Why use lubricants,
and how is choosing the best kind important for your pleasure?
Lubricants can enhance sex between partners, when using a sex toy or
by yourself. When making love to a partner lubricants can add to the erotic
feel of the experience. Some women's vaginas don't self-lubricate enough,
and these women can find intercourse extremely uncomfortable. Lubrication
is often the answer.
When using a sexual toy inserted into the vagina or anus, most people
find the experience much more enjoyable when using a lubricant. Lubrication
makes toys glide sensually in, out and about. However, be sure to choose
a lube that doesn't damage you or your erotic toys.
There are four types of lubricants: Water-based, petroleum-based, those
made from natural oils, and silicone-based. Each has its advantages and
disadvantages.
Water-based Lubes
These are the most versatile, safe and popular lubricants for all situations.
Typically made of de-ionized water, glycerin, and propylene glycol, they
are safe to use with condoms and all forms of barrier birth control. It
is rare that water-based lubricants cause irritation, and they don't stain
clothing. They are safe to ingest, and they come in both flavored and
unflavored varieties. They tend to dry out over extended periods, but
a little water or saliva will get you slick again.
Petroleum-based lubes
These include KY Jelly, Vaseline products, mineral oil products and baby
oil. Unfortunately, these products all destroy latex, so they cannot be
used with condoms, cervical caps or diaphragms. In addition, they can
inflame and irritate the vagina. They also stain clothing. Petroleum-based
lubes do tend to last well, so they are often used by men during masturbation.
Natural oil-based lubes
These are derived from natural oil sources such as nuts or vegetables.
Like petroleum-based lubes, they too destroy latex (condoms, diaphragms
and cervical caps) and stain clothing. However, they do have one key advantage
over petroleum-based lubes: they don't cause vaginal irritation. This
makes them excellent for female [and male] masturbation, as well as unprotected
vaginal.
Silicone-based lubes
These have the benefits of water-based lubricants with the addition of
being waterproof, so they may be used in the bath, or the jacuzzi, or...
In addition, they tend to lubricate longer than water-based lubes. Silicone
will not hurt latex, so they're safe with condoms and other forms of barrier
birth control; however, they can affect adult toys made from silicone.
