Lube is a kind of wonderful intercourse hacks you’re in all probability not utilizing sufficient. Need higher orgasms? Use lube. Need much less ache and friction? Use lube. Need higher intercourse throughout? Use lube.
“Lube needs to be an integral part of your intercourse life,” says Gigi Engle, a licensed intercourse educator and the resident intimacy skilled at 3Fun. “It gives a barrier in opposition to friction from a penis, hand, or intercourse toy. It helps you expertise much less ache throughout penetration and elevated sensitivity. Lube makes all the things higher. It will possibly even make your orgasms higher and stronger. It enhances all the things.”
However for one thing so proper, there’s additionally an terrible lot we get mistaken about lube. Right here, Engle tackles a number of the commonest misunderstandings and myths about lube.
Fantasy #1: All lubes are the identical
Not all lubes are created equal, which is why it’s vital to verify the field earlier than you buy relying on what you’re in search of. You may also wish to check out differing kinds to find out what works finest for you.
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Water-based
“Water-based lube is kind of the jack-of-all-trades of personal lubricant,” Engle says. “It goes with every kind of sexual act and you never really have to think about it. When in doubt, always choose a water-based option.” Water-based lubricants also work best with condoms and sex toys.
Downsides: “It absorbs quite quickly (and can also become a bit tacky) and needs to be reapplied during sexual play,” she says. “This won’t be the case for all brands, but definitely most of them, even high quality ones.”
What she recommends: Sustain Natural, Lovehoney, Unbound Jelly, Good Clean Love
Silicone-based
“Silicone lube is great for staying power,” Engle says. “You barely ever have to reapply. It’s ideal for anal play. It is super slide-y, making it perfect for easy access.”
Downsides: “Silicone toys are not compatible with silicone lube,” she points out. “This can be tricky when you’re trying to use a vibrator during sex (or solo-play), an anal plug, or any other toy made of silicone.”
What she recommends: Sliquid, System Joe
Hybrid
“Hybrid lube is a blend of silicone and water-based lube,” Engle says. “You get all the benefits of water-based versatility and silicone-based slipperiness. It’s kind of a little miracle in a bottle.”
Downsides: “Sometimes a hybrid lube can still damage silicone toys, but it’s less likely,” she says. “Check the labels to be sure. The recommendations below won’t damage your toys.”
What she recommends: Babelube Silk, Sliquid Naturals
Flavored
Flavored lubes, Engle says, should only be used for oral sex. “Flavored lube can irritate the vulva,” she says. “They are often full of glycerine, which feeds the yeast in your vagina. Hello, yeast infection! Don’t go there. Stick with some flavorless, odorless, and organic.”
Plant-based
For those who want something more organic or homemade, Engle recommends a plant-based option. “If you want to go all-natural, a plant-based lube is your go-to,” she says. “[Plant] oil-based lubes keep the F on there. Aloe vera, whereas not oil-based, is a favourite of Intercourse Teaching legend Betty Dodson. She even makes use of it in all of her hands-on workshops. Plus, you should buy all plant-based choices at your native well being meals retailer.”
Wish to get extra artistic at house? Coconut oil does make an excellent lube, “it’s simply not suitable with latex condoms and may injury toys so I wouldn’t suggest it should you’re utilizing these objects,” Engle says.
Fantasy #2: Lube is just for older individuals and people who are usually not as “skilled”
Quite a lot of individuals may nonetheless assume lube is just for a dry vagina, however Engle asserts lube is for everybody. “It makes intercourse higher, irrespective of your age,” she says. “It’s true that while you grow old you cease producing as a lot pure lubricant, however lots of people produce much less irrespective of their age.”
Engle provides that it doesn’t matter what your age is, “friction doesn’t make vulvas or anuses glad. It doesn’t imply there’s something mistaken with you. It doesn’t imply you might be damaged. Irrespective of how moist your vagina will get naturally, there’s all the time room for lube.”
Fantasy #3: Lube is just for penis/vagina intercourse
Lube is for every kind of intercourse, Engle says, as a result of lube is nice for every type of penetration. “It’s particularly vital throughout anal, because the anus doesn’t naturally lubricate the way in which a vagina does,” she says. “Should you don’t use lube throughout anal, you’ll undoubtedly be in ache and will trigger tearing. Lube must also be used throughout hand intercourse, as your hand is dry and it will trigger friction.” Moreover, she suggests lube for use with toys because it “creates a barrier and heightened sensation.”
Fantasy #4: A lubricated condom is nice sufficient
Many condoms come already lubricated, and whereas Engle says the lube on a condom is useful, it’s undoubtedly not sufficient. “It tends to be solely frivolously lubricated to maintain the condom from getting dry, nevertheless it doesn’t provide you with sufficient lube to maintain intercourse pleasurable and cozy,” she says. “All the time put lube on the penis first, then apply the condom, then put a bit extra lube on.”
Fantasy #5: There may be such a factor as an excessive amount of lube
“Right here is the tea: In terms of intercourse, the wetter the higher,” Engle says. “That’s why I, as a licensed intercourse educator, suggest each single particular person with a vulva to have a top quality lubricant on their nightside desk always.” In keeping with Engle, you don’t want to make use of lube should you really feel such as you don’t want it because it’s everybody’s private desire. “However no, being ‘too moist’ is a fable born out of disgrace and misogyny,” she says. I’d say the one actually frequent mistake just isn’t utilizing sufficient of it. Be as beneficiant as potential. Once you don’t use sufficient, it doesn’t work as nicely. If it will get cheesy or begins to really feel dry, don’t be shy about getting some extra.”
