�The
wetter the better.� It�s a sexual clich� you�ve heard more times than you can
remember. And while it doesn�t take a genius to realize that lubricated parts
are going to result in smoother sailing between the sheets, also realize that
your natural wetness doesn�t always live up to how turned on you are.
Vaginal dryness can occur for multiple reasons�whether it be a medication you�re
taking, an illness, or simply getting older, says sex therapist Tiffanie Henry,
Ph.D. Simply put, sometimes might be mentally ready for sex, but your lady parts
are trying to play catch-up.
This is where lube comes in. Not only can adding some extra grease make sex less
painful, it can also make it more enjoyable. In fact, according to research from
Indiana University�s Center for Sexual Health Promotion, over 50 percent of
women who reached for slippery assistance claimed the lube increased their
pleasure and made sex more comfortable.
To simplify your search for the best possible match, here are a few pointers to
ensure that you�re bringing the right bottle to bed. First, know that there are
three popular types of lube: water-, silicone-, and oil-based. And ingredients
and quality aside, there are two major differences: texture and function.
�Water-based lube starts out slick and is easy to wash off, but it can get
sticky throughout sex,� says Erin Basler-Francis, content and brand manager at
The Center for Sexual Pleasure and Health, a non-profit sexuality education and
advocacy organization in Rhode Island. The stickiness is easy to fix by adding a
bit of water, rather than intuitively slathering on more lube (which will just
result in a stickier mess).
�Silicone stays nice and slippery, but requires soap and water to wash off,�
says Basler-Francis. So it may not be the best solution if you aren�t able to
rinse off immediately after.
Oil-based lubes are typically creamy and slippery, which is great for external
use�like for a back or penis massage�but can irritate the walls of the vagina,
warns Basler-Francis.
�Like with most sexual things, lube is a highly personal choice based on one�s
body chemistry and preference,� says Basler-Francis. You won't know what works
best for you and your partner until you try them out.
Sex lubricants are specialized lubricants used during human sexual acts such as
intercourse and masturbation, to reduce friction to or between the penis and
vagina, anus, or other body parts, or applied to sex toys to reduce friction or
ease in penetration. Surgical or medical lubricants or gels, which are similar
but not usually referred to or labelled as "personal" lubricants, may be used
for medical purposes such as speculum insertion or introduction of a catheter.
Types of Sex lubricants by composition
Water-based
Water-based personal lubricants are water-soluble and are the most widely used
personal lubricants. The earliest water-based lubricants were cellulose ether or
glycerin solutions. Products available today may have various agents added for
even dispersal, moisture retention, and resistance to contamination. The
viscosity of these products can be altered by adjusting their water content and
concentration of cellulose or other gel-forming hydrophilic ingredient. Because
water-based personal lubricants absorb into the skin and evaporate, most
water-based lubricants have a tendency to dry out during use, but reapplication
of the lubricant or application of water or saliva is usually sufficient to
reactivate them. When the lubricant eventually dries out, it may leave behind a
residue derived from the other ingredients in the formulation. This may require
reapplication during sex, and/or removal of the residue with water. Some newer
water-based lubricants are formulated with natural skin moisturizers, such as
carrageenan, and may not leave a sticky residue after evaporation. Carrageenan
has also been shown to be a potent inhibitor of human papillomavirus infection.
Carraguard, an aqueous gel containing carrageenan developed as a microbicide,
has been shown in some preliminary studies to inhibit HIV transmission, although
results have been mixed. Scientists are testing whether anti-retroviral
lubricants or gels can be applied to aid in the prevention of transmission of
HIV.
Typical water-based lubricants may be incompatible with sex acts that occur in
water (such as in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub) as they can be dissolved or
dispersed in water.
A 2011 study by the Population Council found that many commercially available
water-based sexual lubricants tested damaged human rectal cells and that some of
them - those containing polyquaternium-15 - appeared to actively increase HIV
replication in cell cultures and therefore could raise one's risk of HIV
transmission. Water-based 'lubes' have been recommended for use in safer sex
because they do not weaken condoms like oil-based lubricants do.
The researchers concluded: "Since it is the condom that is protecting users from
HIV rather than the lube, condom users should still be encouraged to use
water-based lubes because condoms are also more likely to break, and trauma to
the rectal lining occur, with no lube". They also cited silicone-based
lubricants as a potential alternative, although they did not test any silicone
lubes in their study. Lubricants and creams containing the spermicide
nonoxynol-9 are known to be cytotoxic, as studies have shown the compound
damages cells and makes users more vulnerable to HIV. A later study has
validated the findings of this study for some water-based products' hyper-osmolality
causing some human's cells damage, and better bio compatibility with low-osmolality
water-based products and silicone-based products but failed to corroborate
polyquaternium 15 having a role that binds HIV to rectal cells or increase HIV
replication.
Oil-based
Oil-based lubricants, for example petroleum-based lubricants (such as petroleum
jelly), can increase the likelihood of breakage and slipping of latex condoms
due to loss of elasticity caused by these lubricants. Oil may also create tiny
holes in the latex. Oil-based lubricants may be considered desirable for people
who are in relationships not requiring condom use and who wish to avoid certain
additives and preservatives often found in other lubricants.
Silicone-based
Silicone-based lubricants are usually formulated with fewer than four
ingredients and do not contain any water. Silicone lubricants offer a different
feel from water-based personal lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants are not
absorbed by skin or mucus membranes, and consequently last longer than
water-based lubricants. Many different silicone lubricants are commercially
available with varying quality and performance. Not all silicone-based
lubricants are certified latex-safe, but silicone-based lubricants have not been
shown to increase the risk of HIV transmission during anal intercourse, as some
water-based lubes have.
Silicone-based lubricants are not usually recommended for use with sex toys or
other products that are made from silicone because the formula may dissolve the
surface making it sticky to the touch, and cause disintegration of the item over
time. This damage may create a breeding ground for bacteria. In most cases a
warning is listed on the product label. Silicone-based lubricant is also used in
the manufacture of pre-lubricated condoms, due to its long-lasting properties
and superior latex compatibility.
Types of Sex lubricants by usage
Vaginal lubricants
Vaginal lubricants are used to reduce vaginal dryness and pain during
intercourse, and by couples trying to conceive. During fertility interventions,
the use of a lubricant eases sperm specimen collection by masturbation. Commonly
used lubricants include saliva, oil (such as baby oil, olive oil, canola oil, or
mineral oil) or commercially available lubricants that are either water-based or
hydroxyethylcellulose-based.
Human saliva and olive oil have been found to be detrimental to sperm function.
Certain commonly used commercial lubricants, although labeled as non-spermicidal
or spermicidal agent-free, have been found to impair sperm function, with
several of these lubricants being as toxic to sperm in vitro as contraceptive
gels. Sperm motility and viability were found to be disrupted shortly after
direct contact between sperm and those lubricants or in saliva. Sperm function
could be compromised following lubricant contact, due to the specific
ingredients in the lubricant or due to the chemical properties of the lubricant,
such as highly raised osmolarity or low pH. Such lubricants are therefore unsafe
for use during fertility procedures such as semen collection or by couples
trying to conceive by natural or assisted reproduction.
Vaginal lubricants such as mineral oil, canola oil, or hydroxyethylcellulose-based
lubricants are recommended for use by couples attempting conception by The
Practice Committee of the American Society for Reproductive Medicine.
Anal-specific
Many lubricants are safe for anal sex, but there are products that are
specifically marketed or designed to enhance enjoyment of anal sex. Often, this
is simply a thicker gel rather than a liquid. This thicker consistency is
preferable because it helps the lubricant stay in place. Some lubricants contain
benzocaine, an anesthetic. However, the use of any numbing agent for anal
penetration is not recommended as a lack of sensation makes accidental injury
more likely. In addition, benzocaine can cause an allergic reaction in those
with an allergy to PABA (4-Aminobenzoic acid). Some lubricants are conveniently
packaged for ease of application. Many of these products such as Astroglide
Shooters have been pulled from the market recently due to FDA Medical Device
Requirements. Products containing benzocaine can numb all body parts with which
they come in contact.
Organic or natural
In the United States, the first certified organic personal lubricant labeled
with the USDA organic seal was Nude Personal Lubricant, which was created in
2004 by Applied Organics.
The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates lubricant as a medical
device rather than as a cosmetic. Because of strict FDA guidelines for medical
devices, organic personal lubricants were no longer allowed to carry a USDA seal
for Nude Personal Lubricant, and that it should be very careful about using the
term organic anywhere on its label.
Many of these types of lubricants also market themselves as "natural" and do not
contain paraben, glycerin, DEA or animal-based ingredients. Some contain
botanicals such as aloe vera or plant extracts.
ANSI and NSF have partnered with organic certifiers around the country in order
to provide a definitive set of compliance guidelines for organic lubricants and
other personal care products. NSF/ANSI 305 organic standards for body care are
modeled off of the USDA organic standards for foods. Their certification process
calls for transparency in the ingredients used and the processes utilized to
turn those ingredients into finished products.
In December 2011, Aloe Cadabra, manufactured by Seven Oaks Farms in Ventura,
California, became the first personal lubricant certified to the new NSF/ANSI
305 Organic Body Care Standards.
Flow Motion Organic Lubricant, manufactured by Alaron Products in Nelson, New
Zealand, was certified 99% organic and introduced into the market in June 2014.
Flow Motion is one of two BioGro NZ Certified organic personal lubricants in the
country. In New Zealand, BioGro NZ is the premier certifier of organics, and is
an Internationally Accredited Programme.
Carrageenan, a type of sulfated polysaccharide extracted from red algae and the
base ingredient in certain natural lubricants, has been shown in vitro to
prevent HPV, herpes simplex viruses, and some strains of HIV.
Specialty lubricants
Warming lubricants contain specific ingredients to cause a sensation of warmth.
Breathing on these types of lubricants may increase the effect. "Cooling" or
"tingling" lubricants may contain ingredients such as peppermint. Some
lubricants are sold together, such as "hot and cold", or are marketed for a
specific use or effect. Flavored lubricants contain flavorings, such as fruit
flavors, to enhance oral contact. "Edible" lubricants may be flavored and/or may
not contain any ingredients that are not advisable to eat.
Other products that have been used as personal lubricants include vegetable
shortening, which is durable and inexpensive but damaging to latex. In a
controversial scene in the movie Last Tango in Paris, the character Paul, played
by Marlon Brando, uses butter during anal sex with the character Jeanne played
by Maria Schneider. The jelly-like substance made from grating Dioscorea
opposita, tororojiru, is often served in, or alongside, a number of other
dishes. However, during the Edo period, tororojiru was also widely used as a
personal lubricant for sexual activities, and it was thus considered improper
for it to be eaten by a woman. This aversion also derives from the loud slurping
sound one makes when eating it, which was considered to be un-ladylike.
Uses of Sex lubricants
Sexual activity
A personal lubricant can be used to increase pleasure and reduce pain during
sexual intercourse or other activities and may be used for lubricating the
penis, vagina, anus or dildo or other sex toy before or during activity.
Lubricant may be applied to any body part desired, to the inside and/or outside
of condoms, or to the hands or fingers. Personal lubricants are particularly
useful for intercourse when a partner experiences dryness or excessive
contraction (tightness) of the vagina or anus. Anal sex generally requires more
generous application of lubricant since the anus does not have natural
lubrication sufficient for most sexual activity.
Masturbation
While most males and females both produce varying amounts of their own
lubrication, extra lubrication is sometimes sought. There are specific
lubricants which may be used in male masturbation but are not suitable for
vaginal or anal use or for use with condoms. Lubricant that is safe for sexual
intercourse is also safe for masturbation. Masturbation cream is specially
formulated to enhance male masturbation.
Medicine
The use of vaginal lubricants is associated with bacterial vaginitis.
Risks of Sex lubricants
As of December 2012 the U.S. Food & Drug Administration doesn't typically
require testing of personal lubricants in humans. The agency classifies them as
medical devices, so testing occurs on animals such as rabbits and guinea pigs.
Rectal use of lubricants is viewed by the agency as an off-label application. In
2012 it was reported that participants who consistently used personal lubricants
for rectal intercourse had a higher prevalence of STIs, such as chlamydia, than
inconsistent users. Some warming lubricants have been shown to have an
osmolality count more than 30 times the body's own fluid. Increased herpes
transmission was more than ninefold when compared with animals not administered
lubricant.
In 2007 it was demonstrated that certain lubricants can cause significant damage
to the rectal tissue of human study participants - major shedding of cells from
tissue samples biopsied 60 to 90 minutes after lubricant application was
observed. Certain lubricants containing the ingredient chlorhexidine, an
antibacterial agent, has been shown to kill three species of Lactobacillus and
has been shown to unbalance the natural flora in the vagina, which might lead to
infections such as bacterial vaginosis. Lubricants with osmolalities closer to
that of the body, such as agar-based lubes, did not damage the tissue samples or
boost HIV infection rates.
Some may experience irritation from the use of certain lubricants. Some
lubricants (as mentioned above under 'Water-based') have been found to damage
cells or even increase the replication of the HIV virus. Nonoxynol-9, a
spermicide contained in some lubricants, can destroy vaginal and rectum cell
membranes which may increase the rate of STI transmission and HPV infection.
Spermicidally lubricated condoms do not contain enough spermicide to increase
contraceptive effectiveness, but application of separate spermicide is thought
to reduce pregnancy rates significantly.
Women Fitness brings to its readers a complete resource on sex lubricants.
�The
wetter the better.� It�s a sexual clich� you�ve heard more times than you can
remember. And while it doesn�t take a genius to realize that lubricated parts
are going to result in smoother sailing between the sheets, also realize that
your natural wetness doesn�t always live up to how turned on you are.
Water-based personal lubricants are water-soluble and are the most widely used
personal lubricants. The earliest water-based lubricants were cellulose ether or
glycerin solutions. Products available today may have various agents added for
even dispersal, moisture retention, and resistance to contamination. The
viscosity of these products can be altered by adjusting their water content and
concentration of cellulose or other gel-forming hydrophilic ingredient. Because
water-based personal lubricants absorb into the skin and evaporate, most
water-based lubricants have a tendency to dry out during use, but reapplication
of the lubricant or application of water or saliva is usually sufficient to
reactivate them. When the lubricant eventually dries out, it may leave behind a
residue derived from the other ingredients in the formulation. This may require
reapplication during sex, and/or removal of the residue with water. Some newer
water-based lubricants are formulated with natural skin moisturizers, such as
carrageenan, and may not leave a sticky residue after evaporation. Carrageenan
has also been shown to be a potent inhibitor of human papillomavirus infection.
Carraguard, an aqueous gel containing carrageenan developed as a microbicide,
has been shown in some preliminary studies to inhibit HIV transmission, although
results have been mixed. Scientists are testing whether anti-retroviral
lubricants or gels can be applied to aid in the prevention of transmission of
HIV.
Vaginal lubricants are used to reduce vaginal dryness and pain during
intercourse, and by couples trying to conceive. During fertility interventions,
the use of a lubricant eases sperm specimen collection by masturbation. Commonly
used lubricants include saliva, oil (such as baby oil, olive oil, canola oil, or
mineral oil) or commercially available lubricants that are either water-based or
hydroxyethylcellulose-based.
Warming lubricants contain specific ingredients to cause a sensation of warmth.
Breathing on these types of lubricants may increase the effect. "Cooling" or
"tingling" lubricants may contain ingredients such as peppermint. Some
lubricants are sold together, such as "hot and cold", or are marketed for a
specific use or effect. Flavored lubricants contain flavorings, such as fruit
flavors, to enhance oral contact. "Edible" lubricants may be flavored and/or may
not contain any ingredients that are not advisable to eat.