Lube, short for lubricant, is a liquid or gel that is designed to reduce friction during sex (making things move more smoothly) for both guys and girls. It can be used during anal or vaginal sex and it can also be incorporated into masturbation and sex toy play.

Lube reduces the risk of STIs

Friction during sex can cause tiny tears in sensitive areas like the anus or vagina and make you more susceptible to STIs. Using water or silicon based lube and wearing a condom is the best way to protect yourself from STIs. Using lube also reduces the chance of your condom breaking!

Anal sex? Lube is key.

It’s a good idea to use lube anytime you’re having anal sex or exploring anal play. The anus doesn’t produce its own lubricant so using a silicone or water based lube for any anal play is highly recommended to keep everything moving smoothly.

Lube can make vaginal sex more comfortable

Although vaginas typically produce their own lubricant, vaginal dryness is common and can make sex uncomfortable or even painful. That’s why using lube to reduce friction can make vaginal sex more comfortable for everyone involved.

Although every lube is different, some common ingredients include:

• H20 (water)
• Glycerin (sugar-like compound)
• Parabens (a group of chemicals used as preservatives)
• Propylene glycol (a preservative and humectant – the name given to chemicals that help retain moisture)
• Chlorhexidine gluconate (an antibacterial)

Some of these ingredients may sound unfamiliar, but they’re completely safe and can also be found in everyday products, such as soaps and skincare.

Because lube varies so much from brand to brand, if you try one kind of lube and don’t like it, try another! With more variety than ever before, it’s important that you find a lube that is compatible with the type of sex you’re having, the contraception you’re using and that you enjoy using.

As lube continues to gain the attention it deserves, the number of brands producing and selling lube is growing. While this is great news for all the lube lovers out there, it can make choosing the right lube even trickier. Here are our top tips for choosing the right lube for you:

• Think about what kind of condoms you’ll be using
  If you’re using latex condoms or aren’t sure what type of condoms you will be using, always opt for a water or silicone-based lube. If you ALWAYS use latex-free condoms, then you could consider using an oil-based lube, but if you’re not 100% sure, opt for water-based lube. Remember, never use oil-based lube with latex condoms. Oil weakens latex, making condoms more likely to tear or break.
• Ask yourself why you want to use lube.
  Whether you want to reduce friction during anal sex or are looking to experiment with a new sex toy, knowing what you want from your lube will play a big part in narrowing down the type that’s right for you.
• Do you have any allergies or sensitive skin?
  If you’re allergic to anything like scents, dyes or preservatives, make sure you check the ingredients list before using a new lube. Alternatively, if you’re concerned or have sensitive skin, go for a fragrance-free lube.
• Have fun with it.
  Chances are, you won’t find your favourite lube on the first go, so you may as well have some fun finding ‘the one’. Be sure to try different brands, textures, types, scents and colours. What do you have to lose?!