You are itching to have sex with your man. In fact, you haven’t been in between the sheets for the longest time, and so you want to make it up to him. You are emotionally and physically prepared for what’s about to come.
You may even have a new set of lingerie to keep his entire existence excited. To make sure that your package down there will cooperate, you decide to take a quick trip to an adult store to buy some lube.
The question is, what kind of lube should you buy? More importantly, how crucial is lubricant for spicing things up inside the bedroom? According to sex experts, having lube on your bedside makes sex better, more pleasurable and saves you against time and frustration. Aside from this, here are seven things you need to learn about lube to make your sex life better.
1. There Are Different Kinds Of Lubricants
Yes, ladies. Lubricants come in many forms, shapes and sizes. There are also types of lubricants that could work for you, but not for others. Here are different types of lubes available on the market.
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- Water Based – According to a study from the University of Indiana, water-based lubes got the highest pleasure rating during anal sex.
They are also the most popular form of lubricant because they are fairly thin and almost similar to vaginal lubrication.
This makes it a favorite, not just during anal sex but also vaginal intercourse and oral sex. It’s not advisable for hand jobs, though. - Oil Based – This type of lube, such as olive oil and Vaseline provides a less slick feel. It is also ideal for hand jobs and sensual massage. However, make sure you don’t combine it with latex condoms, since it tends to tear them. If you are thinking of vaginal penetration, stay away from this type as much as possible.
- Warming Lube – This lubricant adds a warming sensation during sex, especially when used outside the condom. Just take it easy on your usage since your genital area is sensitive. Too much warming lube could lead to irritation, and you don’t want that.
- Silicone Based – This is an all-purpose winner lubricant. It is slick, fairly thin, ultra-moisturizing and doesn’t break down easily in water.
The effects are long lasting, which is great for oral, vaginal and anal play. It is safe to work with condoms, too. - Water Based Cream – This is the same as water-based, except for the texture. It provides a lotion like feel, thereby giving more room for friction. It also works longer than water based lube and works well with latex condoms.
- Flavored Lube – If you are a bit worried with your taste and smell down there, then flavored lube could be your best friend. It is a fun way to do oral sex, especially when you and your man are still in the “getting to know each other” stage. A piece of advice: make sure you and your man are not allergic to the chosen flavor.
- His and Hers Lube – There are lubes sold in the market that are said to be thrilling for both you and your man, especially when combined together. However, this is more of a marketing gimmick than a science-based finding.
- All Natural – Yes, even organic products have found their way to lubricants. The good thing about natural lubes is that they contain fewer additives, which minimizes the possibility of getting an adverse reaction.
- Homemade – In case you are on a tight budget, you could DIY and make your own lube. The problem with this is that there are ingredients that could irritate your genitals and you might not even know it.
There is also a risk of developing an infection, especially when you don’t wash your area down there properly.
2. Check For Sugar Content
Did you know that lubricants, particularly the flavored ones, have sugar in them? It may seem harmless, but some lubricants contain sugar,
glycerin or other sugar derivatives that may not work well with your vaginal flora.
In what way, you may ask. The answer is simple – yeast infections. Even if you don’t have a history of yeast infections, there is a higher chance of putting yourself at risk, simply by using a lube with sugar. Some flavored lubricants could also irritate your area down there.
In case you want to try a flavored lube, make sure to wash it off thoroughly afterwards. It’s not a guarantee, but at least it could minimize the possibility of getting an infection.
3. Watch Out For The Ingredients
A lube’s ingredients play an important role in pleasure making.
Hence, it is imperative that you check the label to make sure that you are not allergic to any of the ingredients.
Take the case of water-based lubricants. A water-based lube does not mean it is also irritation-free.
Ingredients such as chlorhexidine or propylene glycol could cause irritation down there. Flavored lubricants could also be a recipe for disaster. If strawberries, chocolates or whatever food makes you sneeze incessantly, stay away from its corresponding flavored lube.
Make it a point to check the label before paying for anything. It will only take a few minutes of your time anyway. More importantly, you want to enjoy the night and not spend it in the emergency room due to allergies.
4. You Could Still Get Pregnant
Are you trying to conceive? For sure, one of the craziest tips you’ve heard is don’t use a lube, regardless of its type. Bust that myth, ladies.
The truth is, you still have to worry about conceiving during lube. However, you may want to use an all-natural lube if you want to have a bun in the oven.
A good and ideal lubricant will not harm your man’s sperm. At the same time, it should mimic the pH level of your cervical mucus and consistency to make the experience pleasurable and more natural as possible.
The good news is that there are lots of lubes available in the market that offers these benefits, aside from getting you wet down there.
More importantly, there is no study that shows the use of lubricant leads to infertility. You’ll be fine for sure, but if you want more information, by all means, ask your doctor for advice. They can recommend a product that is safe for you to use, no matter what your situation is.
5. Always Consider Your Sensitivity
You might be excited to try out your new strawberry-flavored lubricant. The question is, won’t it act up on you?
Lubricants are not like lipsticks where you can test them on your skin before buying. You have to rely on luck and the power of prayers, hoping it will cooperate with you and your man. However, you could still try it first before finishing the entire bottle.
Spread a small amount of lube on one side of your labia. If you feel any irritation, burns, pain or any uncomfortable feelings, don’t bother using it anymore. You might be allergic to one or more ingredients in the lube. If you didn’t feel any tingling sensation, then your newly bought lube is good to go.
A piece of advice: unless the lube is tried-and-tested, buy lubricants in smaller packs. Lubes in sachets are also better. This way, you will be able to test which among the products work best for you without wasting your money.
6. Go Natural
Here’s the truth: your body produces enough lubricant to make sure that you are wet when the time comes.
However, there are factors that could affect your ability to get wet, such as pregnancy, stress and suffering from certain medical conditions.
In this case, getting some help won’t hurt. Drinking lots of water could affect your body’s natural lubrication. It is difficult to make yourself wet when you are dehydrated.
Masturbation and asking your man to spend enough time down south could also help in getting you in the mood. You know yourself best, so look for ways that will help you get in the mood, even if it means watching a little porn, eating some chocolate or reading an erotic novel.
Otherwise, coconut and olive oil could also work best in providing lubrication. Unfortunately, it breaks down condoms and messes up your sheets. Petroleum-based lubricants, such as mineral oil and Vaseline are not advisable during penetration. It is also hard to wash it off your body, which could lead to irritation.
7. Using A Lubricant Is Normal
Most women feel ashamed or embarrassed because of using a lubricant. If you are one of them, don’t feel that way.
Using a lubricant is normal. In fact, sex experts even recommend its presence inside the bedroom because of its many benefits.
At the same time, you will need it at some point, so there is no reason to feel ashamed about it.
The keys here are honesty and openness. If it is your first time to use a lube, make sure to talk about this with your partner and express your intention of giving lube a try. You could work your way out from there by discussing what type or flavor of lube you want to use. You could even discuss the stage where you want to make its presence felt.
Don’t be ashamed. Lubricant is a normal thing and no one will judge you for using it.