Lubricants (or "lubes") are substances used to reduce friction during sexual intercourse and other forms of sexual encounters, reducing pain and chances of prophylactic (condom) slippage and breakage. In addition to reducing friction, lubricants are just plain fun. The most standard use for a lubricant is for sexual intercourse. A woman's body becomes naturally lubricated when she is aroused, but sometimes not enough moisture is produced to allow her to have sex comfortably. Many people also enjoy the benefits of reduced friction during masturbation with a lube. The possibilities are endless when it comes to the uses for lubes, and with so many forms out there, it can be hard to tell which one is best for you, so here are four main types of lubricants:
Petroleum-based lubricants are made from petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or petrolatum. Some examples of these are Vaseline brand products, baby oil, and some forms of KY Jelly brand lubricants. The most important thing to remember about petroleum-based lubricants is that they dissolve latex. They should never be used with latex condoms, latex based sex toys, or diaphragms/cervical caps. Two more draw backs include staining fabric relatively easily and a moderate difficulty in washing it off. Petroleum-based lubricants are typically used for male masturbation and anal intercourse. Petroleum-based lubes have been known to irritate the vagina, so it might be wise to use another form of lubricant for sexual intercourse.
Oil-based lubricants are made from naturally occurring products. Like petroleum-based lubricants, oil-based lubricants can destroy latex, stain fabrics, and can be a pain to wash off. Oil-based lubricants can be used for vaginal intercourse, anal intercourse, and male/female masturbation. They are widely available in most grocery stores/pharmacies which makes them very convenient to use.
Water-based lubricants are made primarily from water. Water-based lubes are the most popular form of lubrication because they feel very natural. Many water-based lubes are edible and come in flavored and unflavored forms. These lubes will not stain fabric. They can be safely used with condoms and other latex products. Water-based lubricants rarely cause irritation. They aren't as long lasting as other forms of lubes due to evaporation and absorption by the skin, but they are usually sufficient for normal use. Water-based lubes may be harder to find in your typical grocery store, but chances are that if the store you are in carries condoms, then they will also carry a water-based lubricant. Water-based lubricants make for a very easy cleanup because they can be easily wiped away or washed away with water.
Silicone-based lubricants are primarily made from silicone and are water proof. Silicone lubes are great for any underwater sexual encounter. Silicone lubes tend to last longer than water based lubricants because they are not absorbed by the skin. Silicone lubricants will harm other objects made from silicon such as silicone sex toys, but silicone lubricants will not harm latex.
Some lubricants come with extra ingredients to enhance the sexual encounter. One of the most popular is a warming lubricant that warms on contact. Other natural additives like ginseng or hemp can add an extra tingly feeling to the sexual encounter. As a rule of thumb, always be sure to check a lubricant label and make sure it is safe for use with condoms or other forms of birth control.
If you don't know if lubricants are right for you, you can always search the web with Google. Doing this will turn up a number of free sample offers available through traditional mail. Most samples will take 4 to 6 weeks to arrive. Make note that lubricant samples typically come with the brand name and product description on the package for anyone to read. Of course, you can always check our
Sex Store for some of the latest deals on condoms and other sex accessories.
Written and submitted by Paul. Edited by Matt B.
