When it comes to sex, lube is your best supporting actor. Lube keeps things running smoothly no pun intended and can make sex more pleasurable. Everyone β even porn stars β needs lube. Lube can also improve vaginal sex even if someone was born with a vagina and isn't on T. We recommend it for everyone! Lubricant makes sex more comfortable and fun for both partners.
It also has other benefits for your health and wellbeing! Water-based lubricant is often cheapest, and is sometimes available for free at sexual health clinics and other health centres.
You can often find it at drugstores. Famous brands include KY Jelly. The downside is that it can dry out faster so it needs re-applying more often. Silicone lubricant can be more expensive but it lasts longer and stays slicker. This makes it a better anal lube. It is compatible with condoms and toys made of hard materials like glass or metal, but not with dilators or silicone toys. This is because it can degrade them. One downside is that it can stain sheets or clothing. Oil-based lube can include specially designed lubes or natural products.
Some people use coconut oil as lube. Oil-based lubricant lasts longest and stays slickest, but it can be messy and leave stains. It can also be harder to wash off your body afterwards. Oil-based lube can be used with toy materials like glass or metal, but is not compatible with condoms.
Some clinicians caution against using these lubes for vaginal sex, because they can trap bacteria and cause yeast infections. Flavoured lubes are water-based and are designed for oral sex. They should not be used for vaginal or anal sex, because the flavouring ingredients can irritate the inside of your body.
