Lubricants: how to choose and use

Public attitude towards lubricants is ambiguous. Some are actively using them, while others unwisely consider them to be a must-have for just the older generation who have issues with natural lubrication.

American scientists from the Kinsey Institute conducted one study. 2500 women were asked the same question: does the use of intimate gels improve the quality of sex? Most of the respondents said that lubricants made intimacy more pleasant.

So, a lubricant is a liquid or gel that is used during sexual intercourse to moisten the mucous membrane of the genital.

Why to use lube and who needs it?

During arousal, the female body secretes a natural lubricant, which is necessary for sexual intercourse. This process is called lubrication. It usually lasts 10-15 minutes after sex starts. Sometimes natural lubrication is not enough to provide sufficient moisture. This "dry" sex leads to the formation of microcracks. That means that there is automatically an increased risk of getting an infection. Moreover, the lack of moisture causes discomfort and even pain for both partners. That is, lubricants are necessary for both women and men.

When should I use lubricants?

Most often, lubricants are used during long-lasting sex. But there are other cases when their use is essential. Let's have a look:

• Anal sex (gels developed to relax the muscles around the anus)
• Spontaneous sexual intercourse
• Oral sex (an excellent option will be flavored gels)
• Shower sex
• Masturbation
• Erotic massage
• Using sex toys
• To prevent an unintended pregnancy

There are 4 types of lubricants:

1. Oil-based

Does not dry out, suitable for any type of sex and erotic massage.

Disadvantages: leaves greasy marks on underwear, may cause allergies, cannot be used with condoms.

2. Water-based

A highly popular option. This kind of lube is sold in any pharmacy. It is compatible with all condoms, easily washed off, and does not leave stains on bed sheets and clothing. Some of these lubes are flavored lubricants that are used for oral sex.

Disadvantages: dries quickly, becomes sticky, does not work for shower sex.

3. Silicone-based

Almost does not dry out. Provides long-lasting glide. This lubricant is well suited for sex in the shower as well as masturbation. Can be used with latex condoms. Rarely causes allergic reactions.

Disadvantages: high price, does not work for oral sex, hard to wash off, cannot be used with sex toys and silicone condoms.

4. Water and silicone based

Provides a lasting glide. Does not dry out, does not leave traces. Does not cause allergies. Suitable for all types of sex. Compatible with sex toys.

Disadvantage: it is difficult to find and buy this kind of a lube.

If you decide to try a gel lubricant, we recommend that you do the following before using it:

Examine the ingredients

Often components of these gels can cause irritation. Make sure that the product you choose does not include:

• Propylene Glycol
• Glycerine
• Nonoxynol
• Chlorhexidine Gluconate
• Polyquaternium-15
• Petroleum Oils
• Benzocaine
• Sucrose

Each lubricant has an additional effect (warming, prolonging, cooling). Find this information on the package and pick the best option that fits you.

Check if the gel causes allergies

The easiest way to do this is to apply a little amount of gel to the inside bend of the elbow. If after 20 minutes your skin remains intact, you can safely use a lubricant. If there is redness or itching, this type of lubricant is not suitable for you. In this case you should look for another one.

Wash your hands

The rules of hygiene have not been canceled.

Read the instructions and start using

Although there are no strict rules for the use of lubricants, we still recommend that you read the manufacturer's recommendations. The basic rule of using a lubricant: squeeze out a little gel on the palm of your hand, warm it, and apply it to the genitals.

Is it possible to replace the lubricant with lotion or oil?

No. Conventional cosmetics cannot be applied to the mucous membrane, as they throw off your vagina's pH balance. That in turn can reduce the functioning of protective mechanisms and lead to the development of infections.

We hope that our article helped to take a different look at such an invention. Even for those ones who have previously considered lubrication useless. Using these gels will help you get new sensations from sex that you may not have experienced before. It is simply foolish to deny yourself such a pleasure.