Lubricants are very common sex toys, and they have more to offer than we realize. It's not just about reducing the discomfort of friction, increasing smoothness and enhancing sexual pleasure.
What are the benefits of using lubricants?
The use of lubricants can give us a smoother and more comfortable feeling, but the misconception that many people have about lubricants is that they should only be used during penetration, or that normal women don't need to use them. This is actually not the case, even when using clitoral sucking type sex toys, lubricants can come in handy to increase the vacuum time and enhance the feeling of stimulation and pleasure. Lubricants bring pleasure while protecting us well from injury.
Which lubricant is suitable for sex toys?
Water-based lubricant: It is the most suitable lubricant for sex toys, no matter what material your toy is made of, silicone, plastic, metal or glass, it will not react with it and cause damage to the sex toy. It is also easy to clean and best suited for sensitive skin. But if you want to engage in prolonged sexual activity, water-based lubricants need to be reapplied for better results.
Silicone-based lubricant: Silicone-based lubricants are perfect for hard material toys such as plastic, ceramic, wood and glass. However, silicone lubricants must be kept away from toys made of or containing silicone. Silicone lubricants and silicone toys don't mix, which may sound surprising. Using silicone lubricant on silicone toys can cause the lubricant to react with the silicone material, solidifying on the toy and causing it to break down. This will result in a messy, melted texture on the toy.
Oil-based lubricant: Oil-based lubricants should never be used inside the body because they can cover the vagina or anus and prevent the body from cleaning itself properly. They should also not be used on sex toys. Oil-based products, including lubricants, creams, and massage oils, can leave a residue on sex toys that is difficult to remove without the use of harsh chemicals, which can cause damage to the sex toy and your body. In short: Keep oil-based lubricants away from your sex toys to ensure safety and longevity.
5 Tips for Using Lubricants:
With so many different types of lubricants, it's key to choose the right one for your needs. Here are five tips to help you make an informed decision:
- Choose a lubricant based on use:Different types of lubricants are best suited for specific activities. For vaginal sex, water-based or silicone-based lubricants are good choices. For anal sex, silicone lubricants are often favored for their long-lasting slippery feel. For oral sex, choose a scented lubricant for added pleasure.
- Be careful when trying to conceive:Some lubricants can affect the flow of sperm. If you are trying to conceive, choose a sperm-friendly lubricant for safe conception.
- Avoid non-lubricating products:Avoid using products such as petroleum jelly or common moisturizers as lubricants. These products may cause irritation or infection and are not formulated for sexual use.
- Check your sexual health:Vaginal dryness may indicate an underlying health problem, such as a hormonal imbalance. If vaginal dryness persists, consult your healthcare provider to rule out a medical problem.
- Don't be shy about using lubricants: If you're experiencing dryness due to menopause or birth control, don't hesitate to apply more lubricant. Water-based, silicone-based or aloe vera-based lubricants are all ideal for adding comfort and moisture.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the natural lubricants that can be used as sex?
Natural lubricants that can be used during sex include, among others, aloe vera, yogurt, olive oil and virgin coconut oil. It is important to note that we should avoid using petroleum jelly, glycerin, butter, lotion, or saliva as a lubricant during sex, as this may irritate the genitals and even increase the risk of bacterial and inflammatory infections.
Which oil is safe to use during sex?
While there are many oil-based types of lubricants on the market, if you want to try a more natural oil free of certain chemical products, then coconut oil is highly recommended, as it is not only very natural, but also very moisturizing. It's important to note that oil-based types of lubrication, including coconut oil, should not be used with latex condoms - they can react with each other and cause the condom to break, increasing the risk of pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
What are the risks of male lubricant gel?
It may cause itching and stinging of the skin because lubricant gels may contain certain additives and fragrances, which can cause irritation to the skin and genital area.2023 A study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine confirmed that fragrances and additives increase the likelihood of irritation and itchy skin.