Lubricants are liquid gels used by individuals of all ages, gender identities and sexual orientations for intimate activities. Many who use lubricants report increased comfort or pleasure from using it during intimate encounters.
Locating the right lubricant can be a tricky process. Some products are specifically tailored for warming up or giving an intense tingle; others provide simple care-free application and natural feeling results.
Choose a product that’s right for you.
Choose a Lubricant That Suits Your Needs (pill or spray) When selecting the appropriate lubricant for yourself it is essential that it fits your unique body type. If unsure where to begin contacting a pelvic floor physical therapist (or healthcare provider familiar with your body) may offer suggestions and offer you assistance.
Water-based lubricants are one of the most frequently found on store shelves, often feeling similar to what your body naturally creates. Furthermore, they’re safe to use with all sex toys and barrier methods – including condoms and dental dams.
Silicone-based lubes tend to be thicker and last longer than water-based ones, making them great choices for anyone engaging in anal sex or experiencing vaginal dryness. But be careful to read up on their ingredients list as some brands contain fragrances which could cause skin irritations.
Check the ingredients.
Lubricants we use tend to be chemical-derived and may be harmful to aquatic ecosystems both when fresh and after being used up, due to their high osmolality level. Osmolality measures how many particles have dissolved into one unit of water and is an indicator of whether or not an antiperspirant irritates or harms users; generally speaking, lower osmolalities are preferable as this will more closely mimic vaginal canal’s own natural lubrication system.
Many lubricants contain parabens, preservatives that have been identified as potential hormone disruptors and potential estrogen mimics, leading many people to choose not to use them.
Look for a natural lubricant.
An effective lubricant enhances sexual pleasure, heightens sensation, reduces friction and enhances comfort – perfect for increasing sexual pleasure! Exploring different varieties can be fun and may help you find one you prefer!
Personal lubricants can enhance sexual experience and boost satisfaction during both partner and solo intimate activities. Increased natural lubrication may also help to prevent dyspareunia – an illness which causes painful intercourse in women of all ages – by decreasing friction during intercourse.
Supermarket lubricants often contain irritating or inflamed ingredients (baby oil, petroleum jelly, pH disruptors like chlorhexidine gluconate and glycerin as well as spermicides like chlorhexidine). Instead, opt for natural oils or hydroxyethylcellulose-based lubes which most closely mirror your own natural vaginal mucus in terms of consistency and viscosity.
Hypo osmolality lubricants absorb too quickly, disrupting your body’s natural balance and creating an environment conducive to potential cell wall damage. Instead, look for high quality natural lubricants that match the natural osmolality of vaginal canal. Hydroxyethylcellulose-based lubricants are hypoallergenic and nontoxic options suitable for all skin types – making them an excellent option.
Ask for a recommendation.
Personal lubricants (or lube) can make sexual intimacy, masturbation or sex toy play more pleasurable by reducing friction between penis, anus and other body parts, which helps eliminate painful rubbing, chafing and itching sensations.
Women often turn to lubricants because they believe their own bodies do not produce sufficient natural lubrication during intimacy, or because lubricants increase pleasure during sexual encounters while alleviating pain or discomfort, helping them reach orgasm more quickly.
Lubes come in many varieties, from silicone-based, aloe-based and oil-based formulations. Some provide longer-acting lubrication while others are easier to clean up afterward; still others work well with sex toys or latex condoms and should be compatible. A doctor or sex therapist can recommend the appropriate product to meet your individual needs, explaining pH and osmolality (an old school science class term), to make your experience enjoyable and comfortable. Choosing a product can make all the difference for an enjoyable and satisfying experience!
