Though safe in small amounts, consumption of large quantities of HEC may lead to intestinal obstruction—a condition which keeps food from passing through the bowel. Potter N, et al. (2020). Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers: A review into use, efficacy, and safety. For extra control and to limit spillage, squeeze lube onto your fingertips first, then apply. With a little practice, you’ll be able to estimate pretty closely how much lube you need. Remember, you can always reapply! How to Store Your Lube Most lubricants have extremely stable chemical structures. There is a link to parabens and certain cancers, like breast cancer, though the full extent of the risk is not yet known. An alternative to oil is aloe vera. This plant is known for its moisturizing properties. However, some aloe vera products may contain alcohol, which is not suitable for use inside the vagina. It may also cause some side effects, such as:

Purified Water, Glycerin, Hydroxyethyl cellulose, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Methylparaben, Glaucon Delta Lactone, Sodium Hydroxide This is especially true if you're having butt sex, as it is the riskiest type of sex when it comes to transmitting HIV, according to the CDC. The agency reports that being "the bottom" is less safe than being "the top", because again, your rectum’s lining is thin, which can allow the virus to easily enter your body. Being the top isn’t risk-free either, though; a male partner can get HIV from you through his urethra, his foreskin if he's not circumcised or through any scratches, cuts or sores on his penis. According to data from Orlando Health’s Winnie Palmer Hospital for Women and Babies, other STIs a condom helps protect against include chlamydia, genital herpes, genital warts, gonorrhea, hepatitis B, and syphilis. Which means, OF COURSE you’re going to use a condom, and lubricant can help keep yours from tearing. "Condom breakage and injuries during anal sex typically occur when things aren't well lubricated,” explains Dr. Gonzalez. What to consider when shopping for anal lube: Lubricants are often used for things like bicycle chains and machines to help cut down on the friction caused by moving parts. Personal lubricants contain different ingredients, but the idea is the same — they’re used to reduce the friction on your own moving “parts” to make sex and masturbation irritation-free, by making these activities easier and more enjoyable.

Different types of lube

Avoid petroleum products like Vaseline, and skip natural oil-based lubricants like coconut oil, too, if you're using a condom. Personal lubricants can come in liquid and gel forms, and each formula has a base ingredient that accounts for its unique texture. Let’s take a look at the three main lube bases and what they mean for you: 1.) Water-Based Lubricants Water-based lubricants are by far the most common type of lube and for good reason. When it comes to safe anal sex, using the best anal lubes for your needs is critical. “[Lube] reduces friction to lower the risk of condom breakage. It can also help to prevent small tears that can be painful and increase the risk of infection,” says Jess O’Reilly, Ph.D., sexologist and host of the Sex with Dr. Jess podcast. “And lube can enhance sensation and pleasure!” Don't be afraid to reapply "as soon as it seems like it's drying out and there's more friction," Vrangalova adds. "Keep the lines of communication with the receptive partner open. Encourage them to let you know when they feel more is necessary."

You might even find that you or your partner enjoy more than one formula for different reasons. That’s totally okay — there’s no rule that says you can only own one bottle of lube. So go ahead: experiment, share, play and explore. And most of all, have fun!Most of ASTROGLIDE’s water-based lubes can be used with condoms without compromising their integrity (meaning they won’t cause condoms to rip or tear more easily). They can also be used with toys like vibrators — even those made of silicone material. Some Examples of Water Based Lube: That said, Wright cautions against using a product with ingredients that you wouldn't put in your vagina. "If you’re using enough of it, the chances of a little bit of it getting in or around the vulva or vaginal opening are pretty high, so it’s important that you’re using something that is okay if some creeps over into that area," she explains. When in doubt, the fewer ingredients, the better, Wright adds. A person may wish to try natural oils such as olive, virgin coconut, peanut, and vitamin E as alternatives to lubricants. The lubricating effect of oils can last longer than water-based lubricants. Steer clear of desensitizing agents, such as lidocaine. Some lubes that are specifically branded for anal sex contain these but they could stop you from being able to feel the pain that indicates an injury so you won’t know to tell your partner to stop. (None of our recs contain numbing agents.) Many lubes contain glycerin, which is a byproduct of sugar; Some experts advise avoiding this ingredient, as sugar attracts yeast, which may lead to an infection. That said, many people are fine with glycerin in commercial lubes, so if it works for you, it's safe to use.

However, oils are not suitable for use with latex condoms or other latex birth control methods. Additionally, oils can clog the pores in the skin and cause skin irritation and infections, or change the pH balance inside the vagina. Most lubes you might use for vaginal, vulvar, penile, or pleasure product play can double as anal lube. "With lube for anal play, you have a little more leeway than lube for vaginal play," says Rachel Wright, LMFT, a New York-based psychotherapist who specializes in sex and relationships. Fakari FR, et al. (2020). A review of pharmacological treatments for vaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women in Iran. After reviewing a wide range of products designed for menopausal women, we’ve discovered that Femmetrinol is the best product on the market for helping women deal with the most uncomfortable symptoms at any stage of the transition.Purified Water, Glycerin*, Xanthan Gum, Aloe Barbadensis Powder*, Chamomilla Recutita (Matricaria) Flower Extract*, Calendula Officinalis Flower Extract*, Vaccinium Macrocarpon (Cranberry) Fruit Extract*, Passiflora Incarnata Flower Extract*, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid Specifications While BioFilm owns the Astroglide brand, there’s not a whole lot of information about this company or whether or not they sell any products aside from their line of personal lubrications. Astroglide Gel may be good for an in-the-moment sexual session, but beyond that, it doesn’t offer any lasting benefits. Sound like an issue that’s familiar to you? If so, speaking to your OB/Gyn is always a great idea. She may have some suggestions or insights into your personal situation, and she may even be able to recommend a specific type of lube that’s right for you. I'm very sexually active. My husband and I will have sex for hours at a time. I've tried a ton of other products but astroglide is my #1!! I don't enjoy sex as much without it. It helps me have an amazing O everytime I squeeze some on!! It is literally the best! ”

Palacios S, et al. (2023). A randomized trial on the effectiveness and safety of 5 water-based personal lubricants. Vaginal dryness during menopause is due to hormonal changes, such as a reduction in estrogen, which can cause the vaginal walls to thin. When this happens, there are fewer moisture-producing cells in the vaginal walls, which can lead to dryness, making the skin more fragile and reducing the vagina’s elasticity. This is called vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis. What can you use if you do not have lubricant? Choosing a lubricant for anal, vaginal or any kind of sex may take some trial and error, so you can see what feels best to you and your partner, or just you if you're enjoying "me" time. How your body feels is your best guide, but here are a few points to keep in mind: It can come in many forms, including rubber, resin, and oil — those different forms make it great for everything from medical applications to insulation. Its liquid form is especially effective when used as the main ingredient in personal lubricants. What makes silicone-based lubes so great?

Some people find that they prefer the sensation of an oil and oil-based lube is also great for giving massages. However, if you’re thinking about using an oil-based lube, there are a couple of things you need to keep in mind.