Choosing the right lubricant for pleasure and safety

Vaginal lubrication is an autonomous process that takes place during arousal and sexual excitement. The amount of lubrication they produce and the amount of lubrication required for sexual activity differs from women to women. This variation is absolutely normal.

Sudden reduction in lubrication is very common and most of the times it is because of hormonal changes in a woman’s body - Instances like breastfeeding, perimenopause and postmenopause, or triggered by medications such as antihistamines, chemotherapy, and medications for depression and ADHD. Decreased lubrication can also be a result of dehydration or incomplete arousal.

Lubricants can be easily purchased online, at supermarkets and drug stores. Lubricants are efficient when it comes to:

1. Reducing painful friction in the vagina/anus

2. Amplifying sexual arousal by encouraging the blood flow to the vulva, which motivates the body to create its own lube

3. Lubricating the clitoris, which in return enhances sexual pleasure and improves your chances of achieving an orgasm

4. Making oral sex taste better

5. Keeping vaginal skin soft and maintaining elasticity of vaginal walls

While choosing a lubricant, always keep two things in mind: comfort and safety

1. When we say comfort, it means your pleasure. The amount and durability of the lubricant plays an important part in making the sexual activity feel good. Also, check whether the lubricant is friendly with your genitals

2. Safety has to do with your health. For instance, do not use latex condoms with oil-based lubricants, as they can damage the latex causing condom failure.

Let us move on to understanding different type of lubricants.

Water-based lubricants – with Glycerine

Most commonly found, these lubricants produce a sweet taste. Majority of the flavored and warming lubricants come with glycerin. When water-based lubes begin to dry, it is advised that you add water or saliva than more lube, as water can make it slippery again.

Water-based lubricants – without Glycerine

If you are a victim of recurring yeast infection, then this lubricant is just for you. These lubricants contain vegetable-derived glycerin, which does not trigger yeast infections unlike water-based lubricants with glycerin.

Silicone Lubricants

Silicone lubricants are designed to last for the longest duration and is highly recommended for women who suffer from chronic vaginal dryness or genital pain. Silicone lubricants are nothing compared to silicone used in breast implants and is not seen as a threat; it is incapable of penetrating through the skin’s pores. Majority of the silicone lubricants are hypoallergenic.

Oil-based lubricants

Oil-based lubricant and latex condoms are not a good combination. Oil-based lubricants can be used with condoms made out of nitrile, polyurethane, or polyisoprene.