Lube 101

It’s about time we started to talk about lube and its importance for your sexual health and wellbeing. Lube should be a bedroom essential, the toothpaste to your toothbrush, the air to your lungs and the water to your body. Lube does not only enhance your pleasure, but it also protects your body from any damage caused by friction.

Friction with dry skin can cause tearing, irritation, pain, discomfort and, not to mention, it is more likely to cause the condom to break, leaving you at a higher risk of infections STI’s (Sexually Transmitted Infections), HIV and pregnancy. So let’s just say fluidity over friction, all the way!

Finding a high-quality lube suited to your body is key to ensuring a safer and more pleasurable sexual experience. No matter your gender, age or stage in life, lube is your trusted pleasure partner.

Using lube should not be shameful in any way, so let’s clear up why some people may need more lube than others and bust a few myths. The first thing to clear up is contrary to what many have been taught, that being wet is the direct “tell-tell” sign of whether you’re turned on (aroused) or not. This is NOT accurate, as you can be mentally roaring and ready to go but dry as a desert, and you can also equally not be into it at all and still be gushing, which is NOT an invitation, unless consent has been willingly given.

So it does not mean you are not aroused if you are dry, there are multiple reasons as to why you may have vaginal dryness.

Just to mention a few possible reasons why you may have vaginal dryness:

• Where you are in your menstrual cycle.
• Possibly hormone related.
• Peri menopausal and during menopause.
• Postpartum (post childbirth) hormones need time to stabilise.
• Breastfeeding.
• If you’re a smoker.
• No pre-arousal warm up.
• Medications such as antidepressants side effects.
• Mental health.
• Substance suppression (such as alcohol)

Basically there are multiple reasons why you may have vaginal dryness. So for all those ego bashers out there who think it’s directly related to your game, it’s not, so let’s just start communicating and listening to what brings pleasure to your partner, as pleasure is the main objective after all.

Like most products on the market there are good and bad, it is very important you choose a high-quality product suited to your body. All bodies are different so finding what works best for your body is about trial and error and educating yourself on what to look for.

Here are the different types of lubes:

• Water-based
• Silicon-based
• Oil-based

Hybrid, combining a few of the above

Now how to choose the lube for you:

Water-based Lube– is the most versatile and can be used for almost any play time activity you can think of. It is latex and silicone compatible which means it will not break down the latex properties causing the condom to tear or damage your silicone toys. But not as effective in water, so this wouldn’t be what you would grab for some sexy shower time fun.

Silicon based lube– You’re gonna wanna try silicon lube, it is hypoallergenic so less risk of reaction for those with extra sensitive bits. This is also the glory glide to any butt play, as the anus does NOT self-lubricate, so lube is essential to any anal play. Don’t be shy, there is no such thing as too much lube when it comes to butt play.

Oil Based Lube– If you’re the type of person who doesn’t want to reapply once you get going, then this is your match. Oil based lube is the gift that keeps on giving, and it lasts the test of time. An important note when using Oil based lube, it is NOT latex and silicone compatible. Oil breaks down the properties in latex with friction, which will result in breakage or tearing of the condom, leaving you at higher risk of STI’s, HIV or pregnancy.

– Nu Davidson