What is a lubricant?
A lubricant, or gel-lubricant, is a means of moisturizing the skin and mucous membranes of the genital organs and improving sliding during sex. It is needed to reduce unpleasant sensations from vaginal dryness, stimulate blood flow, and prevent microcracks.
If natural lubrication is insufficient, does it mean there are health problems?
Not necessarily. Natural lubrication is released within 10-15 minutes and may not last long. Sometimes, a reduction in lubrication is associated with hormonal imbalance (estrogen deficiency) or inadequate blood circulation in the genital organs.
Moreover, there are types of sex where artificial lubrication is essential, such as anal sex. There are warming lubricants that can help you and your partner awaken passion faster and gain new sensations. A lubricant will also diversify the process of petting and masturbation, give it a try!
Alright, let's give it a try. Which lubricant is best?
What suits you depends on your goals and preferences. The main difference in lubricants is in the base used:
- Oil-based (fat-based) — soft, gentle, and absorb quickly. They are good for massage, and there are even "two in one" options: massage oil and lubricant. However, they are incompatible with condoms, leave stains on clothing and bed linen. They are best used for intimate touches and male masturbation.
- Water-based — the most common. They can be easily purchased at the pharmacy, they are inexpensive and convenient. There are many options for using water-based lubricant: vaginal, oral, anal sex, using sex toys. However, this lubricant dries out or absorbs quite quickly, so you need to add a new portion regularly.
- Silicone lubricants — the most modern type. They don’t dry out quickly and are not washed away by water. They are more expensive and usually sold in adult stores (if you are shy about entering a sex shop, you can order products online). Silicone lubricants in spray form are very convenient. Not all of them are suitable for use with condoms and sex toys, so read the instructions before buying. They do not wash out easily from fabrics and clothing.
Also, lubricants vary by purpose:
- For anal sex a lubricant with a local anesthetic (lidocaine or benzocaine) and components to relax the anal muscles was specially invented.
- For oral pleasures flavored and scented water-based lubricants are used to mask the taste and smell of natural juices.
- For making love in the shower, in a jacuzzi or pool, use silicone lubricants: they do not wash away with water.
- For sex marathons stock up on silicone lubricant. Additionally, lubricants with prolonging effects can help to stay in the game longer by reducing sensitivity of the penis.
- For extra protection against unwanted pregnancy spermicide lubricants are used. They reduce the activity of sperm. Be sure to read the instructions on how to properly use this lubricant: usually, it should not be washed away for up to six hours after sexual intercourse. It is better not to use such lubricant as a replacement for condoms and other barrier contraceptive methods, especially when having sex with a non-regular partner. Contraceptive lubricants will not protect against diseases transmitted sexually.
- For healing wounds and microcracks choose antibacterial lubricants (with silver ions, aloe vera extract, panthenol).
- For latex sex gadgets (vibrators, anal plugs, masturbators) use a water-based lubricant: silicone may damage the toy.
Can I use oil, cream, or, for example, petroleum jelly instead of lubricant?
No. All these products are not intended for use on mucous membranes and disrupt the acidic environment of the vagina. Changes in pH can worsen the functioning of protective mechanisms, leading to infections.
How to properly use lubricant?
Follow the instructions. Usually, you need to apply lubricant to the genital organs before sex and add as necessary. After sexual intercourse, wash off. Water-based lubricants wash off easily with water; silicone ones can be removed with intimate hygiene soap.
Do they suit everyone?
There can be individual allergic reactions to some components, for example, to essential oils in the lubricant. Read the composition before buying, especially if you have a predisposition to skin allergy.
Before using a new product, test it: apply to your wrist and wait for 20 minutes. If there is no reaction, you can confidently use this lubricant. Each partner should conduct the test.
If you have an intolerance to lidocaine, anesthetic lubricants should not be used.
Glycerin in some lubricants may worsen a yeast infection — thrush.
Also read
- 9 simple and reliable ways to increase potency without pills →
- 8 crazy sex positions you probably haven't tried →
- How to use a condom correctly: a very important guide for men →
