, some lubricants are designed to keep working even in water. On the next underwater ‘sexpedtion’ try this water-friendly lube:
- Sliquid Naturals Silver Lubricant - 100% waterproof and designed to be long lasting, this lubricant is definitely slippery when wet.
Long Lasting Lubes
You need a long-lasting, safe, and versatile lubricant for an intense, bed-shaking, long hours of sex. Try these:
- Sliquid Naturals Silk Lubricant - Water-based formula with a hint of silicone for a smooth sensation that will not wear or wash off and works with the body’s natural lubrication.
- Sliquid Naturals Silver Lubricant - Specially designed to last, using high-quality pharmaceutical grade silicone to create a super slippery waterproof lubricant.
A Good Addition to Solo Play
Water-based lubricants are your friends. You can easily wash them off, and they won’t damage your precious silicone-made toy. Fleshlights and ‘guybrators’ work best with water-based lubricants. Plus water-based lubes are much safer, versatile, and will last longer. Check out:
- We-Vibe Lube - Water-based and safe to use with vibrators, strokers, and it is hypoallergenic.
Sensuous Experiences
Exploration and experimentation are welcome additions to the bedroom, and lubes provide a variety of flavors and feelings that can liven up lovemaking. There are many lubricants with added flavors and ingredients that are also safe to use. Flavored lubricants can enhance oral sex while stimulating lubes can apply a range of cool to warm sensations to erogenous areas. Some great options are:
- Sliquid Organics Stimulating O Gel - Specially formulated for clitoral stimulation, with natural vasodilators which can increase arousal and stimulation to both the clitorus and head of the penis.
- Intimate Earth Melt Warming Glide - This unique lube uses cinnamomum extract to create a warming sensation.
When it Comes to Sex, The Wetter, the Better
Players can hit more than two birds with one lube. The right kind of lubricant can help increase the pleasure and make sex even more enjoyable.
While relying on your natural emollient is healthy too, lubricants have a lot to offer and can be a fun addition to intimate moments. Finding the right one can also be a fun quest for all couples or singles looking for slick, long lasting, tasty or stimulating sex. Now, who doesn’t love that?
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