Lube
Sex can be a bit awkward at the best of times, if you’re new to the scene, or have a new partner, or even if you’re a connoisseur of bedroom activities (or kitchen, or outside, or in the car….you get the gist). Most people want their sexual experience to run smoothly, with no discomfort in the way, though not all by any stretch of the imagination. But that’s a topic for another time. So, manufacturers of aids in the sex industry have been honing and refining their lube products for the more open-minded market that we now have. Back in the day you wouldn’t find much in the way of artificial lube, luckily we’ve moved on from that now, and in fact it’s scientifically proven that people who use lube have consistently better sex than those who don’t. Fact. Why? Because this slippery stuff is great for easing penetration and making all sex fun and more relaxed – what’s not to like?!
What is lube actually used for?
Essentially, it reduces friction between things that you’re rubbing together so there’s more pleasure, less chafing, they enhance sex with their smooth, slippery sensations. It doesn’t matter what you’re getting up to in the bedroom, your orgasms are going to thank you for it!
Some people produce less natural lubrication than others, but even if it isn’t a problem for you and your body does its own thing well enough without any outside assistance, everyone can benefit from using lube. There could be a whole new world of pleasure out there that you haven’t discovered yet!
You have lots of options here as well, lube made especially for anal sex, flavoured lube for a different taste, totally clear, natural lube and tingling lube for adding a little spice to the proceedings by increasing sensations for both parties. It’s also body-friendly if you’re not keen on chocolate sauce in the bedroom. This stuff is a great substitute – and will leave your sheets unstained (well, unstained from messy chocolate or cream at least). There’s no prep needed, lube is ready to go when you are!
One of the most important things to consider when you’re buying your lube is to make sure that you choose one that’s condom friendly if you need to. Not all of them are, so it’s crucial to check, because if you don’t then you could find that your contraception is actually useless.
When should I be using it?
Lube can be used at any time, for most things, but not all lubes are compatible with all types of sex, so explore your options and read up before you make a choice. You don’t have to stick to just one choice, either, pick out a few! So, what are you going to be using it for, exactly? For a start, all anal adventures should start with lube being applied because the anus is not naturally self-lubricating so heading south there can be a very uncomfortable experience. Luckily there are products that have been specifically designed for just this situation.
What different types are there?
- Water-based lube. This is probably the best all-rounder, as it were, it’s a good one to invest in if you’re not sure what you’ll be using it for. It has a light, natural feel, perfect for sex and sex toys. This one is largely safe to use with condoms, but not always, so make sure you check the label carefully.
- Silicone lube. This one lasts the longest and has the added benefit of being waterproof so it’s definitely the one for shared shower sex. Silicone lube is an excellent choice for vaginal sex, anal sex and solo occasions, but never for silicone sex toys, or realistic-feel toys.
- Oil-based lube. This one is more of a tricky customer and definitely not an all-rounder. As you can imagine, an oil-based lube comes with skin softening properties, such as vitamin E, aloe vera and almond oil. It’s not to be used internally (so not for anal OR vaginal sex) or with condoms. And it’s only compatible with toys made from metal or glass. Basically, it’s perfect for men looking to lube up for a solo session.
- Anal lube.
This one is identical in structure, there have just been slight tweaks made to optimise it for anal use. It has enhanced thickness, giving it a cushioned glide into smooth anal play.
If you’re looking for something easy and straightforward to add to your sex sessions, then lube is definitely the way to go. Decide what you want it for and then check out your options! You’ll have a range of slippery sensations, flavoured lube for oral sex, plus the erotic, tingling ones to spice it up for both partners. Even if you’ve never used them before, give them a go! You certainly don’t want to miss out on any pleasure to be had.