How much do you know about your lube?
Are you comfortable using it, or is personal lubricant a taboo product that only stays in your bedroom in a nightstand drawer–or worse, you don’t have any at all?
A recent study shows that while many American women use personal lube, there’s hardly any conversation around it. And where there is limited conversation, there is almost no knowledge on the topic.
This handy personal lubricant guide features everything you’ve always wanted to know but never had the courage to talk about. There’s more to lube than just its occasional use during intercourse.
Using Lube With Toys
Are you using the right lube during solo play?
Toys–the adult variety–are always more pleasurable with plenty of lube. But the trick to your ecstasy is finding the best lube for your dildo or vibe.
If your favorite vibe is coated with silicone, the best type of lube for you is either water-based or oil-based. Silicone lubes are a no-go for toys made of silicone, even if the silicone is food-grade and very durable. The silicone lubricant breaks down the coating on your toy over time, making it unsafe and uncomfortable to use.
Using Lube During Intercourse
Have you tried lube with your partner?
If you’re a woman, your vagina creates personal lubricant of its own. But your own vaginal lube is sometimes not enough to make sex fun and painless.
In fact, lube is what helps to arouse your vagina, making you physically ready for intercourse. If you or your partner inserts a little lube with a finger during foreplay, it relaxes the vaginal muscles, reduces friction, and makes it easier to have intercourse.
Using Lube During Anal Play
Have you ever tried anal intercourse without lube?
Hopefully not, because anal without lube is neither safe nor fun. Your anal nerve endings are thin and sensitive, which ultimately means you can derive a lot of pleasure from anal sex–but only when you’re liberal with the lube.
Not only does lube relax your muscles during butt play, but it also creates a protective barrier for your skin. Also, though the risk is still high, you may not be as likely to get sexually-transmitted infections from your partner.
Technically, any type of lube is fine to use during anal intercourse. However, products featuring petroleum are not safe to use with any latex condoms, so if your anal play involves protection, take care to use personal lubricants that are water or oil-based.
Personal Lubricants and Bathtime
Ah, a little x-rated soak in the tub is both stimulating and relaxing. But have you ever found a lube that plays well with water?
Hint: Water-based lubes don’t last when used in a bath or shower. They wash away almost instantly.
If your sexy bathtime involves a partner and no condoms or toys, feel free to use a silicone lube. Silicone lasts long, feels silky against your skin, and washes away easily when you’re ready to clean up.
Oil-based lube is ok to use in the water as well, especially if you’re playing with a silicone dildo or you’re using a latex condom. However, oil-based lube gets messy and won’t wash off without a little elbow grease.
Lube It Up
Did you learn something new about personal lubricants today?
If you enjoyed this article, come back to our blog for more health and lifestyle posts. We regularly update our content with info you’ll find useful.
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