Guide to Sexual Lubricants

There are so many lubricants on the market today that it is really hard to understand what they do and why there are so many. So the following guide should help shed some light on what type of lubricant to use and when to use it.

Vaginal Penetration

Even though the vagina creates its own lubrication, usually 10 to 30 seconds after a woman is aroused, some women can not produce enough lubrication to sustain prolonged  sexual intercourse. A woman can have many problems from not having enough lubrication: painful intercourse, sore/burning genitals for days after, a bladder infection or vaginal infections. A Water Based Lubricant is good for vaginal penetration. A water based lubricant is made of mostly water, resembling a thin syrup that feels slick to the touch. The only drawback to water based lubes is that after a long period of time, they will dry out requiring more applications. There have been rumors that the glycerine in water water based lubes can cause yeast infections in women who are very sensitive or that are prone to getting yeast infections/UTI’s. So the lubricant industry has started to make Glycerin Free Lubricants. These lubes are safe to use with condoms and are even safer to use in the vagina. Silicone Based Lubricants stay slippery much longer without the need for reapplying. Both are safe to use with condoms, diaphragms, dental dams and sex toys.

Important Note: If you’re using a condom to prevent pregnancy and want the additional protection, some lubricants contain Nonoxynol-9. Although be careful because Nonoxynol-9 has known to be an irritant for the vagina.

The following are my personal recommendations…

• Water-Based Lube
  System Jo H20 Personal Lubricant – Out of the massive amounts of personal lubricants available, System Jo is the only brand approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It mixes with your body’s natural moisture to create a sensual feel. It even lasts through shower play.
• Glycerin Free Lube
  Sliquid H2O Lubricant – A water-based lubricant that is made with plant cellulose as a thickening agent instead of glycerin or other sugar derivatives. A real life saver for those that are sensitive to getting yeast infections. It is safe to use with condoms, toys and safe for all sexual activity.
• Silicone Based Lube
  Pjur Original Body Glide Lube – It has a unique silicone-based formula that always stays slippery, meaning there’s no need to constantly reapply…A very little goes a long way. It’s also a very thin consistency lubricant so you don’t feel all goopy while you’re using it. It’s safe to use in the vagina, with condoms and with toys that are NOT made of silicone.

Anal Penetration

This type of penetration absolutely, positively needs lubrication. In fact, it is recommended that you use more lubrication than necessary because the rectum does not produce any lubrication on its own. Without a lot of lubrication, the rectum can be temporarily and painfully damaged. There is never too much lube for anal sex. In the past, oil based lubricants were the only way to go, however, now water-based lubricants have the lasting power and won ’t break down condoms during anal sex. A specially created anal lubricant is even more preferable for anal sex.

The following are my personal recommendations…

• Water-Based
  Astroglide – It’s water-based so it’s safe to use with condoms. It’s thicker than many other water-based lubes, making it good for anal sex. However, it does tend to get sticky after a while. Astroglide has always had a very large, very loyal following. Many, many people swear by it for all sexual play.
• Cal Exotics Anal Lube – A lube designed specifically for anal sex. It’s water-based and has a really thick consistency so that it stays around much, much longer and doesn’t get sticky like Astroglide. Highly Recommended!

Masturbation

This applies to both men and women. Lubrication applied to the penis or vagina during masturbation will increase pleasure and reduce the amount of friction. Really, any good quality lubricant will do.

For Women:

• Water-Based Lube
  System Jo H20 Personal Lubricant – Out of the massive amounts of personal lubricants available, System Jo is the only brand approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It mixes with your body’s natural moisture to create a sensual feel. It even lasts through shower play.
• Glycerin Free Lube
  Sliquid H2O Lubricant – A water-based lubricant that is made with plant cellulose as a thickening agent instead of glycerin or other sugar derivatives. A real life saver for those that are sensitive to getting yeast infections. It is safe to use with condoms, toys and safe for all sexual activity.
• Silicone Based Lube
  Pjur Original Body Glide Lube– It has a unique silicone-based formula that always stays slippery, meaning there’s no need to constantly reapply…A very little goes a long way. It’s also a very thin consistency lubricant so you don’t feel all goopy while you’re using it. It’s safe to use in the vagina, with condoms and with toys that are NOT made of silicone.

For Men:

• Oil Based Lube
  Body Butter is a coconut oil-based lubricant that is blended with an organic silicone. It will last as long as silicone lubricants but wash off with water alone. Please keep in mind, since it is oil-based you can not use this with condoms or during intercourse with a woman.
• Silicone Based Lube
  Astroglide X Silicone Lube – Since it’s silicone based, it’s made of a thinner consistancy, it stays slick longer than most water-based lubes. A little goes a long way with this one.
• Water Based Lube
  Pjur Aqua – Good slick water-based lube. You don’t a whole lot of this one either and it seems to stay slick for a while without getting tacky.

Sex Toys

Many of the modern sex toys are created with materials, the jelly material and cyberskin material in particular, that do require a lubricant. These new toys tend to absorb your natural lubricant, drying you out. So adding lubrication will reduce any friction, giving you more pleasure. Please remember, any toys made of latex can not be used with oil based lubricants or lubricants containing petroleum. The oil based lubricant will make the material deteriorate, causing cracking and peeling of the latex surface. Also do not use silicone lubricant with silicone toys. When in doubt of what type of  material the product is made out of, always use a water based lubricant.

Oral Sex

Surprisingly, lubrication can be very helpful when performing oral sex. If your partner has a dry mouth, lubrication can help to avoid any embarrassing situations or problems. Lubrication is very helpful when one’s hands or toys are also involved in orally pleasing his/her partner. But most importantly, lubrication  can add a pleasing taste to your lover.

Sliquid is available in a variety of flavors guaranteed to tantalize your taste buds while lubricating your lover. No bitter aftertaste to spoil the mood! My favorite is Sliquid Swirl Blue Rasberry. While this isn’t really a lubricant, it will make your lover taste rather yummy without all the goopiness of lube. Lick Me Body Sprays are very cool because you just spray a little where you want to lick and you get this light, yet tasty addition to oral sex.

Since oil based lubricants are detrimental to use during certain types of sex, it has definitely not been one of my recommended brands, except for male masturbation. I feel that a water based or silicone based lubricant is best, since they can be used in almost any situation. Of course, this guide has been formulated to help you in choosing the best lubricant for your particular need, but choosing a lubricant is a very personal thing. So don’t be afraid to try a few different brands, until you find something you’re comfortable
with.

This has by no means been intended to be the “be all end all” in Personal Lubricant education. These are few brands and things I’ve learned along the way. Please see the links below for further information.

See Also :

• Guide to Masturbation
• Finding the right personal lubricant from About.com