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What is lube?
Every third German occasionally uses personal lubricant¹. In fact, lubes are viscous liquids that Friction in sexual practices as well as in masturbation and can thus make sex easier. But honestly, who wants to remain factual when it comes to sex…
So let’s start again: Lubricant provides the perfect moisture to lie in bed without pain, but with all the more fun, smoothly let off steam You can do it both in vaginal, oral as well as in anal area, as well as for relaxing full body massages use. Depending on the lubricant, the sensations and fun during sex are increased or the lovemaking is prolonged. Doesn’t sound bad, does it?
Why do you need lube?
During foreplay, as sexual arousal increases, so does the natural moisture of the vagina to. This moisture is important for sex to be enjoyable and avoid pain and injury. For various reasons, however, a woman can stay dry despite being aroused:
- Dryness after menstrual bleeding
- stress
- Special medication
- health problems
- Hormonal contraception, such as the birth control pill
- Hormonal changes (e.g. menopause, lactation)
Every second woman over 45 suffers from vaginal dryness². If the vagina is not moist enough, there is a lack of lubricationlubricating gel is a simple and effective tool.
But even if your partner gets wet enough, lubricating cream can be a stimulating aid. So the lubricant can increase your sensations during sex and various facilitate sex practices. This is especially true for anal intercourse.
What types of lube are there?
There are different types of lubricants, which differ due to their ingredients differentiate. Which product is best for whom cannot be generalized.
Which lube is right for me?
Which lube suits you is up to you preferences and the Purpose of use dependent. For example, water-based lube is best for vaginal and oral sex; if you like it anally, however, you should rather use silicone-based or fat-based lubricating gel – unless you have a latex allergy and also need to use a condom!
As you can see, there is some things to consider. The best thing to do is try out the different types of lubricants and decide together with your partner which one suits you best.
Buy lube
Buying lubricant is not a challenge, you can get it in the supermarket, in drugstores like dm, in pharmacies, in erotic shops and on the Internet. But beware: no matter where you buy the lubricant, you should always pay attention to the ingredients – especially if allergies and hypersensitivities are known. After all, the product comes into contact with your best piece…
Comparison of lubes
Feel, Play, Love. With the huge selection of lubricants, you can sometimes be overwhelmed. For the decision are the results independent testing helpful: Here, lubricating gels are rated according to their composition, tolerability, price, etc.
Lubricant at Stiftung Warentest
It’s been a while, but it’s still relevant: In its 12/2007 issue, Stiftung Warentest tested 15 lubricants, specifically 14 water-based lubricants and one oil-based product³. According to Stiftung Warentest, these lubricants were all compatible with mucous membranes and microbiologically correct. In the category of the cheapest lube with “good” properties, three products were lube test winners: chaps gel, Durex Play and Condomi LU:B.
Lubricant at Ökotest
In 2017 Ökotest also carried out a lubricant comparison: 20 products from pharmacies, erotic shops, drugstores and the Internet were tested for their ingredients and the declarations of the manufacturers⁴. First the good news: Almost Three quarters of the lubricating gels achieved the test grade “good” or “very good”.. The water-based lubricants in particular did well. The bad news: Four of the lubricants tested failed with “poor” or “inadequate”. These include the water-based lubricants Prefert® and Flutschi®.
apply lube
The Applying lube is very simple: Simply put a dab on your fingertips and distribute it thinly in the vaginal entrance, on the labia, on the anus, on the sex toy or directly on the penis. That’s it!
Regarding the Crowd there are no rules. If you’d like to feel a little friction, use less. If you like it really wet, you should use more. It’s best to experiment a little to find out what you and your partner feel most comfortable with.
Can you use a condom and lubricant at the same time?
Depends on the lube.
Most silicone and water-based lubes are safe to use with condoms. The condom compatibility should be clear noted on the pack be.
❗Attention: Too much lube can make the condom too slippery, causing it to slip off during sex. Therefore, only apply the lubricating gel when you have already put on the condom and are ready to start.
❗Attention: Be careful with oil and grease based lubes. The fat quickly makes latex condoms brittle and porous, so that the contraceptive protection is gone. The small cracks in the condom do not have to be visible – but they are always sufficient for sperm and pathogens.
Alternatives to lube
Some home remedies have, like lubes, friction reducing and sliding Characteristics and can make sex easier and better. These include, for example, baby oil, body lotion, Vaseline or cooking oil.
As tempting as that sounds, you should better keep your hands off such lube alternatives. Because yes, these lubricants are pleasant, simple and cheap, but they also have some disadvantages:
- Not suitable for latex condoms
- Not pH-neutral, which can cause irritation of the skin and mucous membranes
- Some contain critical ingredients that can cause rashes and skin irritation
The explanations and lists of possible treatment options are purely informative and do not replace consultation with your doctor or the explanations about the intake, mode of action and side effects from the product-specific leaflet.
Isabel D White
Isabel led the Royal Marsden Hospital (London) psychosexual therapy service until 2019. She works in partnership with individuals & couples to explore physical, emotional & relationship factors that contribute to sexual difficulties after cancer. These include: low desire, erection, arousal or orgasmic difficulties, sexual pain & sexual avoidance. She adopts an integrative approach to personalized therapy using psychosexual therapy (sensate focus framework), biomedical management (erectile dysfunction medication & devices, menopause & vaginal health strategies, sexual aids) & psychoeducation.
