Lube 101
Understanding Lubricants
Lubricants, like other things you buy in stores to add to your sexual experience may seem daunting to approach. But, we assure you, lubricants are commonly used even in perfectly fine sexual intercourse. For those of you new to lubricants, here’s Lube 101 for you.
Why use lubricants during sex?
Relieves pain and discomfort
Enhances sexual experience
Prevents damage of skin
Relieves pain and discomfort
Getting it on but having difficulties going in? Time to lube up.
The vagina normally self-lubricates when females are aroused. When the body undergoes hormonal changes, menopause, dehydration, or even as a side effect of medication (such as antihistamines and antidepressants), lubricant-production may decrease. Attempting penetration when the vagina is not sufficiently lubricated may at best cause some discomfort, and at worst result in a very unhappy partner!
P.S.: Because the anus does not produce natural lubrication, it is also a wise idea to lube up before you attempt an entrance!
Enhances sexual experience
“Only people who experience pain, dryness, or discomfort need lube” is a myth.
Apart from making sex more comfortable, lubes also come in different flavours, sensations and textures - ensuring that you and your partner always have something on hand to spice things up in bed! #killingtwobirdswithonestone
Prevents damage of skin
To protect the delicate skin near the penis and vaginal area, use lube.
Lastly, lube also keeps the skin in our sensitive regions soft, while reducing friction during penetration. This prevents nasty things like abrasions near your private parts. Yikes.
Now that you know why lube is good for you, how do we go about choosing lube?
Choosing the right type of Lubricant
An appropriate use of lube also includes choosing the right kind of lube for you and your partner. Different lubes serve different purposes and incorrect usage may do more harm than good.
Reddit User SexToyPeddlar / Via reddit.com
Three Types of Lubes:
1. Water-based Lubes:
Examples: Astroglide Liquid, Eros, K-Y Ultragel, Replens Silky Smooth
Pros:
Water-based lubes are soothing and good for people with sensitive skin since its main ingredient is water
They are less messy to deal with since they are water soluble, making it easy to wash off your clothes and bedsheets
Compatible with sex toys
Cons:
Not long lasting: It gets absorbed into the skin easily, causing the lube to dry out and hence requires reapplication frequently
Not suitable for use in showers since they can get washed off right away
2. Silicon-based Lubes
Examples: Astroglide Diamond Silicone Gel, Wet Platinum Premium Body Glide
Pros:
Silicon-based lubes are the most slippery and are thus good for non-vaginal intercourses
They do not degrade latex condoms
They do not evaporate as quickly as water-based lubricants
Suitable for use in shower as they work well in water
Mostly free of potentially irritating glycols and glycerin (do double check the label though!)
Cons:
Can damage silicon sex toys, making them unsafe for use sometimes
They can be difficult to wash off your skin or your sheets since they are not water-soluble
They tend to have a bad taste
3. Oil-based Lubes
Examples: Baby oil, unscented massage oil, aloe, coconut oil, jojoba, olive oil
Pros:
Oil-based lubes are naturally moisturizing and can last longer than other lubes
They are good for women sensitive to additives and preservatives commonly found in other types of lube
Suitable for use in shower since they do not get washed off so easily
Cons:
Cannot be used with latex condoms since oil degrades latex (but they can work with polyurethane condoms)
Some oil-based lubes can increase the risk of urinary or vaginal infections
They can be difficult to wash off your sheets and they might even stain it permanently
Use lube in moderation
Using lube during sex has many benefits. However, this is not to say that you should use the whole tube of lube in a single session. "While too much friction causes burns and tears, friction is what stimulates nerves and allows us to feel pleasure" Jill McDevitt, PhD, resident sexologist for sex toy emporium CalExotics.
The bottom line? Some friction is required for us to feel pleasure, don’t go crazy on the lube.
(I know, humans are strange. We actually want pain, just not too much #strawberries.)
Lube helps you have safer sex
When used in combination with the right condom, lubes reduce the odds of you and your partner contracting an STI, or even an unplanned pregnancy. WAOW, really?
By reducing the friction of condoms, lube
Reduces the likelihood of the condom breaking
Reduces microscopic tears that allow bacteria to enter your body
Thank you, lube.
Potential medical complications
As with anything that is applied onto the skin / enters your body, skin irritation and allergic reactions may occur. Bacterial infection caused by disruption to the normal vaginal flora may also occur for the ladies. If you experience redness, swelling, irritation, an itching / tingling / burning sensation, or even develop hives and lesions - classic symptoms of an allergic reaction - visit a doctor.
Trying out a new brand of lube? Test it on the inside of your elbow before fun time with your partner to be sure that the lube is suitable for you.
If lube sounds like a sex must-have right now, thank you and I’m off to apply for that sales job at Chope.
Remember: Find the right type of lubrication that suits you and your partner, and the kind of activity you guys are using it for. Lube up today!
References: https://www.health.com/sexual-health/how-to-use-lube-for-better-sex
https://www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/vaginal-lubricants#types
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Medically fact-checked by:
Hendra Widjaya Dharma, M.D.
3 years of clinical experience in the emergency department, Indonesia
