How to Choose the Best Lube for Your Sex Life
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Lubricants can help increase the safety and pleasure of solo and partner sexual experiences involving penetration. Whether you’re looking to enhance your current sex life or dealing with specific issues such as vaginismus, vaginal dryness from menopause, or side effects of cancer treatments — lubricants are here to help!
Let’s explore the different types of lubricants available and some recommendations for brands to improve your intimacy.
Who Should Use Lube?
Lube is for everyone! You don’t have to be experiencing vaginal dryness or pain to benefit from using lube for sexual activity. Lubricants reduce friction which can prevent abrasions, tears, and pain, making it easier to switch positions or engage in rougher play with less risk of injury. Lubricants also provide extra slickness to enhance all kinds of touches. By creating a smoother and wetter sensation, lubricants can also heighten pleasure for partners during sex.
Water-Based Lubricant
Water-based lubricants are extremely popular due to their versatility. They work well with any type of condom, cause less genital symptoms, don’t stain fabrics, and are compatible with all kinds of sex toy materials (silicone included)! This type of lube tends to dry out more quickly than others, so you may need to reapply during sexual activity.
Silicone-Based Lubricant
Silicone-based lubes are great all-around products. They have a much longer lasting time than water-based lubes, so they’re perfect for those who need (or want!) extra time with their partner or toy. Additionally, they work well with both latex and non-latex condoms alike so you can still enjoy safe sex while using this type of lube. Just make sure you avoid using silicone lubes on silicone sex toys and dilators as it can cause damage over time. Something else good to know about silicone-based lubricants is that they are recommended for anal play since they don’t dry out like water-based lubricants.
Oil-Based Lubricants
Many people prefer oil-based lubricants because they tend to last longer than other options. However, it is important to note that oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms or diaphragms as they can break down the material and cause them to fail. Due to possible damage, you should also avoid using oil-based lubes on silicone dilators or toys. Another consideration is if you’re prone to yeast infections, you may want to steer clear of oil-based lubricants. They may be associated with higher rates of candida, which is a fungus responsible for yeast infections.
Interested in oil-based lubricants? Try coconut oil, vitamin E oil, or olive oil. Just keep it separate from what you’re cooking with so you don’t cross-contaminate! Another option is AH! Yes OB Plant-Oil Based Lubricant.
What to Avoid
When choosing a lubricant, check the ingredients. You don’t want to get interrupted by irritation from your lube! Ingredients such as chlorhexidine, propylene glycol, glycerine, petroleum oil, and parabens can cause discomfort and irritation. It’s also important to avoid lubricants that contain ingredients that contain glycerin or sugar, which can increase the risk of yeast infections. And the ones that are cooling or tingling? Skip ’em!
No matter what kind of sexual experience you’re looking for - solo play or partner play - there is a perfect lube out there for you. Be sure to do your research by talking to a medical provider, looking at the product ingredients, and reading reviews online before making your selection so that you know exactly which product will fit your needs best. Happy exploring!
References
Brown JM, Hess KL, Brown S, Murphy C, Waldman AL, Hezareh M. Intravaginal practices and risk of bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis infection among a cohort of women in the United States. Obstet Gynecol. 2013 Apr;121(4):773-780. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0b013e31828786f8. PMID: 23635677.
Herbenick D, Reece M, Hensel D, Sanders S, Jozkowski K, Fortenberry JD. Association of lubricant use with women's sexual pleasure, sexual satisfaction, and genital symptoms: a prospective daily diary study. J Sex Med. 2011 Jan;8(1):202-12. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02067.x. Epub 2010 Dec 9. PMID: 21143591.
Kennedy CE, Yeh PT, Li J, Gonsalves L, Narasimhan M. Lubricants for the promotion of sexual health and well-being: a systematic review. Sex Reprod Health Matters. 2021;29(3):2044198. doi: 10.1080/26410397.2022.2044198. PMID: 35315312; PMCID: PMC8942543.
Reece M, Herbenick D, Schick V, Sanders SA, Fortenberry JD. Men's use and perceptions of commercial lubricants: prevalence and characteristics in a nationally representative sample of American adults. J Sex Med. 2014 May;11(5):1125-35. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12480. Epub 2014 Feb 26. PMID: 24612606.
Sutton KS, Boyer SC, Goldfinger C, Ezer P, Pukall CF. To lube or not to lube: experiences and perceptions of lubricant use in women with and without dyspareunia. J Sex Med. 2012 Jan;9(1):240-50. doi: 10.1111/j.1743-6109.2011.02543.x. Epub 2011 Nov 14. PMID: 22082320.
