sexual lubricants

Lubricants, lubricants, lubricants!

L ubricants are available in a variety of products containing various ingredients. Read the label of a vaginal lubricant and buy only water-based or silicone lubricants. Petroleum based lubricants damage latex condoms rendering them ineffective, but you already know that. Here is a photo of Wet™, which is even available in Walmart in the USA. (It is water soluble).

Why is My Vagina So Dry?

At one time or another all women experience vaginal dryness. (Yes, guys get dry skin on their penises too). Often women believe that vaginal lubricants are only for women who are not sexually aroused, or who are going through menopause, or if they are not very sexually experienced. Lubricants are for all of those reasons and for masturbating too. But, before you feel sore, in pain, and or frustrated with yourself, you should know that normal estrogen fluctuations often cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness often occurs during your period, if you are stressed-out, and if you are using a condom with no lubrication! Yes, vaginal dryness can cause painful sexual intercourse. (See ‘Vagina‘ for more)

What Type of Vaginal Lubricant Is Best?

There are many different types of vaginal lubricants available over-the-counter today. Lubs come in bottles, tubes, in edible forms, and as vaginal suppositories. Which product works best for your situation is mostly a matter of personal preference, or a matter of what you need to use it for. Of course you can use them for other ways to explore your sexuality. (Masturbation, anal sex, oral sex, hand jobs, with a vibrator, etc.). You can buy them on the web if that is more convenient. They are often less expensive that way.

Silicon lubricants like ‘Wet Platinum’ Silicone-Based Lubricant claim to be made from a ”superior formula that stays silky longer than any water-based lubricant and never dries”. Platinum claims it leaves the skin feeling softer and moisturized, and is guaranteed never sticky, and will not harm latex. (I’ll try it and let you know).

Many Medications Cause Vaginal Dryness

Several medications can cause a loss of vaginal lubrication including:

  •   Ortho-Tri-Cyclen
  • Ortho-Evra
  • Depo-Provera
  • Xanax
  • Ativan
  • Calcium channel blockers
  • Beta-blockers
  • Prescribed and over-the-counter cold and allergy medications
  • Benadryl
  • Antidepressants

Astroglide, Wet, Juicy lub, Replens or other brands of water-based lubricants are safe to use with condoms. (I know we keep saying that). Petroleum-based lubricants such as Vaseline are NOT — they can degrade the latex in condoms and diaphragms – causing holes or tears.) Astroglide or any other water-based lubricant may be applied directly to the penis by either partner, or it may be applied to the woman’s genitals, either externally or inside the vagina. Obviously, I can’t name all of the lubs available on the market today. K-Y warming liquid is another one you may see advertised on TV, personally, I didn’t find it very lubricating or warming and it dried out very quickly). More reviews in the future.

The lubricant can be squirted on directly or can be poured into the hand or on the fingertips and then applied. Additional lubricant can be used as needed during intercourse. There’s no right or wrong way to use lubricants. Experiment with what works best for you. Applying lubricant can even be a part of foreplay. Remember, though, that lubricants are not spermicides and therefore do not help to prevent pregnancy. (see Birth Control).

See Condom Help for more on condoms. Some lubrication photos, (no, we don’t have permission to use these, but thought they might help you find them faster in the store). I didn’t have time to write to all the manufacturers. (Legal stuff). Enjoy your lubricants! Wet now comes in flavors! it’s a good lube for the price, look through the lubs section of Condomania.

Amy - Teen's Health Expert

By Amy - Teen's Health Expert

Discover the dedicated author behind Teen Health Secrets, an experienced expert committed to providing in-depth knowledge and guidance on various aspects of teen health, ensuring young individuals lead healthy, informed lives.