Lubricant, or lube, increases pleasure for girls and guys, during sex, making sex more comfortable and enjoyable. Lube is used to decrease friction, which means sex with lube won’t be dry and uncomfortable.
There are three main types of lube:
Water-based lube
Water-based lubes are the most common. They are slippery and need to be reapplied regularly. Water-based lubes can be used with sex toys, condoms and diaphragms. Try to avoid water-based lubes that contain glycerin, as this ingredient can cause yeast infections for some people.
Lube can be used for vaginal sex, anal sex, oral sex, masturbation, and mutual masturbation (hand jobs and fingering)
Silicone-based lube
Silicone-based lubes can be used in water (showers, swimming pools, etc.). However, never use silicone-based lubes with silicone sex toys. This will cause the toy to break down. Silicone-based lubes don’t need to be reapplied as often as water-based lubes.
Oil-based lube
These include baby oil, massage oil, coconut oil, etc. These lubes can be a good choice for masturbation, but never use oil-based lubes if you’re using condoms. Make sure you only use water-based lube with condoms. Anything oil-based will weaken the latex and may lead to rips and tears.
Ready to get lubed up?
- Put a few drops of water-based lube on your condom, as this can enhance pleasure
- Silicone-based lubes and silicone sex toys don’t mix
- Flavoured lubes can make sex even sweeter
For more info ring 1800 451 624 between 9am and 5:30pm Monday to Friday to talk to a sexual health nurse. It’s confidential and free if you call from a landline.
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