Lube for sex: WHO says that sexual health is the physical, emotional, social, and mental well-being in relation to sexuality, not just the absence of any disease. 90% women of postmenopausal reported genitourinary syndrome of which vaginal dryness is a common symptom. (4) For reducing vaginal dryness and promoting sexual wellbeing, lubricant can be helpful. Lubrication or lube comes in different types that can be used to enhance sexual pleasure. 84% of women reported that using lubricants reduces the pain during sexual intercourse in a study. There are many other benefits of using it. (1)
Table of Contents
What is lubrication, or Lube for sex?
Lubrication is a water or gel-based fluid that is used on the genitals during sexual intercourse. Generally, vagina naturally produces a fluid during sexual intercourse which reduces friction and enhances pleasure. Due to some reasons like menopause, pregnancy, hormonal birth control, the vagina becomes dry. In this condition, lubricants can be helpful. Moreover, even if there is not any vaginal dryness, using lubes can improve normal sexual function.
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What are the types of lube for sex?
There are mainly 03 types of sex lubes in the market. Here are the following.
- Water-based lubes: These are the most easily available and not very expensive. It does not leave any stain on the bedsheet or sex toys. However, it becomes dry early, so it has to be applied every time.
- Silicon-based lubes: It is thick in consistency and does not remove easily. It should not be used on silicone sex toys as it can damage them. It also leaves stains on the bed sheet.
- Oil-based lubricants: It does not remove easily, but they break the condom, making it prone to sexually transmitted infections. (3)
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What are the benefits of using lubricants?
There are multiple benefits of using lube during sex, such as reducing friction, giving more pleasure, etc. Let’s discuss these benefits in detail.
- Enhances sexual pleasure: Using lubes can make sex more pleasurable and help in reaching orgasm. Lubes can be beneficial for people engaging in anal sex also, as there is no natural lubrication there.
- Reduces friction: It reduces the rubbing of skin, making the penetration comfortable.
- Reduces pain during sex: It is recommended by doctors to use lubes for individuals suffering from dyspareunia, i.e., a condition in which a woman faces pain during or after a sexual act.
- Prevents long-term damage: It prevents the tearing of the tissues of the genitals due to continuous friction from sexual acts over a long period of time by providing moisture to them. (3)
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What precautions do you have to keep in mind during using lubes?
There are lots of lubes available in the market, some are branded and some are non-branded. The following precautions you have to keep in mind during buying and using lube for sex.
- Read label carefully: Before buying lube, read the label carefully to check that it should not contain harmful ingredients such as nonoxynol 9. The WHO recommends that it should have an osmolality of less than 1200 msOm/kg.
- Check PH: PH range of healthy vagina is 3.8 to 4.5. So, before buying any lube from the market, check its PH, as very high or low PH can cause a shift in the natural PH of genitals. (4)
- Optimum quantity: Do not apply too much lubricant to the genital area.
- Do not use oils: Any kitchen or edible oil should not be used as a lubricant. It is not easy to wash off and can also cause conjunction of condom increasing the risk of STDs.
- Do not use any petroleum jelly: It should not be used on or inside the genitals, as it contains many harmful chemicals that can cause damage to reproductive organs.
- Do not use saliva: Saliva should not be used as lube as it can be dangerous if the partner is suffering from any throat infection or suffering from any STDs or STIs it will lead to making the other person prone to it too.(2)
Read Also: Dyspareunia (painful intercourse): Causes, treatments and more
A note from kamarth
In summary, lubrication is a water or gel-based fluid that is applied to the genitals during sex. One should be careful of what he/she is using as lubricant. Oils, saliva, and Vaseline should not be used. Lubrication has many benefits, such as reducing pain and enhancing sexual pleasure. It promotes sexual well-being.
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Some Additional Doubts
Question: What are the benefits of using lubricants during sex?
Answer: Lubes reduce friction, reduce the pain and increase sexual pleasure.
Question: How to know if lube is safe?
Answer: The WHO recommends lubes having osmolality less than 1200 mOsm/kg and PH of 4.5.
Question: What types of lubes are available?
Answer: Silicon based, water based or oil based are the types of lubes.
Question: Is there need to use lube with condoms?
Answer: It can be used as it enhances the sexual act, it is necessary to make sure that lube is compatible with condoms.
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References:-
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8942543/
- https://www.unfpa.org/sites/default/files/pubpdf/UNFPA_Safe%20Lubricants%20For%20All%20(Web)%202022.pdf
- https://www.firstpost.com/health/all-you-need-to-know-about-using-lubricants-for better-sex-7653091.html
- https://academic.oup.com/jsm/article/20/4/498/7035572
- https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/experiencing-vaginal-dryness-heres-what-you-need-to-know
- https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginal-dryness/
- https://www.plannedparenthood.org/planned-parenthood-south-texas/pages/lube
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK557803/