Personal lubricants (also known as lube) are liquid, cream, or gel lubricants used to avoid unpleasant friction during sexual acts such as intercourse or masturbation.
Lubes are now more associated with sexual intercourse, especially since some women suffer from vaginal dryness. Using lubrication means less friction, smoother skin, and overall better sex – regardless of gender, age, or stage of life.
The vagina naturally generates lubricant, which aids in sexual action. If natural lubrication is insufficient, people can use lube, or artificial lubricant, to make sexual activity more comfortable.
When a woman is sexually aroused, her vaginal lubrication increases. This lubricant decreases friction in the vagina, boosting comfort during intercourse and reducing pain or irritation. Vaginal dryness, on the other hand, is a relatively prevalent sexual problem.
Artificial lubricants help to keep the vaginal area moist. Lubes come in a variety of textures, tastes, and materials to fit a person’s needs and preferences.
They can be used for a variety of sexual activities, including penetrative and anal intercourse as well as masturbation. Some varieties are also suitable for use with toys.
What Are the Types of Sex Lubricants, Anyway?
When deciding on the ideal lubrication for you, keep the different types in mind. Lubricants are available with a variety of bases:
- water
- silicone
- oil
- hybrid (combining two or more of the above)
- natural
Hybrid lubes are frequently a mix of water and silicone. There are numerous formulas available to meet your specific demands.
What Are the Benefits of Using Sex Lubricants?
Lubricants are made up of various substances that provide numerous benefits:
- Water-based lubricants are popular and contain glycerin. However, glycerin-free products may be better for those who suffer yeast infections frequently.
- Silicone-based lubricants last longer than water-based lubricants, making them an excellent choice for those who have severe vaginal dryness or a history of pain during intercourse. However, they are not suitable for use with silicone sex toys and they can be oily.
- Oil-based lubricants include many easily available goods like kitchen oils. They’re normally edible and safe for the vagina, but they’re a little messy. Mineral oil and petroleum jelly, which are synthetic oil-based lubricants, can perform effectively but may irritate the vulva.
- Hybrid lubricants are not as thick as pure silicone or oil lube, but they are creamier than water-based lubes, which reduces friction significantly. Water and silicone substances are typically combined, which makes hybrids stay slicker for longer than pure water-based products. This is due to the proper mixture of water and silicone.
- Natural lubes have become popular in recent years. Not surprisingly, there is some disagreement over what the term “natural lube” actually means. Search for items that have both natural and few substances on their ingredient list. Aloe Cadabra Personal Lubricant & Moisturizer is an excellent choice because it contains 95 percent aloe vera.
The vagina normally self-lubricates when a woman is sexually aroused. This improves the overall enjoyment of the event.
Intercourse in the absence of lubricant can be uncomfortable and damaging to the vaginal lining. Because of hormonal changes, menopause, aging, or medicine, your body can create less lubricant. That’s where synthetic lubrication comes in.
Artificial lubricants can assist to increase desire and increase sexual pleasure, keep your vaginal skin moist, and, most significantly, reduce friction during penetration – whether by a partner or a sex device. Lubricant can be purchased online or at your local drugstore.
“‘Sex’ is as important as eating or drinking and we ought to allow the one appetite to be satisfied with as little restraint or false modesty as the other.”
Marquis de Sad
In a 2009 Indiana University research of 2,453 women, participants claimed that lubrication made intercourse more joyful and enjoyable more than 70% of the time.
Carli Blau, LMSW, a New York City sex and relationship therapist, says that “needing a lubricant does not mean that you’re not interested in your partner.” It even shows that you are still interested in taking your sex encounter with your partner to the next level.
How to Use Lubricant?
People should always follow the directions on the package when using over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers.
Start with a small amount of the product and slowly increase the amount until the vagina feels comfortable. Some folks find that reapplying the lubricant multiple times yields the best effects.
A person may find it beneficial to experiment with several lubricants, paying close attention to how their body reacts to each one. If your vagina feels itchy or uncomfortable after using one of these products, it could be due to an allergy or intolerance to a lubricant ingredient.
Do Lubricants Pose Risks and Side Effects?
Lubricants are safe for most people. However, as with any similar product, they come with potential dangers, including:
- allergic responses
- yeast infections
- skin irritation
- interfering with fertility
- drying up quickly, necessitating regular reapplication
When a person suffers clinical vaginal dryness, artificial lubricants do not address the underlying issue. They will not raise estrogen or restore weakening vaginal tissue. As a result, people may discover that these lubricants do not resolve the problem.
Wrapping It Up, Unwrapping You Down
Vaginal lubrication can help people have more pleasurable sexual experiences. And improved sex encounters can also strengthen any relationship. We’ve discussed a lot of ways to experience better sex in the past, like how to intensify orgasm, use sex toys, etc., to help couples improve their sex life and build their bond.
The symptoms of vaginal dryness can be extremely unpleasant or aggravating and affect sexual encounters.
Sex should not be uncomfortable, and the vagina should not cause pain. If vaginal dryness persists or does not improve with the use of a commercial lubricant, consulting a doctor is highly recommended. A healthcare practitioner can assist in determining if there is an underlying clinical reason for the dryness and then recommend an appropriate remedy.
Regular intimacy is a wonderful way to keep relationship bonds strong. Don’t allow vaginal dryness stop you from keeping your sex life on fire and your relationship burning with love!
