Safer sex

Lube, lube, lube… which one do I choose?

By Megan Andelloux

Why would one use lubrication?

• to increase satisfaction, especially with condom use
• to decrease painful friction due to lack of natural lubrication from vaginal and/or anal orifices
• with sex toys or as a sex toy itself
• as a way of stimulating the genitals, thus increasing the amount of time the body has to create some of its own lube
• to change the taste of things

Lubricants can be used for oral, anal, and vulvar/vaginal play.

Does decreased lubrication in women mean that they aren't real women, or aren't turned on?

Not at all! Decreased lubrication can be—and often is—a result of hormonal changes in a woman's body. Decreased lubrication can also be due to many medications. Antihistamines, hormonal forms of birth control, ADHD medications, depression medications, and chemotherapy can all decrease vaginal lubrication. Hormonal changes, breastfeeding, and menopause can also contribute to lower amounts of vaginal lubrication.

The 1994 study Sex in America showed that women who had experienced sexual assault/trauma produced less lubrication than women who had not experienced sexual violence.

Lastly, natural lubrication created within the vagina does not often find its way to the upper external portion of the clitoris. Lubrication on the clitoris can result in a woman's experiencing more sexual satisfaction and can assist her reaching orgasm.

I've tried to have anal sex and it hurt. Can lube help?

Yes indeed! Many individuals report that anal play is uncomfortable due to the lack of lubrication the anus/rectum makes and even more so because of the subsequent unnecessary friction. Lube can become quite handy in ensuring that anal play is comfortable and pleasurable. Remember, the anus/rectum does not create its own lube so a trip to the store is needed to ensure safe and happy anal action!

There are 5 main groups of lubricants

Petroleum-based lubricants

The easiest lubrication to get a hold of. However, the body doesn't really enjoy its being used internally as it takes a while to clear out of the system.

Commonly known as	Pros	Cons
Mineral oil Vaseline Stroke 29 Jack Off	Great for external male masturbation Inexpensive and easily accessible.	Irritates vulva Destroys latex condoms Stains fabric

Natural oil-based lubricants

The rule of thumb on this is, generally, if you can eat it, it's safe to go inside the vagina. The body can clear out natural oils more easily than it can clear out petroleum-based lubricants.

Commonly known as	Pros	Cons
Vegetable oil Corn oil Avocado oil Peanut oil Olive oil Butter Crisco	Great for genital massages Safe for the vagina Safe to eat Good for all forms of sexual play Inexpensive and easily accessible.	Destroys latex condoms Stains fabric Can easily be confused with petroleum-based lubricants

Water-based lubricants with glycerin

The most commonly sold lubricants in supermarkets/drug stores are water-based with synthetic glycerin. Glycerin is added to most water-based lubes and produces a slightly sweet taste. Synthetic glycerin can trigger yeast infections in women who are prone to them.

Most flavored lubricants contain glycerin.

Most warming lubricants contain glycerin

Commonly known as	Pros	Cons
Astroglide KY Liquid/Jelly Embrace Frixxion Wet Good Head Wet Flavors ID REPLENS Liquibeads (suppositories for dry vaginal walls)	Most recommended Easy to find Inexpensive Does not stain fabric Safe to use with latex condoms	Dries out quickly Often sticky or tacky Creates an open invitation for yeast infections!

Water-based lubricants without glycerin

If a woman is complaining of recurrent yeast infections, this is one type of lubricant to recommend to her. These lubricants can contain vegetable-derived glycerin, which does not trigger yeast infections like the lube listed above. Gentlemen love it too!

Commonly known as	Pros	Cons
Maximus Liquid Silk Slippery Stuff Oh My Sensual Organics Probe Carrageenan Saliva	Lasts longer than lubricants with glycerin Can reduce irritation to the genitals Does not stain fabric Safe with latex condoms Usually thicker, provides a cushion Some (e.g., Maximus) are recommended for anal play	Can have a bitter taste due to the absence of glycerin Usually only found at adult stores or online Saliva, while inexpensive and always easily accessible, tends to dry up more quickly than most commercial lubricants.

Silicone lubricants

Created by massage therapists, silicone lubricants last the longest out of all lubricants on the market and are safe to use with condoms.

Some people are concerned that silicone lubricant is hazardous because they are comparing it to the silicone used in breast implants. Silicone lubrication cannot penetrate the skin, so there is no risk of silicone lubrication's causing the kinds of damage that can result from silicone implants.

To be a silicone lubricant, three ingredients must be present: Cyclpentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconaol. KY has recently come out with a new product that can be confused with a silicone lubricant, but it does not contain all three ingredients. True, it does last longer than other KY brands, but it not silicone.

Commonly known as	Pros	Cons
Eros Wet Platinum Id Millennium Pink Gun Oil	A little goes a long way Great for sensitive genitals Feels like petroleum-based lubricant but is safe for condoms as well as for internal use Stays on underwater Odorless and tasteless Lasts three times as long as water-based lubricants Clings to rectal walls	Expensive Cannot use with Silicone or Cyber Skin sex toys Difficult to find, it is only available online or in adult stores. It must be washed off with soap and water if too much is used.

In conclusion, products you find in your house may be suitable for sex play, but it can be difficult to determine which ones are or aren't. When in doubt, go and purchase some lubrication; if you don't have an adult store near you, look for lubrication which is sold near the condoms in your local drugstore or grocery store. Know what type of play you are having; certain lubes work better for certain types of sex. Ask if you are confused, and remember: wetter can be better!