Everything You Need To Know About Personal Lubricants

What is personal lubricant?

During sexual stimulation, a womans vagina naturally becomes lubricated, making it wetter and ready for penetration. Without proper lubrication, sex is less enjoyable because of friction and the irritation of dry skin rubbing.

Factors like age, stress, menopause and genetics means that sometimes women experience vaginal dryness. This is where the vagina does not produce enough natural lubrication, which leads to pain or discomfort. 

Some women and couples simply prefer intercourse more when extra lubrication is used.

This is where a manufactured lubricant can help. Personal lubricant is a liquid or gel that women, men and couples can apply during sex to make the vagina or penis wetter. Lubricant can also be applied to a man’s penis or a sex toy to make them more enjoyable.

There are several types of lubricants, each with advantages and disadvantages.

 

Water Based Lubricants:

One of the most popular lubricants that you can find at any online adult shop is water-based lubricant. There is huge range of brands nowadays to choose from. Popular because they are inexpensive and easy to find. They also wash off easily with plain water, and don’t require harsh soaps or chemicals to clean off. However, they don’t usually last as long as silicone-based lubricants. Water based lubricants are one of the widest used lubricants because of their safety to both men’s and woman’s sexual organs. 

Oil Based Lubricants:

Oil based lubricants cannot be used with latex condoms. This is because the oil weakens latex, making the condom more susceptible to break. Which means, these lubes need to be used with caution. Otherwise you are putting yourself at risk of unplanned pregnancies or transmission of a sexuallytransmitted infection (STI).The advantage of these lubes is that the oil ingredients last longer than water-based lubricants. Oil based lubes also reduces friction more than water-based lubricants. 

Silicone Based Lubricants:

These lubes have a tendency to to last longer than water-based lubricants. They do not rinse as easily as water-based lubricants and can irritate some people if they aren’t cleanedstraight after intercourse.

It’s important to pay attention to the ingredients in all lubricants. Some water based and siliconebased lubricants contain a chemical called 
glycerin or glycerol, which can lead to inflammation and yeast infections in some women. If you experience such symptoms, then it is best to look for lubricants without glycerin.

Silicone lubes are also very good lubes for back door play, and very popular amongst the gay community. They provide the least amount of friction resistance which makes them suitable for long sessions. 

Silicone lubes also work well with latex condoms enabling you to enjoy with protection. 

Another reason silicone lubricates are popular is because they do not wash off with plain water. This allows them to be used during sex or solo play in showers, and baths. Washing them off requires a mild soapy water solution. Sex toy cleaner can be used to clean toys.

One thing to note with silicone lubricant is that it is not compatible with many sex toys made from silicone. Although this might sound strange, silicone melts silicone. 

Take care when decidingyour choice of personal lubricant. Check out the pros and cons of each type and choose based on your personal preference. Always use reputable brands, as they will follow all the laws and regulations surrounding personal lubricants. Most reputable lubes can be bought from supermarkets or if you prefer to get them cheaper and more discreetly you can purchase from an online adult shop.