How Do Lubricants Work?
Lube. The perfect accompaniment to great sex. Prior to vaginal penetration, even if you’ve engaged in protracted, sensual foreplay, she still might not have produced enough natural lubrication to make penetration comfortable. Anal sex introduces another issue as the rectum doesn’t produce any natural lubrication at all. You want to ensure that entry is going to be as smooth and comfortable as possible, with no danger of discomfort or injury due to friction. Friction’s an unpleasant sensation on its own and it opens the door to creating tiny lacerations that give the agents of STDs an opening to get into the body’s bloodstream.
So how do you take friction out of the equation? Lubricant, of course.
Personal lubricants provide a barrier between your skin and your partner’s skin, helping to make penetration and thrusting smooth and comfortable. Essentially, the greater the viscosity of your lubricant, the greater the barrier. Friction is diminished and the comfort level during sex increases greatly. It’s a good idea to use lube even during masturbation, as the friction between your hand and your genitals can cause abrasions and calluses.
Many sex therapists, sensual aid manufacturers, and other assorted experts recommend water-based lube for sexual activity. Being water-soluble, they’re easy to wash away, unlike some silicone and oil-based lubes. The downside of being water-soluble is that water-based lubes aren’t suitable for use in the shower or hot tub—they’ll dissipate in that environment. The residue they can leave behind can also be singularly unappealing.
Silicone-based lubes tend to last longer and don’t need to be reapplied as often as water-based lubes. One word of warning – never use silicone-based lubes with silicone sensual accessories. The lube can eat away at the toy’s silicone, rendering it useless. Oil-based lubes are best left alone—they’ll eat away at the latex rubber of a condom with vigor and they tend to be messy.
Lubricants are your best defense against friction and the attendant injuries it can cause. Lube also makes your sexual activities more comfortable and pleasurable, making penetration smooth and easy. Lube. Use it generously.
