I’m a huge advocate for lubricant.
There is a ton of stigma when the sex conversation turns to lubricant. People think it’s only for women that can’t get “wet,” but lube is for everybody! It makes everything better, no matter what kind of sex you’re having or with whom. As a sexologist, the two biggest questions I get about lube are whether it’s necessary and what kind is best.
To answer the first question: YES!
Lube is LIFE! It creates a smoother ride for all kinds of pleasure. Whether you’re using sex toys, indulging in solo-play, having anal or vaginal sex there is a lube designed for every orgasm. Not only does lube make sex wetter and better, it reduces friction, which decreases the chance of infection and irritation.
What’s not to love!?
The second question has a few more moving parts. To get started finding the best lubricant for a client, I must consider what it will primarily be used for. Lubes are specifically designed to improve every type of sexual pleasure. Anal sex, masturbation, sex toys, vaginal sex, and even oral sex all have their own lube industries. For this article, I’m exploring the pros and cons of the four main types of lubricant:
Water-based lube is best for sex that includes condoms and sex toys. It’s also great if you have adventurous all-over-the-place sex because it won’t stain fabrics and is easy to clean up with soap and water. It’s important to note that not all water-based lubes list water as their first ingredient and could contain glycerin, which can cause trouble for super sensitive sex partners.
Oil-based lube is awesome if you’re having sex in water. The chemical properties of oil make it longer-lasting, but it can also eat through latex and silicone, so polyurethane condoms work best. While it can stain fabrics, its main appeal is that it is a long-lasting, versatile and natural moisturizer.
Silicone lube is almost perfect for every kind of pleasure. It’s long-lasting and super slippery which makes it perfect for anal sex and manual masturbation. It’s condom compatible and can be used during sex in water. It has a short list of ingredients which makes it a good fit for sensitive users. The downside of silicone lubricant is that it can’t be used with most sex toys and low-quality brands should not be ingested.
Hybrid lubricant is a new offering on the market that provides the longevity of silicone and the easy clean up of water-based lube. This product can be used with condoms and sex toys because it doesn’t have enough silicone in it to damage the structure of either. Hybrids usually have a creamy texture and don’t stain fabrics.
If you’re already having satisfying sex, lubricant will only improve your experience. Lube is something that every person in pursuit of pleasure can benefit from and I hope this quick reference guide will inspire you to explore the wonderous benefits of adding more slip to your sex life.
