Sexual Lubricants

Lubricants, lubricants, lubricants!

Lubricants are available in a variety of product forms that contain various ingredients. Read the label of a vaginal lubricant and buy only water-based or silicone versions. Petroleum-based lubricants damage latex condoms, rendering them ineffective--but you already know that. Wet™, which is even available in Walmart in the USA, is water soluble.


Why is My Vagina So Dry?

At one time or another, all women experience vaginal dryness. (Yes, guys get dry skin on their penises, too). Some women believe that vaginal lubricants are only for women who are not sexually aroused, or who are going through menopause, or are not very sexually experienced. Lubricants exist for all of those reasons--and for masturbation, too. But before you feel sore, in pain and/or frustrated with yourself, you should know that normal estrogen fluctuations often cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness often occurs during your period, if you are stressed out, and if you are using a condom with no lubrication. Vaginal dryness can cause painful sexual intercourse. (See "Vagina" for more.)

What Type of Vaginal Lubricant Is Best?
There are many different types of vaginal lubricants available over the counter today. Lubes come in bottles and tubes, in edible forms and as vaginal suppositories. Which product works best for your situation is mostly a matter of personal preference, or of your intended use for the lubricant. You can use lubricants to explore your sexuality (masturbation, anal sex, oral sex, manual stimulation, with a vibrator, etc.). You can buy lubricant on the web if you find it more convenient. They are often less expensive online.

Silicon lubricants like "Wet Platinum" Silicone-Based Lubricant claim to be made from a ”superior formula that stays silky longer than any water-based lubricant and never dries.” Platinum supposedly leaves the skin feeling softer and moisturized, is guaranteed to never get sticky, and will not harm latex. (I’ll try it and let you know.)


Many Medications Cause Vaginal Dryness
Several medications can cause a loss of vaginal lubrication, including:

Ortho-Tri-Cyclen
Ortho-Evra
Depo-Provera
Xanax
Ativan
Calcium channel blockers
Beta-blockers
Prescribed and over-the-counter cold and allergy medications
Benadryl
Antidepressants

Astroglide, Wet, Juicy lub, Replens or other brands of water-based lubricants are safe to use with condoms. Petroleum-based lubricants such as Vaseline are NO--they can degrade the latex in condoms and diaphragms, causing holes or tears. Astroglide or any other water-based lubricant may be applied directly to the penis by either partner, or it may be applied to the woman's genitals, either externally or inside the vagina. Obviously, I can’t name all of the lubes available on the market today; K-Y warming liquid is another one you may see advertised on TV. Personally, I didn't find it very lubricating or warming, and it dried out very quickly. More reviews in the future.

Astroglide is an amazing lubricant, whether used alone or with someone else. It might cost a bit more, but a little it goes a long way.

The lubricant can be squirted on directly, or can be poured into the hand or on the fingertips and then applied. Additional lubricant can be used as needed during intercourse. There's no right or wrong way to use lubricants. Experiment with what works best for you. Applying lubricant can even be a part of foreplay. Remember, though, that lubricants are not spermicides, and therefore do not help prevent pregnancy. (See Birth Control).

See Condom Help for more on condoms.