Your genital skin is very sensitive. It cradles the nerve endings that allow you to feel touch and other sensations. Although the skin is strong, it can be harmed by vigorous rubbing. Sexual intimacy often includes friction and rubbing, and sometimes the body just doesn't have enough wetness to last for the entire intimate episode. Lubricants:
- Allow you the touch satisfaction you want while preventing skin abrasion and dryness.
- Can moisturize sensitive skin and be used to increase circulation and skin strength with regular massage (see our Vaginal Renewal article and brochure for more information).
- Can increase pleasure while using latex or polyurethane barriers, making for a sexy, sensitive slide. For example, a dime-sized dab on the inside of an oral sex dam or in the head of a condom transmits heat and sensation and keeps the latex/polyurethane from breaking.
- Allow you to have pleasurable stimulation of all your nerve endings, whether or not your body produces its own lubrication.
- Are lots of fun! Many customers who are reluctant to try lubricants come back to tell us how much more pleasure they enjoyed after they tried out their lube samples.
I sometimes use K-Y® jelly, Vaseline®, or oil for lubrication. Is there something wrong with those? Why do you carry so many "sexual" lubricants? What's the difference?
K-Y® Jelly was originally developed for medical use, not for the friction and motion of sexual intimacy. In sexual use, medical lubricants lose moisture and become sticky and gloppy. Sexual lubricants were made for sexual intimacy, and you'll quickly notice the difference.
Any oil, whether it's extra virgin olive oil or a petroleum-based product like Vaseline®, can cause problems when used during vaginal penetration. The vagina doesn't have the ability to clear oils out effectively. Oil residue acts as food for normal bacteria and yeast, causing them to overgrow and develop into infections. Painful acne-like infections in vaginal skin can also result from the use of oils.
For anal play, oils can be used -- sort of. With sexually transmitted infections being as common as they are, anal play is best undertaken when protected by gloves, condoms, or sex dams. Since oil dissolves latex and makes it a useless barrier, oils are therefore a poor choice for anal play. If you particularly like the sensation of oils, a silicone lubricant is a great, latex-safe substitute.
The sexual lubricants we carry will give you that long-lasting lubricated sensation—safely. We carry a variety of sexual lubricants, because different people have different preferences.
What about warming lubricants?
Lately many companies have been coming out with lubricants that "warm up" with friction. We don't recommend or carry any of these warming lubricants for a few reasons.
First, most of them contain lots and lots of glycerin, which is the ingredient that causes the warmth, but can also cause and/or worsen yeast infections in some women. It's true that some warming lubes don't have glycerin; however, these do have other ingredients like acacia honey or capsasin, both of which can be irritating and alter the vagina's normal, healthy environment.
Second, you can make any old lubricant warm by placing the bottle in a bowl of hot (not boiling) water. There's no need for a special, more expensive lube if you want something that feels warm.
How do I choose the right one for me?
- Do you get frequent yeast infections?
Some women are more likely to get yeast infections than others. Glycerin, a common ingredient in sexual lubricants, can tip the delicate balance of vaginal health, especially if you get yeast infections fairly frequently. In the store, online, and in our printed catalog we indicate whether a lubricant contains glycerin or not, in order to help you make an informed choice. We can also offer assistance if you're sensitive to other chemicals.
- What consistency do you prefer?
Some lubricants are light and slippery; others are thicker and provide more of a "cushion." Read our descriptions or ask us to make a recommendation if you know what you like. Other lubricants help hold moisture right at the spot you need it, such as Maximus. This means that the lubricant won't soak into the skin as much as other "moisturizing" lubricants, but will help keep your experience sliding along.
- Is taste important?
Some lubricants have a definite taste; others have no detectable flavor (such as Slippery Stuff). Others have flavor added, and are available in flavors ranging from pina colada to mint.
- What type of activities do you want to facilitate?
Some lubricants hold up well under lots of friction (for example, penetrative sex), while others are better suited for more leisurely solo or partner activity. Some provide extra cushion, making them especially well-suited for anal play (such as Maximus or Sex Grease or Sensura). And silicone-based lubricants even stay slick under water. We're happy to offer recommendations, just ask!
Note: silicone lubricants melt the surfaces of silicone, Cyberskin and rubber toys. If you'll be using a toy made of one of these materials, you'll want to choose a water-based lubricant
If you're not sure which one is right for you, try a Lubricant Sampler Pack. Just make sure to hold on to the packages so you can remmeber which ones you liked.
Which lube should I choose if I'm trying to ...
... reduce vaginal or vulvar dryness?
To moisturize your genital tissue, we suggest using a combination of massage, Liquid Silk lubricant, and a silicone-based lubricant. Start out by gently massaging your genitals with your hands or a tool like a dildo or dilator (or a willing partner's hands). Your goal is to relax the tissue and bring fresh, healthy blood into the area, so if you notice the skin starting to flush pink, don't worry! Just remember to be gentle enough that you're not in pain or discomfort.
Once you've massaged the vulva for a few minutes, incorporate Liquid Silk into the process by using the same gentle strokes to rub the lubricant into your tissues. Liquid Silk is a great skin moisturizer, so you'll notice it being absorbed into your skin. Continue this massage for another few minutes, or until your skin feels comfortable and moist.
If you choose to engage in any penetration after this point, now is the time to grab a bottle of a silicone-based lubricant like Eros. Apply this lubricant to the vaginal opening and internally on the vaginal walls, as far up as you can reach comfortably (you can use a tool like a vibrator, dildo or dilator to help you with this). The silicone lubricant remains on the surface of your skin, both sealing in the moisture from the Liquid Silk and providing a slick, slippery surface protection for your skin so penetration can occur without discomfort.
... become pregnant?
If you're trying to conceive, we recommend a lube called Pre~Seed, which is specifically formulated to help sperm along on their trek to the cervix and uterus. It's pH-balanced, so it helps sperm stay alive and swimming and doesn't alter the natural acidity of the vagina.
