Sexual Lubrication Information

There just isn't a substitute for good sexual lubricants. This is probably the easiest, cheapest thing you can do to spice things up and increase sexual performance. Adding a drop of lube on the tip before putting on a condom makes for a great feeling. By adding a little lube on the outside will make your partner happy and also reduce the possibility of breakage.

Sexual lubricants have been used for centuries to ease the way for masturbation and anal sex. It is common for most couples to believe they need to use sexual lubrication when having "normal sex". A woman's body naturally becomes lubricated when she's aroused, however, sometimes her body won't produce enough natural lubrication to allow you both to comfortably enjoy sex. Now is the time to get out the lube! A small amount applied to the penis, fingers or vagina will assist penetration and make the whole, wonderful experience more comfortable and more enjoyable for you both.

Choosing the right lubrication should not be a chore, sexual lubricants can be exciting and come in four basic forms:

Oil-based - These are usually made from natural products, such as vegetable oils, nut oils, Crisco and butter. Oil-based lubes also tend to stain fabrics and can be difficult to wash off, but they are safe for use with the vagina. However, Oil-based lubes will destroy latex, so, like petroleum-based lubes, they should never be used with condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps as this will render them useless, which can lead to unwanted pregnancy or spread infection. Oil-based lubricants are great for vaginal intercourse and male and female masturbation. Oil-based lubes are widely available, the most common being Baby Oil.

Petroleum-based -Made from petroleum jelly, mineral oil or petrolatum. Different types include Vaseline products, baby oil and KY Jelly. Petroleum-based lubes destroy latex practically on contact, rule of thumb, never use Petroleum-base lubes with condoms, diaphragms or cervical caps, as this will render them useless, which can lead to unwanted pregnancy or spread infection. Petroleum-based lubes also stain fabric and can be difficult to wash out. It is quite common for these types of lube to irritate the vagina, so they're not really the best option for women wanting to enjoy vaginal penetration. Petroleum-based lubes are great for male masturbation. Petroleum-based lubes are widely available, the most common being Vaseline.

Silicone-based - Silicone-based lubes are very similar to water-based lubes with one notable difference: because they are silicone based, they are completely waterproof, making them ideal for underwater use and Anal Sex. They also retain their lubricating properties better and longer than water-based lubricants. They are highly concentrated, so a little goes a long way. Silicone will not harm latex, as oil-based lubricants will do; however, silicone-based lubricants can harm sex toys made from silicone.

Water-based -Typically water-based lubricants contain deionised water, glycerin, propylene-glycol and nontoxic preservatives. Due to their compound these are available in exciting flavours such as, Strawberry, Passion Fruit, Kiwi Fruit the list is endless and unflavoured mixtures, but beware most unflavoured lubes taste slightly sweet. Water-based lubes do not stain and are safe for use with latex and all other barrier birth control methods, and rarely cause irritation. While they often dry out during extended sex, water-based lubes are quickly revived with a drop of water. Because of their versatility and effectiveness, water-based lubes are the form of lube recommended most often by sex therapists and experienced couples. Water-based lubes are available online.

Which ever lube you decide to try, remember the various restrictions that apply to each. Experiment with different flavours, consistencies and textures. If you don't find a lube you like right away, don't panic: there are about a zillion different kinds out there. Have a look online, we're sure you'll find one you like. (click here to go to our lubrications page)

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