When we think of lube, for many it can be a bit of an awkward thing, a product mostly associated with “S.E.X”, wrapped up in a blanket of stigma and taboo. A product most of us try sneak into the trolly without making passerby eye contact and hoping no one we know spots us.
It’s a bit like the loo paper purchase, everyone uses it but know one wants to proudly walk out the store with a display of their bulk rolls.
How about we pause for a moment and share insight its plethora of purposes and the numerous reason why people may choose or need lube. You’ll soon realize that it does not deserve the stigma that has been stamped on it. And we may even become advocates of spreading its truth.
Let’s continue this pause with some tea and lift the lid on this together so we may normalize a widely used product, undressing the layers of unnecessary shame associated with lubes.
WHY people use lube:
1.To find relief from the discomfort of vaginal dryness, which can be caused by:
Medications, the follicular phase of the menstrual cycle when estrogen levels are lowest, stress (affecting libido too) anti-depressants, anti-anxiety, postpartum, breast feeding and perimenopause, as well as menopause – because your hormones are are throwing an untamed party of their own.
2.Pleasure
3.Protecting skin from micro tears caused by dry friction – this reduces risk of STI’s & HIV
4.Reducing risk of condom tears (water based lube)
Pleasure of course, but more than just pleasure it protects your skin from micro tears caused by dry friction, which could leave you m
ore vulnerable to STI’s and HIV risk. Also water based lube helps protect condoms from breaking, and no one wants a condom to break.
Lube can help ease insertion of menstrual and medical devices, like inserting a tampon or menstrual cup as an example. Water based lube will help reduce pain or discomfort when inserting the tampon without coating a barrier of absorption, allowing for ease of use.
A good quality lube helps reduce pain and discomfort for penetration. As penetration should NEVER be painful.
Perhaps your wanting to insert a suppository or colonoscopy bag and need a water based lube to protect the skin and ease the discomfort of insertion.
These are just a few of the main things worth mentioning, as we aim to normalize this diverse and universally utilized product. Its about time we start to change the script, no one needs to suffer in silence.
We have the solution, and its not just a product its a movement!