When it comes to sex, no matter what you enjoy, the rule is usually: the wetter, the better. When it comes to lube, this logic works perfectly because wetter is exactly what you get.
And if you only associate lube with vaginal dryness, it's time to think outside the box. Instead, consider less friction, smoother skin, and overall better sex — regardless of gender, age, or stage of life.
In 2013, a study of 2,451 women aged 18-68 revealed that women preferred wet sex to dry sex on average. 9 out of 10 women report that lubrication made sex more comfortable, pleasurable, and simply better. So let us abandon the notion that lubrication is the only indicator of arousal and begin trusting our partner's words.
It can also make sex more pleasurable for men. It enhances pleasure as well as prevents damage or abrasion to the delicate tissues of the vaginal area and penis to have a well-lubricated penis. Additionally, it can help make sexual interaction last longer if it feels good.
What Is Lube?
Lubricant, or "lube," is a liquid or gel that prevents friction during sex.
It can be used for many types of sex, such as penetration and anal sex, as well as masturbation. Some types are also safe to use with toys.
What Is Lubricant Used for?
People can experience moderate to severe vaginal dryness at various times. This may cause discomfort or pain. Vaginal dryness can occur as a result of chemotherapy, breastfeeding, or menopause.
As a result, some people may prefer to supplement their natural lubrication with store-bought lube. In these cases, a sex lubricant can be useful. A sex lube is a gel or liquid that is applied to the vagina, vulva, or anal area during sexual intercourse to moisten it.
The lubricant can be easily applied to make a partner's penis or various sex toys more slippery.
Types of Sex Lube
Today, we have various types of lube from which to choose. Some of the most popular lube for sex are:
1. Water-based Sex Lubricants
Water is used in the formulation of the majority of sex lubricants. They are widely available from a variety of brands and at a variety of price points. Water-based lubes have no taste, feel natural, and are less likely to irritate sensitive skin. This lube also does not interfere with oral sex.
Because these lubes are mostly water, the skin easily absorbs them. When used as a sex lube, it can dry out faster than other formulations.
Many water-based lubricants have been carefully formulated with moisturizers such as carrageenan or aloe vera to increase the longevity of each application. These moisturizers benefit your sexual experience by soothing the skin, reducing dryness, and not interfering with it.
Water-based sex lubes also have the advantage of being completely condom-compatible, unlike most oil-based sex lubes or petroleum jellies, which corrode latex.
Water-based sex lubes are also compatible with most sex toys, but they are not ideal for the bath or shower (as they tend to wash off).
2. Oil-based Sex Lubricants
If you don't want to reapply lube, an oil-based sex lube is a great option.
Oil-based sex lubes may contain plant-based (such as olive oil) or synthetic oils.
Massage time can easily be doubled with oil-based sex lubes. They are, however, incompatible with latex condoms. This type of sex lube can increase the chances of a condom becoming torn or ripped, compromising its protection against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and pregnancy. Moreover, these lubes can stain fabrics like sheets and clothing, creating some cleaning challenges.
It may be best to use oil-based sex lubes if you are in a long-term relationship and do not use condoms or if you are trying to avoid certain preservatives and additives which are often found in other lubricants.
3. Silicon-based Sex Lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants are frequently devoid of water. It should be noted that this may be advantageous for some people while disadvantageous for others.
Silicone-based lubes have a different feel than most other lubes, primarily because silicone, unlike water or oil, is not absorbed by the skin. This can open up a world of exciting possibilities and spice up your sex life. Because silicone is hypoallergenic, most people will not be irritated. Furthermore, these sex lubes tend to last longer before needing to be reapplied and are safe to use with condoms.
These lubes, however, can harm silicone sex toys because the lubricant tends to solidify on the toy, and some may leave a sticky residue.
4. Natural Lube
If you are concerned about certain ingredients in manufactured options, then natural lube for sex may be right for you. They have grown in popularity over the last few years. Coconut oil is one of the most popular choices when it comes to natural lube for sex.
That being said, coconut oil can increase the risk of condom breakage and stain sheets. It’s also important to avoid cross-contamination from using the same jar of coconut oil for sex as well as cooking.
Also Read: Can Vaseline Be Used as a Lubricant? Is It Safe? ~ Answered by a Sexologist
How to Choose Lube for Sex
Personal lube can be a great addition to your intimate life, but the variety available can be overwhelming. Most people use lube to reduce friction and increase comfort and pleasure, so determining what works best for you is a highly personal decision.
When shopping for lube, keep in mind how you intend to use it. If you intend to use a condom or silicone sex toys, you must find a compatible option.
Water-based lubes are a good place to start because they can be used for a variety of purposes and are ideal for people with sensitive skin. Furthermore, silicone-based toys are typically longer-lasting, but they can damage silicone-based toys as they can degrade the material over time.
Finally, oil-based lubricants last longer than water-based lubricants. But they should not be used with latex condoms, as they can cause them to tear.
Best Lube for Anal Sex
Often, thicker lubes are ideal for anal sex. Because the anal walls are more delicate and thinner than the vaginal walls, a thicker sex lube will keep the area slippery enough to reduce the chances of tears and cuts inside the rectum.
Overall, anal sex is particularly dangerous when it comes to STI transmission. This is why condoms are so important. Also, make sure to use a latex-friendly sex lubricant.
Also, with a water-based lube, the anus absorbs water quickly and dries out faster. As a result, silicone-based sex lubes are frequently the best for anal sex. Natural alternatives, such as coconut oil should be avoided because they are incompatible with a condom.
How to Use Lube for Sex
Steps
Unscrew the cap and gently squeeze the jelly onto your palms. Rub the jelly between your palms and apply it to the areas needed.
Want to use it for a massage?
Just pour it on the areas and gently massage.
Want to use it with a condom?
Smooth the jelly over the condom.
Which Lube Do We Suggest?
We recommend you use water-based lubes for sex. Unlike silicone lubes, they don't stain your sheets. They are less sticky and contain fewer chemicals than others. Consequently, the lube absorbs quickly, without over-use, and is free of harmful chemicals. For this purpose, you can use ManMatters Intimate Lube for men. Made from the safest ingredients; it keeps you moisturised for a long period of time, eliminating the need to reapply.
Our lube is designed to create a wonderful experience for you. As opposed to skin-harming silicone, this jelly is made using Cellulose Polymer. Cellulose Polymer adds the smooth, silky feel you need for a friction-free experience. It doesn't dry off easily when mixed with a water-based formula, so it eliminates the need for reapplying.
Humectant by nature, it leaves behind a soothing and warming sensation, thereby increasing blood flow to the applied area to increase pleasure. It also comes with a strawberry scent which makes it easy for certain activities and adds a refreshing after-effect post-massage.
Pro Tips While Using Lube for Sex
After you've selected the right lube for your sexual needs, read any instructions on the bottle for that particular brand. Even though lube is fairly straightforward to use, there are a few things you should know about making the lube application process as smooth as possible.
1. Warm It Up in Your Hands Before Application
Because your body is probably warmer than the room temperature where you keep your lube bottle, the lube can feel shockingly cold when it first touches the body. Warm the lube between your hands before applying it to make the application process more relaxing.
2. Use More Lube for Anal Sex
Since the anus does not self-lubricate like the vagina, a large amount of lube is required for anal sex and any type of anal play. It is critical to apply lube not only to the anus but also to the outside of the condom, body part, or sex toy that you intend to use. Lubes that are slightly more viscous and either water-based or silicone-based are best for anal sex, though silicone-based will last longer.
3. Add Lube to Your Foreplay Routine
You don't have to wait until intercourse to get your lube out. To increase your level of arousal, try using lube during foreplay. Lube can be gently massaged into the nipples, applied to the clitoris and vulva for pre-intercourse stimulation, or used as a sensual massage.
4. Reapply When Needed
Some lubes are more durable than others. Be aware of your own and your partner's needs. If you need more lube, don't be afraid to reapply it, especially during longer sex sessions.
What to Avoid at All Costs
When you go lube shopping, you'll find a wide range of options: flavoured, natural, warming, and tingling. These lubes can be enjoyable, but be sure to read the ingredients and use litmus strips to test the pH of over-the-counter products (like in science class).
A healthy vagina should have a pH level of 3.5 to 4.5, so the lube you use should have the same. However, keep in mind that many lubes do not list the pH level on the packaging, making it difficult to confirm.
Always read the ingredients list carefully. There are a few you should avoid because they may cause irritation or inflammation.:
- glycerin
- nonoxynol-9
- petroleum
- propylene glycol
- chlorhexidine gluconate
Researchers also suggest finding one that’s free of parabens, glycerin, and petroleum to minimize the risk of infections. If you're using condoms and toys, look for a lube that's latex-, rubber-, and plastic-friendly.
Summing Up
Lubes will make sex more enjoyable for you, regardless of your gender or age.
It aids in the prevention of minor cuts, chafing, and infections. It will not only make penetration easier for you, but it will also make the experience more enjoyable for your female partner.
Whatever your reason for using lube, keep in mind that it's a simple and enjoyable way to take your sex life to the next level. So go forth and lubricate!
FAQs
Can You Use Coconut Oil as Lube?
Yes, coconut oil is generally a safe, natural lube option. It can help with vaginal dryness and friction. Keep in mind, however, that unrefined coconut oil has less processing and bleaching. You should also get a new jar dedicated to sexual play to keep things as clean as possible.
What Can I Use Instead of Lube?
You can substitute lube with a variety of common household items. Olive oil, coconut oil, peanut oil, and aloe vera are examples of these. However, some may increase your risk of yeast infections. They can also tear condoms, so choose one from our list instead.
Can You Use Baby Oil for Lube?
It isn’t recommended to use baby oil for lube for sex. While baby oil can be used to moisturise the skin, it should not be used as lube. Mineral oil-based products, such as baby oil, can increase your risk of vaginal infection and can cause latex condoms to break down.
What Is Lube Used for?
The purpose of personal lubricant is to reduce friction and irritation during sexual activity. It can be used during sex with a partner or masturbation. There are many safe options on the market, depending on what you are looking for.
Which Lube Is Good for Sex?
Water-based lubricants are generally recommended, as they work well with all types of condoms and are also the safest lube for sex.
Is Lube Necessary for Sex?
While it is not always necessary to use lube for sex, as a general rule of thumb, lubes help reduce friction during sex and is the safest method for frictionless sex, other than the usual benefits discussed in the article.
References
Studies About Why Men And Women Use Lubricants During Sex - https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091109090431.htm
Caroline F. Pukall, PhD, C. Psych, January 2012; To Lube or Not to Lube: Experiences and Perceptions of Lubricant Use in Women With and Without Dyspareunia - https://www.jsm.jsexmed.org/article/S1743-6095(15)33711-5/fulltext
Susie Hoffman, July 2009; Covert Use, Vaginal Lubrication, and Sexual Pleasure: A Qualitative Study of Urban U.S. Women in a Vaginal Microbicide Clinical Trial - https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s10508-009-9509-3
Hezareh, Marjan PhD, Intravaginal Practices and Risk of Bacterial Vaginosis and Candidiasis Infection Among a Cohort of Women in the United States - https://journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2013/04000/Intravaginal_Practices_and_Risk_of_Bacterial.12.aspx
