Tips for using lubricant

Lubricant can help make sex more enjoyable. Many women will experience vaginal dryness because of hormonal changes (like during pregnancy or after taking the pill), or as a side effect of some antibiotics. And even men will enjoy the ‘smoother ride’ that lubricant can provide. Here are some tips on choosing the best lubricant.

Types of lubricant

Lubricants are available in different kinds of formulas: silicone, water, or petroleum. Do not use silicone based lubricant on any silicone sex toy. Stick to water-based lubricants. These are also easier to wash off, which is really important since you want to clean sex toys very thoroughly to prevent any bacteria growth.

Water-based lubricants are best for condoms. Never use baby oil and Vaseline as a lubricant, because these are designed to be used on the skin, and may contain chemicals that can irritate the vaginal canal or leave trace substances that can lead to urinary tract infection.

Silicone-based lubricants are best for having, uhm, fun in the water—like when you’re taking a shower or fooling around in the jacuzzi.

Specialty lubricants

Some lubricants can heighten feeling. For example, there are products that will leave a light tingle or warmth. Others contain an amino acid called L-arginine which can increase blood flow to the vaginal canal—and that usually means that you’ll be more sensitive to any touch in the area.

When you’re trying a new kind of lubricant, use a small amount first, just to check how it feels. Some sensations take a while to emerge, and you may keep piling on the product because you don’t feel any warmth, and then suddenly it hits you and your body parts feel like you’ve poured chili sauce on it.

How much to use

As a rule, apply a dime-sized amount of lubricant to yourself, your partner or to your toy. You can warm up the lubricant by rubbing it in your palms before applying. Add more lubricant as you need it during the duration of your ‘activity.’

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