Sexual lubricants are an excellent addition to any sexual experience, whether you are flying solo or enjoying a romp with a partner. But with so many types of lube out there it’s not always so straightforward figuring out when to use lube, what kind to buy, or how to use it correctly. In this blog post, our Sexperts at Todd Couples Superstore discuss how to use sexual lubricant effectively to enhance pleasure and avoid any discomfort.
First of all, what exactly is sexual lubricant?
Sexual lubricant –also known as personal lubricant or just lube– is a slippery substance that is used to enhance sexual pleasure and reduce discomfort during sexual activity. Applying lube to the genitals, anus, or sex toys before or during sexual activity helps reduce friction so everything can glide in and out smoothly.
Without sufficient lubrication, sexual activity can be uncomfortable and even painful, particularly for any anal play or for women who may experience vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes, menopause, or medication use.
Whether you’re having vaginal sex or using anal beads, lube can be a great way to enhance your overall sexual experience.
Types Of Lubricants
If you’re new to lube, the sheer variety of sexual lubricants available on the market can be overwhelming: there’s a bunch of different bases, some of them are flavored, some are warming or numbing.
Choosing the right lubricant depends on personal preference and the types of sex you’re going for, so let’s go over what each variety is and when you’d want to use it.
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Water-Based Lubricants
Water-based lubricants are the most popular type of lubricant and are perfect for vaginal, anal, or oral sex. These lubricants are easy to clean, non-staining, and safe to use with condoms, sex toys, and other latex products. Water-based lubricants are also hypoallergenic, making them a great choice for people with sensitive skin. They typically have a thinner consistency than other types of lubricants, which allows for a more natural feel during sex.
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Silicone-Based Lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants are the go-to for a lot of people. They last longer than water-based and are totally waterproof, perfect for extended sexual sessions or shower sex. These lubricants have a thicker consistency than water-based lubes and feel almost like oil. Silicone-based lubes are also safe to use with condoms and sex toys, but they are not compatible with silicone sex toys.
Silicone-based lubricants can be harder to clean than water-based ones and can leave stains on sheets and clothing
If you have questions about when silicone lube is appropriate, stop by the Todd and ask one of our knowledgeable staff members.
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Oil-Based Lubricants
Oil-based lubricants, such as coconut oil or olive oil, are a great natural alternative to commercial lubricants. These lubes are awesome for massages and provide a smooth and silky glide. However, oil-based lubes are not safe to use with latex condoms or sex toys made of latex or silicone as they can break down the material, making them less effective.
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Hybrid Lubricants
Hybrid lubricants combine the best of both water-based and silicone-based lubricants, providing a longer-lasting glide with a thinner consistency. These lubricants are safe to use with condoms and silicone sex toys and are easy to clean. Hybrid lubricants are a great option for people who want the benefits of both water-based and silicone-based lubricants.
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Natural Lubricants
Natural lubricants are free from synthetic ingredients and are made from natural extracts such as aloe vera or carrageenan. These lubes are hypoallergenic and ideal for people with sensitive skin or allergies to synthetic ingredients. Natural lubes are also safe to use with condoms and sex toys, but they may not last as long as other types of lubricants.
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Novelty Lubricants
From tingling lubes to glow in the dark ones, there’s a wild and exciting variety of novelty lubricants designed to add a little more fun and excitement to your sexual experience.
Warming, cooling, and tingling lubricants are some of the more common ones. They create different sensations on the genitals or other erogenous zones to enhance sexual pleasure.
Edible or flavored lubes are designed to be safe to ingest, so they can be used during oral sex. They’re available in any number of flavors.
Numbing sexual lubricants are made to help men last longer in bed by reducing sensitivity and delaying an orgasm. They’re a great option for men worried about premature ejaculation. Just make sure you clean up before penetrating a partner or you’ll be numbing them, too.
And yes, there are glow-in-the-dark lubes, sparkling ones, scented ones, all designed to make your sexual experience more playful.
The best thing to do regarding novelty lubes is to try out a few varieties that appeal to you!
How To Use Sexual Lubrication
When it comes to using lubricants, more is usually better. Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of lubricant to ensure maximum comfort and pleasure. Apply lubricant to both partners’ genitals or sex toys to reduce friction and increase sensation. However, if you’re using a condom, make sure to apply the lubricant after putting on the condom to prevent it from slipping off.
Lubricant doesn’t last forever, and you may need to reapply it during sex, especially if the session lasts longer than anticipated. Keep the lubricant bottle within reach, so you can easily apply more as needed. Don’t be afraid to communicate with your partner and ask them if they need more lubricant or if they feel uncomfortable.
After sex, be sure to clean up any remaining lubricant to avoid any infections or irritation. Use soap and water to clean any lube residue from your skin and genitals, or use a wet wipe if showering is not possible at the time. Clean any sex toys too. Warm water and a mild antibacterial soap is perfect for most non-porous sext toys.
In conclusion, using sexual lubricant can enhance your sexual experience and reduce discomfort during sex. Remember to choose the right lubricant, apply enough lubricant, reapply as needed, experiment with different types and brands, and clean up after sex. Communication with your partner is essential, so don’t be afraid to ask them how they feel and if they need more lubricant. With these tips, you can enjoy a more pleasurable and comfortable sexual experience.
At Todd Couples Superstore in Tampa and New Port Richey, we look forward to helping you find just the right product for you!
