Why would one use lube? Let’s look at some of the reasons why using lube during playtime(the RIGHT lube) during playtime makes for much hotter sex!
•Increase satisfaction, especially with condom use.
•Reduces the chances of the condom breaking
•Decreases pain, due to lack of natural lubrication from vaginal and/or anal orifices…
•With sex toys or as a sex toy itself...
•To kick start the body into making its own lubrication
•To change the taste of things...
Lubricants can be used for oral, anal and vulva/vaginal play.
Not at all, decreased lubrication can be, and often is the result of hormonal changes in her body.
MANY medications result in a decrease of vaginal lube, i.e. antihistamines, hormonal forms of birth control, ADHD medications, depression medications, chemotherapy, breast-feeding and menopause.
Also, the 1994 study “SEX IN AMERICA” showed that women who had experienced sexual assault/trauma produced on average LESS lubrication than women who did not experience sexual violence.
Lastly, natural lubrication created from the vagina does not often reach its way to the upper external portion of the clitoris. Lubrication on the clitoris can result in a woman experiencing more sexual satisfaction.
In terms of anal play, the anus does not create its own lubrication. Many individuals report that anal play is uncomfortable and thus lube can become quite handy.
BUYER BEWARE! Any lubrication that has the ingredients of LIDOCAINE OR BENZOCAINE can reduce discomfort and is usually sold as an anal or oral lubricant (for deep-throating, reducing gag reflex and/or pain during anal play).
This ingredient dulls the body's natural response mechanism that tells you when something is possibly tearing in your body. In terms of anal play, this dulling sensation can increase the transmission of infections and disorders. In terms of oral action, this can result in pneumonia if fluid goes into the lungs.
There are 5 Main Groups of Lubrication.
The most common type of lubrication used is:
PETROLEUM BASED.
Petroleum Based Lubricants:
TYPES: Mineral oil, Vaseline, Stroke 29, Jack Off
NEGATIVES:
•Irrates women’s vulvas/vaginas
•DESTROYS CONDOMS
•Stains fabric
The MOST COMMONLY USED lubrication (doesn’t mean you should though)!
POSITIVES:
•Great for external male masturbation
•Cheap
•Easy to get a hold of
The rule of thumb on this is that if you can eat it, it’s safe to go inside the vagina. The body can clear it out easily.
TYPES: Vegetable/Corn/Nut/Avocodo/Peanut/Olive/ Oils. Butter and Crisco (especially Crisco for Anal use)
Negatives:
•Stains sheets
•DESTROYS CONDOMS
•Can easily be confused with the Petroleum Based Lubricants.
Positives:
•Fabulous for genital massages
•Keeps vaginas happy
•Safe to eat
•Good for all forms of sexual play
•Cheap and easily accessible.
Glycerin is put in most water-based lubes to keep it from becoming sticky. It produces a slightly sweet taste, and is the most commonly SOLD lubricant. These are the only lubrications for sale in drugstores and supermarkets that are safe for condoms.
*Also, most flavored lubricants are sold with TONS of glycerin in them*
**The new WARMING lubricants have lots of glycerin in them also.**
TYPES: Astroglide, KY Liquid/Jelly, Embrace, Frixxion, Wet, Good Head, Wet Flavors ID, also sold as REPLENS ( suppositories of dry vaginas)
Negatives:
•Dries out fast
•OPEN INVITATION TO YEAST INFECTIONS!!!!
Positives:
•Most recommended
•Non staining
•Safe with Latex
Water-Based Lubricants without GLYCERIN
If one is complaining of recurrent yeast infections, or has extremely sensitive genitals-this is a type of lubrication to recommend.
TYPES: Maximus, Liquid Silk, Slippery Stuff, Oh My, Sensual Organics, Probe
Negatives:
•Can be bitter due to lack of glycerin
•usually only found at adult stores or online
•Can be difficult to find.
Positives:
•Last longer than glycerin lubes
•Reduced irritation in genitals
•Non staining
•Safe with Latex
•Usually thicker and better also recommended for anal play
Silicone Based Lubricants
Silicone lasts the longest out of all lubes and is safe to use with condoms. Some people are concerned about silicone being hazardous because they have a negative association with the material because of silicone breast implants. Silicone lubrication has a fraction of the silicone that is placed in implants, and does not leak into the blood stream as it does from breast implants.
Types: Eros, Wet Platinum, Id Millennium , U:berlube, Gun Oil
Negatives:
•Expensive
•Cannot use with silicone or cyberskin sex toys
•Difficult to find (online or adult stores only)
•Must be washed off with soap and water
Positives:
•Little goes a long way
•Great for sensitive genitals
•Feels like Petroleum Lubes but safe for condom and internal use
•Stays on underwater
•Tasteless
•Lasts 3x as long as water based lubricants
•Clings to rectal walls
So, in conclusion-products you find in your house may be suitable for sex play, but it can be difficult to figure out.
When in doubt, go and purchase some lubrication that is sold near condoms.
Know what type of play you are having-certain lubes work better for certain types of sex.
Ask if you are confused, and don’t forget, wetter usually makes things better!
