Lubricant: This magical substance can have the power to make or break your wonderful night of passion. Otherwise known as lube, this friction reducing fluid can be an awesome addition to every and any kind of sex act – however you’ll want to put some thought into choosing the right kind for you.
Why use lube?
- It can make sex smoother and less painful or uncomfortable
- If you’re using a condom it’s less likely to break (provided you select the correct type of lube)
- It reduces the chances your genitals will be injured from penetrative sex (open wounds increase the likelihood of transmitting STIs)
- It’s really fun!
What do people use lube for?
- Penetrative sex – sometimes tab A into tab B just doesn’t cut it. Lube makes everything most things fit together.
- Oral sex – for those whose salivary glands only seem to work when presented with a triple choc, hazelnut coated icecream, flavoured lube will make the job that much easier.
- Toys – pretty self-explanatory
- Pool or Beach sex – water can actually increase friction, making things unpleasant. Lube used for this purpose needs to be long-lasting.
- Masturbation
- Vaginal dryness
- Massages
- Likely dozens of other exciting purposes J
Consent!
Before introducing all of these fantastic lubricants into your sex life, make sure you discuss it with your partner. Lubes can add or reduce sensation, your partner could have strange or exotic allergies and flavoured lubes can aggravate people who are prone to yeast infections if they contain sugar or upset the pH balance of their body. Talking about lube can lead to a bit of a sexy discussion about what else you and your partner might like to try together.
Water Based Lube (condom safe)
These are super common because they’re so easy to clean up, work for pretty much any use you can think of and are usually pretty affordable. They tend to dry out quickly, so they have to be reapplied more often. This is one of the chief complaints about water based lube, in the heat of the moment interruptions are the last thing you want.
Silicone Based Lube (condom safe)
Tends to last longer than water based lubes meaning that you won’t have to reapply so often. They also have a unique smooth feeling which most people love. It’s also hypoallergenic, making it suitable for everyone. Silicone lubes can be used with condoms. However, they shouldn’t be used with silicone toys as they’ll literally melt them over time. The downside of silicone based lube is that it can be difficult to clean up. Door handles will become your enemy.
Oil Based lube (NOT condom safe)
These can erode latex or lead to anal or vaginal infections. They are definitely NOT SAFE for SEX with a partner. It’s best to use oil based lubricant for massages only.
Variations
On top of the material the lube is made of, the viscosity can also vary. Thicker lubes (usually advertised as gels or jellies) are great if you need lots of lubrication, whereas thinner lubes are optimal if you only need a bit of lubrication. Just to name a few variations lube can be: warming, cooling, tingling, desensitising, flavoured, and more!
Where to get your lube?
Your local supermarket should sell lube alongside condoms, your pharmacy will also stock more specialised lubricants. However, as you experiment and begin your lube connoisseur journey, you should pop into an Adult Shop for advice and a larger range of lube.
Have fun, be safe and remember to Slip-Slop-Slap! 😉