Lube. Lube is probably one of the most important and yet controversial topics when it comes to pleasure based sexual contact.
Why is that? Often times when people talk about lubricant there is almost a stigma for vagina owners that they “aren’t wet enough” or that there is something wrong with them if they have to use a lubricant. There is also a stigma behind lubricant being only for vagina owners or female identifying persons. None of this is true and is actively harmful against someone experiencing a healthy and comfortable sexual interaction either alone or with someone else.
Lube has been around for a long time y’all with some of the earliest records going back to 600 B.C. in Ancient China. People would boil seaweed in order to produce carrageenan, a water-soluble thick substance that was used for many different house hold purposes. Naturally at some point, as all humans do, they decided to put it on their junk. Throughout history lube has had this sort of… accidental discovery in a way. In 1872 Robert Chesebrough patented petroleum jelly, and though it wasn’t its original purpose, you guessed it, humans decided to rub it on their genitals. Heck, even silicone which was one of the greatest inventions for lubricant wasn’t invented with the intention of helping people bump and grind!
Understanding where lubricant is important, but the bigger question for some is why? Why do we need lubricant?
One for sure reason is this, lubrication does not equal arousal.
Just to make sure we all read that. Lubricant does not equal arousal.
Arousal is a mental state of being while the vaginal function of producing lubricant, or getting wet, is actually a protective reaction for the vagina. When the vagina starts to produce mucus it is a bodily response to either direct stimuli, mental stimuli or to help protect against excess friction. While these aren’t the only reasons, they are the most common and keep in mind friction isn’t bad! Excess friction is one of the main ways that the vaginal lining can be damaged. Even during consensual sexual activity tiny microscopic tearing happens, but this can be lessened with proper lubrication.
That is why lubricant is so important. Lubrication is the bodies way of defending the vaginal lining, which helps prevent infection, damage and pain. Does this mean you have to have a waterfall of liquids flowing out of your body during any form of sexual activity? No, it’s just a good idea to include some form of lubricant into the equation.
The vagina’s ability to make fluids varies from person to person, and most people will experience fluctuation in their own production of lubricant with some days being heavier than others! So many different things can affect someone’s ability to “get wet”. Things like birth control, depression/anxiety medications, stress, and even allergy medication can all effect the vagina’s ability to lubricate itself.
So now that we’ve established the necessity of lubricant, we now need to ask what kind of lubricant is right?
This varies from person to person, what you are doing with said lubricant, and who or what is participating. Lube comes in many varieties to incredibly thin to super thick, from cooling and warming to plain with no sensation. There are lubricants with oils or plant extracts to change the consistency as well as the durability of the lubricant itself. There are literally millions of different kinds of lubricants out there, but here are some basics.
Water based is the most common and the easiest to find at stores. It’s safe to use with condoms, sex toys, and does not stain sheets. Some key things to look at when it comes to water-based lubricants is checking the ingredients, as water based does tend to have a lot. Be mindful of ingredients like glycerin or parabens. Both can be common in most lubricants, but can cause irritation to sensitive skin.
Meanwhile, silicone-based lubricants are a bit of an easier option for some. It is probably the best lubricant that you can use if you have incredible sensitive skin, as silicone sits on the surface of the vaginal lining and is not absorbed into the body. Plus, there tends to be far less ingredients, so less chances for disruption or infection. It’s also not water soluble so it’s great for use in water situations like bath and shower play. This makes it fantastic for the body and super easy to clean out! The downsides of silicone is that certain sex toy materials made out of rubber blends or softer materials are susceptible to damage from silicone lubricant.
Oil based lubricants are another option out there, but this isn’t always encouraged. Oils, especially things like coconut oil, have had very little testing done for internal use and for some can cause a major disruption of vaginal PH. With coconut oil being an antimicrobial, it can harm the natural vaginal flora not just the bad, which can disrupt the PH balance. Oils can also clog up vaginal tissues and make it difficult for the vagina to clean itself which can lead to an overgrowth of bacteria. When it comes to lubricant, it’s always best to stick to a lube that is specifically designed for vaginal penetration, not cooking oils that are formulated with the vagina in mind.
These three are the most common forms of lubricant available, but by no means are they the only. New lubricants enter the market every day and with so many options it can be a little overwhelming. The most important thing is to take a moment and read all the ingredients, and of course, ask questions. Google may not be your friend when it comes to answering questions though, and stores like Fairvilla are designed with education in mind. Ask an associate, and be specific. They want to help you have a good time!
Lube is the most powerful took on any nightstand, and with the right lube you can conquer the world one orgasm at a time.