Letting Loose With Lube

There are three main types of lube out there today, and each one has many pros and some cons. Lube can enhance sexual pleasure for both parties involved in many ways. The main purpose of a personal lubricant is to reduce discomfort and pain by reducing friction. You can have a lot of fun with different sexual lubes, because some have a warming effect when they come in contact with skin, others have a numbing effect to make erections and sex last longer, some increase blood flow to the genitals when used, causing amplified sensations, and there are some lubricants that come in a variety of delicious, edible flavors. There are even a few brands that make lube that feels icy cool on contact. While there are many benefits to using a personal lubricant when natural lube is low or not available (like for anal sex), there are some things that you should keep in mind when choosing one. First of all, you need to decide what kind of sexual activity you will be doing: masturbating, anal sex, vaginal penetration, or all of the above. Oil based lube is not recommended any time that sex toys, novelties, or birth control devices such as diaphragms and condoms are being used. Water based lubricants are safe to use with toys and birth control, but often dry out fairly quickly, so frequent applications are common, and recommended. Silicone based personal lubricants last longer than the water based ones, but can be hard to wash off and could cause damage to silicone toys. Water based personal Lube that is flavored is for external use only, for example, for use while a woman is giving oral sex. Flavored lube is not recommended for use inside the vagina or the rectum, because the glycerin in them can cause infections, and the sugar will throw the delicately balanced ph off in the vagina. Lubricants that have a warming sensation are generally some of the most popular ones that people really enjoy. Another super popular type of lube is the lube that when in contact with skin, it relaxes the nerves at the area, increasing blood flow to the genitals. With more blood flowing, those genitals increase in size and sensitivity, totally upping your sexual experience and stamina. For the most part, silicone based personal lubricant is recommended and almost required to have a positive anal sex experience. Silicone lube is generally condom friendly, and sex using toys like vibrators and dildos with silicone lube is not a problem. These lubes are thick and will not dry up quickly. Men who want a good lube for masturbating will generally like the oil based ones because they are smoothly slick, but again, do NOT use the oil lubes for vaginal penetration or with condoms or toys. For vaginal penetration, it becomes a matter of personal preference as to which lubricant feels the best (provided, remember, that it is not flavored). If you are prone to yeast infections to begin with, look for the glycerin free lubricants. Always read labels carefully before you buy lube. Make sure that there is nothing used in the lube that you are or may be allergic to. If you and your partner are trying to get pregnant, there is some evidence that the chemicals used in all kinds of lubes are damaging to sperm, so take that into consideration if you need to. Even though there is a ton of things concerning lube to watch out for, keep in mind that once you get familiar with the different types, you can experiment more freely and be on your way to new erotic sensations thanks to lube.