Lube 101: How To Use It And Why It Can Enhance Your Sex Life

The thought that only menopausal women need lube is an incorrect, outdated assumption. Lube is a simple, inexpensive way to enhance your sex life regardless of your age or gender.

In this blog post, we’ll look at why lube is important for anyone’s sex life, how to use lube, how to choose the right lube, and the benefits of using lube.

What Is Lube?

Lube, or lubricant, is a fluid designed to add moisture and glide to increase sexual pleasure and comfort.

When Should You Use Lube?

Here are some scenarios where you might experience benefits from using lube:

• With dental dams – These soft plastic latex or polyurethane squares are used to cover the female genital area during oral sex.
• With condoms – Even if a condom is lubricated, intense or long-lasting sex can dry the lubrication out. Dry condoms can break easily, so adding lube may help keep it flexible and strong.
• Anal sex or anal play – This is one of the most important areas to incorporate lube as the anus does not produce natural lubrication. Not only does lube increase pleasure during anal play, but using it also decreases the risk of tears.
• Foreplay – Lube can feel great when pleasuring the anal area or vulva area during foreplay.
• Female/internal condoms

How Do You Apply Lube?

It is best to apply lube with your fingertips to the desired area, whether that is a sex toy, penis, anal area, vaginal area, condom, or other parts of the body. Before applying it to the area, warm it up a bit between your fingers first.

How Much Lube Should I Use?

The amount of lube you choose to use depends entirely on your preferences, although it is best to be generous with the application for any anal play.

In general, try starting with two to three drops and adding more lube as necessary.

Important Things To Remember When Using Lube

• Be sure to reapply lube as needed
• Make sure your lube is compatible with your sex toy (silicone-based lubricants can damage silicone toys, so water-based is best in these cases)
• Make sure your lube is approved for the condom you are using (oil-based lubricants can make condoms porous, making them more likely to split)
• Be sure you are not allergic to any ingredients in it (perform a patch test to be sure)
• Remember that lubricants do not count as contraceptives – they do not prevent STD’s or pregnancy

What Affects Lubrication Levels In Women?

Levels of vaginal secretions can be affected by various factors such as:

• Relationship issues
• High levels of stress or anxiety
• Hormonal changes due to menstruation, menopause, breastfeeding, or pregnancy
• Certain medications such as allergy meds, contraceptives, or anti-depressants
• Immune disorders
• Full hysterectomy
• Diabetes
• Chemotherapy
• Inadequate foreplay
• Chemical products such as feminine sprays, douches, harsh soaps, or perfumed toilet paper

Do Men Feel More Pleasure From Using Lube?

Lube can enhance sexual pleasure for both men and women. Along with knowing you are protecting your partner’s vagina from abrasion or damage, a well-lubricated penis can feel amazing and add to sexual satisfaction.

For anal play, lube is non-negotiable. Yes, it adds pleasure, but it also increases safety. So for men that enjoy anal sex or play, lube is a must-have item in the bedroom.

Can I Use Saliva As Lube?

While saliva can be used as lube in a pinch, it is not ideal. It does not provide adequate slip and dries out quickly.

What Are the Different Types of Lubricants?

There are a variety of different lubes to choose from. The type you choose depends on what part of the body you’ll be using it on, whether or not you are using it with a toy or a condom, and several other important factors.

Each type of lube has different benefits and considerations depending on the scenario. Here is a breakdown of the common types of lube available.

Water-Based Lubricants

Water-based lubricants are versatile and generally safe for most sexual activities, including use with silicone sex toys.

Water-based lubes are a popular option since they:

• Are inexpensive
• Are safe for use with diaphragms and latex condoms
• Are non-staining
• May be safe if ingested in small amounts during sex
• Feel closest to natural lubrication
• Get absorbed into the tissues of the vagina to help it feel more flexible
• Are easy to wash off
• Can be easily reactivated with a little water

Oil-Based Lubricants

Oil-based lubricants are thicker, creamier, and great for:

• Long-lasting pleasure
• Masturbation
• Can double as a massage oil
• Mixing with water-based lubricants

Keep in mind that oil-based lubricants are not safe for use with latex contraceptives.

Silicone Lubricants

Silicone-based lubricants are long-lasting, safe with latex condoms (always double-check the product instructions to be sure), and good for use in water. However, they are not compatible with silicone sex toys.

Petroleum-Based Lubricants

Petroleum-based products are difficult to wash off, may irritate the vagina, and can lead to yeast infections, making them a less than ideal choice for a lubricant. They can also damage condoms and other latex products.

Is There A Difference Between Anal and Vaginal Lube?

Anal play should never feel painful or uncomfortable, making it crucial to use a lubricant.

While you may think any lube will do, it is important to use a lubricant specially formulated for anal play.

Vaginal lubricants are designed to match the more acidic ph of the vagina and may contain chemicals that can damage the lining of the rectum, making it imperitive to choose a lube intended specifically for anal play.

Should I Use An Organic Lube?

Considering lube gets applied to some of most sensitive areas on the body, I prefer to only use organic lubricants that:

• Are free of hidden synthetic chemicals
• Are free of mucosal irritants
• Contain beneficial, natural, plant-based ingredients

Have More Questions on Lube?

Still have more questions on how to choose the right lube or how to use lube? Feel free to get in touch with me or join my private Facebook group – a safe, sacred space where no question is off-limits!

Wishing you safe pleasure and deep self-love!