What is lube, anyway?
Personal lubricant, or “lube,” is a liquid or gel that’s intended to prevent unwanted friction during sex. You can use it for many types of sex, including penetrative and anal sex, as well as masturbation. Some types are also safe to use with toys.
How to choose the best lube
- Water based lubricants containing glycerin are popular and good for sensitive skin. However, glycerin free options may be more suitable for people who get frequent yeast infections.
- Silicone based lubricants last longer than water based lubricants, making them a good option for people with a history of pain during sex. They are not safe to use with silicone sex toys, though, and they can be greasy.
- Oil based lubricants include many readily available products but they can be messy. Synthetic oil based lubricants, such as mineral oil and petroleum jelly, can work well but may also irritate the tissues.
Always pay attention to the ingredients listed. In fact, there are a few you may want to avoid because they may cause irritation or inflammation:
- nonoxynol-9
- petroleum
- propylene glycol
- chlorhexidine gluconate
We suggest finding one that’s free of parabens, and petroleum to minimize the risk of infections. If you’re using condoms and toys, find a lube that’s latex-friendly, rubber-friendly, and plastic-friendly.
Silicone and water based lubricants are safe to use with latex condoms.
how to use lube
When using over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers, people should always follow the directions on the box.
It is best to start with a small amount of the product and then gradually increase the amount until feels comfortable. Some people find that reapplying the lubricant several times provides the best results.
A person may find it helpful to experiment with several different lubricants, paying attention to how their body responds to each one. If the tissue feels itchy or sore after using one of these products, this could indicate an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient in the lubricant.
Risk and side effects
Commercial lubricants are safe for most people.
However, as with any healthcare product, they present some risks, including:
- allergic reactions
- skin irritation
- yeast infection
- interfering with fertility
- drying up quickly, requiring frequent reapplication
When a person has clinical dryness (in case you have a vagina) artificial lubricants do not treat the underlying problem. People may, therefore, find that these products do not fully resolve the issue.
Some other strategies that may help improve natural lubrication include:
- remaining hydrated
- having sex only when aroused
- spending more time on foreplay
- masturbating before sex
- increasing the frequency of masturbation or sex
Why use lubricant
Lubricants can enhance sexual pleasure by decreasing friction during sex.
Friction during sex is not only uncomfortable, but it can result in the lining of the vagina or anus tearing. These tears can put people at higher risk of sexually transmitted infections.
Is recommended that people use a water based lubricant with unlubricated latex condoms to prevent condom breakage, irritation, and infection.
Many different water based lubricants are available to purchase online.
People should avoid using any lubricants, such as Vaseline, that contain oil, fat, or grease because they can damage latex condoms.
Use water based lubricants with a pH of about 4.5 for vaginal intercourse and a pH of 5.5 to 7 for anal sex.
Glycol based lubricant
Glycol is a humectant that many manufacturers add to water based lubricants. Propylene glycol serves as the main ingredient in many warming lubricants.
People can choose from a range of glycol based lubricants.
However, glycol based lubricants dry out quickly and have the potential to cause yeast infections.
Silicone based lubricants are generally compatible with natural rubber and latex condoms. They also last longer than water based lubricants.
However, silicone based lubricants tend to cost more than lubricants comprising water or glycol. They also do not wash away when a person rinses them with water, which can make cleaning up a challenge.
Certain household products can technically function as lubricants. However, many of these products can significantly damage latex condoms.
People should avoid using the following household products as sexual lubricants:
- oils, such as baby oil, cooking oil, and plant oil
- dairy products, such as butter
- cosmetic products, such as face and body creams
- burn ointment
- hemorrhoid cream