Consider this your guide to all things lube. Ah, there are SO many kinds out there. Which type of lube should I buy? There have never been more forms of lubricants (also known as lube) widely available, and from so many places including pharmacies, health stores and supermarkets. So it’s a great time to start incorporating it into your sex life! Get ready to rid yourself of any outdated notions you might have about lube by reading on about its many benefits... 1. Lube can be used by anyone, for anything Silicone: Don't contain any water or oils, last longer and are less likely to cause irritation. However, they are more expensive and aren't ideal for lower-grade silicone sex toys.

There are a lot more options out there besides just smearing some on and calling it a day. Try these options to max out your lube experience. Use it for an epic hand job. Natural lube: Natural lubes don’t contain chemicals and additives that can be irritants, particularly to people with sensitive skin. “Natural lubes usually consist of ingredients that can range from homemade to store-bought and have the lowest amounts of ingredients,” Dr. Shepherd says. While Dr. Shepherd notes that the specifics of what is and isn’t considered “natural” is debatable, these lubes typically will not contain synthetic ingredients. Vaginal dryness during sex is common and can happen for many different reasons, including your hormone levels, where you are in your menstrual cycle, how stressed you are and what medication you're on. The natural lubrication levels of the penis can also vary, and dryness in anyone is absolutely nothing to be embarrassed about – so lube up and enjoy the ride! If you do have any concerns then visit a medical professional for advice. 4. It’s ideal for anal sex Here's how to use a lube, says Dr. Streicher: “The time to apply lubricant is before you attempt intercourse. You squeeze it on your fingers, and if there’s a penis involved, you apply it liberally to the penis, and to the opening of the vagina [or anus].” It’s important to warm the lube first, she adds: “If you put cold lube on an erection, he might lose it.”Before we get into all that, just know this: There’s really no wrong way to use lube. “Like all things sexual, use lube in whatever way feels good for you,” says sexologist Jess O’Reilly Ph.D., host of the Mind Blowing Oral video courses. If you focus on your own pleasure, using lube can become second nature, she says. You’re not born knowing how to use lube, and it's not always a topic covered in sex ed, so it’s more than fair if you’re not ~exactly~ sure what to do when you get your hands on a bottle. And, while you probably have a general idea of what to do with it, you might be missing out on some of the added perks it can offer you (and your sex life). Oil-based lube: Oil-based lubes are known for their staying power. But heads up that the oil may leave a coating on the rectum or vagina that can increase the risk of urinary or vaginal infections, Dr. Shepherd says. Not everyone has this issue, though, and if you're able to use oil-based lube just fine, feel free to keep at it. Just remember that oil-based lubes should never be used with latex condoms. “If you're using any type of latex product, you can't use an oil-based lubricant because that will disintegrate the latex,” Dr. Shepherd says.

Lube reduces friction, so lessens your risk of injury during sex. And if you’re using condoms, lube also makes it less likely that it’ll break or fall off, therefore increasing your protection against STIs including HIV. Using the more common latex condoms? Just ensure you’re using a water- or silicone-based lube, as other types may cause the condom to break down. And keep in mind that lube is not a contraceptive, so make sure you’re using the relevant methods of preventing pregnancy. If you’re keen to know more about contraception, find out what some of your options are now. O’Reilly recommends adding a few drops of lube to the base of your vagina or your toys before hitting the shower. Why? Water is notorious for washing away your own natural juices, and that can lead to some not-so-comfortable friction. Make anal play seamless. A vibrator can really stimulate a partner with a penis. O’Reilly recommends taking a flat-tip vibe, covering it in lube, and gently tracing it around your partner’s balls. You can even breathe warm air gently over the wet path you’ve created. Try lube to make solo play even sexier. Unlike the vagina or penis, the anus often doesn’t provide adequate natural lubrication during sex. So apply lube liberally during foreplay for a relaxing effect, during anal intercourse itself, or while you’re using anal sex toys for a more pleasurable experience all round. 5. It can make sex safer Try this pro tip from O’Reilly: Lube up your fingers, and cross them, like you’re making an “I swear” motion. Then, slide them into your partner's vagina, while gently rotating them. You can use your thumb to work your partner’s clitoris while you’re at it. Smear them over your toys.Oil: Coconut, avocado and sunflower oils can be used, or they can be synthetic, like Vaseline. They are not recommended for use with a condom and can cause irritation. We often say, ‘the wetter the better,’ but that may not apply to all types of sex,” O’Reilly says. While plenty of lube can be a great accessory for penetrative sex, she says it might be better in small amounts—like, only a few drops—for non-penetrative sex.

Not all lubes are created equal, and the right one for you depends a lot on your personal preferences and needs. Here’s a breakdown of your options: Silicone-based lube: These last longer than most other lubes, but they can be harder to wash off than other types, Dr. Shepherd says. They’re also not compatible with silicone sex toys, as it can break down the material, Dr. Shepherd explains. Lube is everything when it comes to hand jobs,” O’Reilly says. Try smearing a few drops on your hands or putting some on your partner’s penis before you dive in. “Anything you can do with your mouth, you can do with your hands as long as you use lube—and your hands are more flexible and dexterous,” O’Reilly says. She recommends interlacing your lubed-up fingers and going for it. Take fingering your partner up a notch.Of course, this is where we're used to using lube most often. “Use lube for more pleasure and less friction,” O’Reilly says. She suggests applying lube right to your vulva using your fingers, or, if you want to get the party started right away, having your partner apply it by using their lips. Try a new BJ technique. But knowing how much lube to use is only part of the picture. O’Reilly says there’s a huge range of options, including plenty you’ve probably never even considered, like using lube in the shower or making your oral experience next-level. And, of course, the type of lube you reach for matters. “There are many types of lube and often, the use can help determine which ones are best for that person,” says women’s health expert Jessica Shepherd, MD, founder of Sanctum Med + Wellness. Gently massaging your partner’s balls (if they have them) during a blow job can help max out the experience. O’Reilly’s advice: Add a few drops of lube to your hands and then play with their balls or perineum while you give your partner a blow job. Drip a little inside a condom. There’s no such thing as a ‘typical’ lube user. It can and is used by all, regardless of gender, age and sexuality, and can also be used during masturbation. Simply apply it to any part of the body that feels good, or use with a sex toy. Lube can be water-, oil- or silicone-based, so just make sure that you’re using one that’s suitable for you, your partner and any sex toys you use. 2. It can enhance the pleasure