Lube & Everything You Need To Know
We have put together the importance of lube & everything you need to know, making it easy to choose the right one.
Why Use Lube
Not to be confused with lubricants used by your local garage, the lubes we’re obsessed with are the ones used for sexual pleasure and comfort. They add moisture or glide, making the sensations smoother and more natural… in other words they add oil to the wheels of love.
Lube’s not only loads of fun to use and play with (so many textures, sensations and flavours to try!), but it’s also important for safer sex. Yep, using lube reduces the risk of tearing and injury – especially if you’re having anal or rough penetrative sex. Also… it feels really bloody good.
A woman or person with a vagina’s natural lubrication depends on hormonal levels, which vary within our cycle, during menopause, pregnancy, but also with stress, breastfeeding and some medicines (contraception for example). Plus, more than 30% of people with vaginas suffer from natural dryness, even when they feel aroused. And this can happen at any age.
The classic lube everyone should have in their bedside drawer is a good old trusty water-based lube.
WHEN SHOULD YOU USE LUBE?
With condoms: Condoms are usually lubricated, but with intense and/or long-lasting sex, the lubrication will dry out. And a dry condom breaks very easily… so a condom is only as effective as the extra lube you’ll add to it.
For anal sex and using anal toys: the anus doesn’t naturally lubricate. That’s why it’s extremely important to use lube when engaging in anal pleasure. Even if it didn’t feel necessary, not using it during anal sex may lead to anal fissure and these may only be felt a few hours after the intercourse. For anal sex, you’re better off using a lube specifically made for the butt – these tend to last longer and protect you even more.
Always use it with your sex toys: it will protect both you and them. Plus it is always advisable to use lube with your sex toy to reach all the sensual benefits your toy has to offer.
HOW TO USE LUBE
Whichever type of lube you decide to use, bear in mind that it best to apply it on your fingertips and then on the desired areas whether that’s a vulva, vagina, anus, penis, sex toy, condom or any other part of the body (some lubes feel reallllly good on the nipples).
There’s no general rule concerning how much lube you should use. It just depends on the person’s natural level of lubrication, if you are using a condom or not, the kind of sexual activity you’re engaging in (foreplay, massages, anal sex, vaginal sex) and the specific product you’ve chosen.
Start with a few drops (two to three) and see what happens: if you’re satisfied, stop there, if not, add more.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE USING LUBE
Make sure your lube is compatible with your toy. Silicone-based lubricants can damage the silicone of your toy, so opt for water-based to be safe.
Make sure your lube is compatible with the condom you’re using. Just like vaseline and other oils (eg hazelnut oil), oil-based lubes are not compatible with condoms because they make them porous, which will make them less safe and more likely to split.
Water-based lube is your Sex Toy friendly and sensitive skin safe go-to lube. But if you are planning on some waterplay fun with your partner, always keep a Silicone-based lube on hand. Silicone-based lube is slippery, long lasting, and is best used for shower sex or masturbation.
Check if you’re allergic to any component of your lube before using it. A patch test is the easiest way of finding out.
