The Benefits of Using Lube During Sex
Lubricant, often referred to simply as lube, is a versatile and essential tool that can significantly enhance sexual experiences for individuals and couples of all genders. Despite its importance, lube is often underutilised or misunderstood. This blog post will delve into the many benefits of using lube during sex, exploring how it can improve comfort, pleasure, and overall sexual wellness.
Understanding Lube: What Is It?
Lube is a substance designed to reduce friction during sexual activity, making penetration smoother and more enjoyable. It comes in various formulations, including water-based, silicone-based and oil-based. Each type has unique properties suited to different activities and preferences.
1. Water-Based Lubes: These are the most common and versatile. They are compatible with all sex toys and condoms and are easy to clean up.
2. Silicone-Based Lubes: Known for their long-lasting properties, these lubes are great for prolonged sessions and are ideal for use in water. However, they are not compatible with silicone sex toys.
3. Oil-Based Lubes: These provide a natural feel and are excellent for external use. They are not recommended for use with latex condoms as they can cause breakage.
Photo by Deon Black on Unsplash
The Benefits of Using Lube
Enhanced Pleasure and Comfort
One of the primary reasons people use lube is to enhance pleasure and comfort during sex. Here’s how lube can transform your sexual experience:
1. Reducing Friction: Lube reduces friction, making penetration smoother and more comfortable. This is especially beneficial for individuals who experience dryness, which can be due to various factors such as hormonal changes, medication, or simply not being aroused enough.
2. Preventing Discomfort: Without adequate lubrication, sex can become uncomfortable or even painful. Lube can prevent discomfort and make the experience more enjoyable for both partners.
3. Increasing Sensation: Many lubes are designed to heighten sensation, adding an extra layer of pleasure. Some contain warming or tingling agents that can enhance sensitivity and arousal. Warming lubes pair well with male masturbators like the Zolo Original Masturbator Cup and the Zero Tolerance Gyro Stroke Masturbator to add some excitement to your experience.
4. Prolonging Sessions: By reducing friction and discomfort, lube allows for longer sexual encounters. This is particularly useful during extended foreplay or marathon sessions.
Promoting Sexual Health
Using lube is not just about enhancing pleasure; it also plays a crucial role in promoting sexual health:
1. Preventing Microtears: Dry sex can cause microtears in the delicate skin of the genital area, increasing the risk of infections and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Lube helps prevent these tears by ensuring smooth movement.
2. Reducing Condom Breakage: Insufficient lubrication can cause condoms to break due to friction. Using lube reduces this risk, providing a safer sex experience.
3. Supporting Vaginal Health: For those with vaginas, using lube can help maintain the natural balance of vaginal flora. Dryness can disrupt this balance and lead to infections like bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
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Versatility for Different Sexual Activities
Lube is incredibly versatile and can be used for various sexual activities, making it a valuable addition to any sexual repertoire:
1. Vaginal Sex: Lube enhances vaginal intercourse by reducing friction and increasing comfort and pleasure for both partners.
2. Anal Sex: Unlike the vagina, the anus does not self-lubricate. Lube is essential for anal sex to prevent pain and injury. Silicone-based lubes are particularly popular for anal play due to their long-lasting properties.
3. Oral Sex: Flavoured lubes like the Durex Water Based Lube Strawberry Flavoured Edible gel 100ml can make oral sex more enjoyable by adding pleasant tastes and reducing friction.
4. Masturbation: Lube can enhance solo play by providing a smoother, more pleasurable experience. This is true for all genders, as it can reduce irritation and increase sensitivity.
5. Sex Toys: Lube is essential when using sex toys to ensure comfort and prevent damage to the skin. Water-based lubes are safe for all toys, while silicone-based lubes should be avoided with silicone toys.
Specific Benefits for Different Genders
Benefits for Women
1. Addressing Vaginal Dryness: Vaginal dryness can occur due to hormonal changes, menopause, breastfeeding, or certain medications. Lube can alleviate this dryness, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable.
2. Enhancing Clitoral Stimulation: Applying lube to the clitoris can increase sensitivity and enhance pleasure during foreplay and intercourse.
3. Improving Postpartum Sex: After childbirth, many women experience vaginal dryness and discomfort. Lube can help ease these issues, making sex more comfortable during postpartum recovery.
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Benefits for Men
1. Enhancing Sensation: Lube can heighten sensitivity and pleasure during masturbation and intercourse, making the experience more enjoyable.
2. Prolonging Erection: Some men find that using lube can help prolong erections by reducing friction and discomfort, allowing for longer-lasting sex.
3. Improving Stimulation with Sex Toys: For men who use sex toys, lube is essential for comfort and pleasure. It can enhance the experience of using strokers, prostate massagers, and other toys.
Benefits for Non-Binary and Trans Individuals
1. Easing Dysphoria: For some non-binary and trans individuals, using lube can help reduce dysphoria by enhancing pleasure and making sexual activities more comfortable.
2. Post-Surgery Care: Trans individuals who have undergone gender-affirming surgery may experience dryness or sensitivity in the genital area. Lube can help alleviate these issues and promote healing.
3. Inclusive Pleasure: Lube is a versatile tool that can be used in various ways to ensure pleasurable experiences for people of all gender identities, accommodating diverse sexual practices and preferences.
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Tips for Using Lube Effectively
To make the most of your lube, consider these practical tips:
1. Choose the Right Type: Select a lube that suits your needs and preferences. Water-based lubes are versatile, silicone-based lubes are long-lasting, and oil-based lubes are great for external use.
2. Check for Allergies: Some lubes contain ingredients that may cause allergies or irritation. Always check the ingredient list and do a patch test before full use.
3. Apply Generously: Don’t be afraid to use a generous amount of lube. Apply it to both your body and any sex toys to ensure smooth, comfortable play.
4. Reapply as Needed: Lube can dry out over time, especially during extended sessions. Keep the bottle handy and reapply as needed to maintain comfort and pleasure.
5. Clean Up Properly: After sex, clean the lube off your body and any toys to prevent infections and maintain hygiene. Water-based lubes are easy to clean with water, while silicone and oil-based lubes may require sex toy cleaners or soap.
Using lube during sex offers numerous benefits for all genders, enhancing comfort, pleasure, and sexual health. Whether you’re engaging in vaginal, anal, or oral sex, or using sex toys, lube is a versatile and essential tool that can transform your sexual experiences. By understanding the different types of lubes available and how to use them effectively, you can ensure a more satisfying and enjoyable sex life. Embrace the benefits of lube and discover a new level of intimacy and pleasure in your sexual relationships.
What Are The Best Lubes?
Credit: The 6 Best Lubes [Actually Tested] - Bedbible.com
Ever wondered what the best lubes are? Here is a super handy guide which covers 6 of the best lubes on the market.
The highest voted lube is the Intimate Earth Hydra Water Based Lubricant.
"If you know me, I don’t give out compliments easily and I am certainly not a softie. But with this lube, it really melts me. I think this lube is honestly my soul mate, my twin flame – it just ticks all my boxes! It is thick enough for all types of sex, including anal or sex with a large toy, as well as feeling smooth and intimate when used with a partner. I have previously expressed that I am not a lover of thicker lubes, but this lube, it has made me see through a different pair of glasses… Rose tinted glasses! Everything about it, from the premium packaging to the luxurious feel of it, I can’t find a fault!" - Bedbible