Couples’ sex life will be more satisfying if they know how to use lube during sex. What exactly is a lubricating gel? How to use lube correctly?
Up to 50% of couples believe that lubricating gel helps them achieve orgasm easily. If you want to increase arousal and emotional pleasure during sex, you can try learning how to use lubricating gel.
What is lube?
Let’s find out what lubricating gel is, the effects of lubricating gel, and how to use lube without affecting your health.
What is a lubricating gel or lube? Lube is a product specifically designed for sexual intercourse to reduce friction between the penis and the vagina or other parts of the body. This is a useful product for women who may experience vaginal dryness.
There are four types of lubricants on the market today:
Water-based lubricants
This type of lube can be dissolved in water. It is easy to clean and is widely used.
Oil-based lubricants
These can break down condoms, making this product not safe and ineffective against unwanted pregnancy and STD infections. This should be avoided as it cannot be rinsed readily and may harbor infection.
Silicone-based lubricants
This has a denser state and a higher adhesion than water-based lubricants, so it stays longer on the skin. It also does not dissolve during sex in the bath.
Hybrid lubricants
As the name suggests, hybrid lubricants combine different qualities of other types of lubricants to give you the best of both worlds. Typically, hybrid lubricants are a mix of water and silicone-based lubes. This type of lube will offer the slipperiness of water-based lubricants but will not absorb or dry out as quickly. It is also safe to use with latex condoms and on sex toys.
What Can I Use Instead of Lube? Here Are Some Safe Alternatives
11 ways to use lube safely
1. Careful selection of lubricating products
Before using lube, you need to carefully choose lubricating products based on the following:
- Do not purchase a product that has already been opened or the seal is missing or broken.
- Check the expiration date carefully to make sure the product can still be used for a long time.
- Find out if the ingredients of the product are safe.
- Test a small amount of lube on the wrist area to see if there is any irritation or itching. If so, you should not use it.
2. More doesn’t always mean better
Most instructions for using lubricating gel recommend using only a moderate amount per sex act. You should not use too much lubricating gel as it is both wasteful and difficult to wash off, which may lead to gynecological infections. This is especially true when it comes to oil or silicone-based lubricants. However, feel free to use as much water-based lube as needed.
After sex, practice perineal hygiene and wash off the remaining gel to avoid infection. The same goes for cleaning up sex toys after using them.
3. Massage using lubricating gel
Before stimulating the private area, both partners may use lubricating gel to massage each other. This can help enhance the sensations on many parts of the body such as the back, nipples, shoulders, and even small sensitive areas like earlobes.
Using lubricating gel to “warm up” is quite good for sex, because it enhances sensation.
To make the massage more effective, you can wash your hands with soap, and then apply the gel on your hands. Rub and massage your partner’s body.
4. Lube gel in the shower
You should not let lube mix with shower gel or shampoo and then have sex, as it may cause irritation around your genitals.
5. Flavored lube for oral sex
This will ease discomfort during oral sex and enhance sex drive with taste and smell. This lube is usually used by people who expect to ingest or get in direct oral contact with it.
Pick a flavor you like, apply it on your partner, and then have fun!
