Biologically
we naturally lubricate when we are sexually aroused. The lubrication produced
helps facilitate sexual intercourse by reducing friction between the vagina and
penis. But we don’t only have PV sex, and not all of us are having sex just to
procreate. We engage in all kinds of sexual activities and most of the time our
natural lubrication can’t keep up with the duration of our sex sessions. The
use of lube is NOT a sign that you aren’t turned on enough or a cop out. Lube
is a great staple to include in your solo and partnered sex life and everyone
has heard that wetter is better!
Like the
colors of the rainbow, lube comes in many different varieties. Lubes can be
water, silicone, or oil based and each of these has their benefits. Some things
to keep in mind while lube shopping-
Water based
lubes are great and condom friendly! They can closely mimic your own
lubrication and are readily available at almost any store. Flavored lubes,
usually water based, are great for oral sex although I would caution you to try
them before you buy them. You don’t want it to taste like cough medicine,
unless that is your thing. You can usually find small sample sized packs of
lube, flavored and regular, in stores. Think of it like bulk candy, buy a bunch
and see which ones you like! Also, do not use flavored lube in the vagina.
Yeast loves sugar and that is exactly what you are putting into your vagina.
Switch over to water based if internal play is on your agenda.
Oil Based
Lubricant
Oil based
lubes are great because they can stay wetter much longer than water based. The downside
is that pairing oil based lubes with latex condoms can compromise the condom
and lead to breakage. Not good. I say leave the oil to massages and stick to
water or silicone based lubes for sex play.
Silicone lube
is great for extended play and anal because it won’t dry out as quickly as
water based lubricant, but the taste can be unpleasant and clean up can be a
little more involved. It is latex friendly but do not pair it up with a
silicone sex toy. The two together will cause your toy to disintegrate and
become sticky and no one likes a sticky dildo.
Other
Lubricants
Some lubes
are touted as “anal specific” because they contain the numbing chemical
benzocaine and I do NOT recommend the use of these. You need to know when
something is hurting and being numb in the rear region can lead to injuries.
Organic and
natural lubes aren’t just for tree-huggers and hippies. These lubes are great
if you have chemical sensitivities to paraben or glycerin. They are also good
if you are prone to yeast infections because of the sugars in regular lube. And
for the animal lovers, there are vegan options too.
So next time
you’re about to get down, reach for some lube. Whether it is a solo or
partnered session, make sure you are adequately lubricated. Put a few drops
inside of the condom before you put it on your partner for added sensation for
them or try some warming lube to keep things hot. If you’re feeling a little
dry its ok to stop and add some more lube to the party. The possibilities are
endless.
By Megan Stubbs
