Personal Lubricant Types – How Do You Choose?

Why We Need Personal Lubricants

When you and your partner are aroused sexually, your body produces a natural lubricant. While these changes are a fact of nature, we all respond differently, and where our natural reactions are adequate, sometimes a little help is needed with lubrication so we can last longer. So, we find ourselves asking which Personal Lubricant Types are the best. While both partners become wet with natural lubrication, each of our lubrication needs are different regarding sexual health.

 

Your Body’s Natural Lubricant

Several factors will affect the amount of natural lubrication each of us naturally produce:

• Medication: those designed to relieve congestion from colds or allergies also affect other fluid areas of our bodies.
• Menopause: for women post-menopause, sexual stimulation takes longer, and less natural lubrication is produced as estrogen levels are very low, if any.
• Menstruation: in women, this is determined by their estrogen levels during menstruation. And as nature intends, this is highest the closer to ovulation.
• Stress: the stress of daily life affects our entire body, upsetting our natural rhythms, which also include sex drive as a result.

While our bodies try their best to fulfill all our lubrication needs, many types of lubricants are available with added advantages. For example, many are available as flavored lubricants, while others provide extra heat and cold stimulation. And lastly, for anal sex, personal lubricants are required.

How to Choose a Personal Lubricant

Personal Lubricants are available from many brands offering several varieties from which to choose. Also, there are some do’s and don’ts if you’re considering alternatives. For example, many people use natural lubrication, such as coconut oil and olive oil, which are both safe for sex. Although, be sure you must follow the same guidelines for any oil-based lubricant. Now to my surprise, I did not know that baby oil is not safe to use. While baby oil is often used for massage, it is a mineral oil and can cause vaginal dryness, irritation, and even infection in the vaginal area, so be sure to avoid using it as a sex lube.

Personal Lubricant Types

So, with so many types of lube, how do I choose? First, consider the following before selecting a personal lube: lubricants’ ingredients can include hormones and anesthetics or be petroleum based (not intended for use with latex products).

For many, the best choice is water or silicone-based lubricant, plus those containing niacin and L-arginine as they tend to stimulate through increasing blood flow.

Water-based lubricants:

Water-based lubes are general-purpose and most commonly used by those with sensitive skin.  This lubricant is the best choice for sex toys and latex products like male and female condoms.  Being water-based makes them easy to clean and less likely to irritate.  They tend to dry more quickly than others, but you’re good to go with a bit of water added.

Silicone-based lubricants:

Silicone lubricants are more durable and last longer than water-based. They have a texture similar to Aloe Vera, which some people use as a lubricant. However, silicone lube is generally not recommended for use with silicone sex toys made from silicone because some can react together. There is a dissenting view on whether you can or can’t. Although if your silicone toys are of the highest quality, it may be okay yet, why take the risk?

Perhaps consider using a latex condom with your adult toys. It will protect them as well as make cleaning easier. Although, silicone lube does work fine with latex products like male and female condoms and non-silicone adult sex toys. Also, consider some people have experienced an allergic reaction to silicone, so it’s best to check this first. Lastly, although they are longer lasting, silicone-based lubricants can be more difficult to clean from bedding, clothing, and other items.

Oil-based lubricants:

You’re probably familiar with Vaseline Petroleum Jelly and Vitamin E oil. These are common oil-based lubricants not recommended for use with products like male and female latex condoms or adult sex toys made of rubber. Oil-based lubes break down latex products, which can result in condom breakage. This lube is best for couples in trusted relationships who don’t need to use condoms and other latex products. Lastly, oil-based lube is the most difficult to clean afterward and may cause irritation for those with sensitive skin.

Final Thoughts

Lubricants are a vital part of healthy sex life with many personal lubricant types available to choose from. If you’re looking for the first time, consider all the facts and then see our wide selection of lubricants; other types of lube not listed above include, natural lube, vaginal lube, flavored lube, anal lube, warming lube, and more. Lubricants are helpful during foreplay and can provide desensitization, so sex lasts longer. Plus, some are formulated to decrease the likelihood of pregnancy using active spermicides. So, if you’re not into coconut oil, buying a personal lubricant made for sex may be a good idea. There are so many to choose from!

Are you looking for some buying advice on Condoms? Then, read our article on “Buy Condoms Online – Popular Condom Types.”