Dryness in the vagina can kill the mood in between the sheets. You might be feeling hot and horny, but the dryness will be making penetration difficult. Saliva may help a bit, but it may not be enough. Fret not? You can use lubricants to help reduce the friction during intercourse, and make sex much more pleasurable.
Why do you need them?
According to the normal scheme of things, a woman s vagina consists of some lubrication or moistness and this production increases significantly when a woman s aroused or when the brain anticipates sex. On the other hand, vaginal dryness can lead to extremely uncomfortable friction during sex. In fact, vaginal dryness is the most common reason for dyspareunia or pain during sex among women. So that s where artificial lubricants or lubes come to the fore and you ve a variety of different options to choose from. Most lubricants sold in the market can be broadly categorised into three categories water-based lubricants, oil-based and silicone-based lubricants. They all have their specific pros and cons.
A cautionary tale
Many, many people use everyday objects as lubricants during sex. People have been known to use among other things cold creams, moisturisers, petroleum jelly, fairness creams, butter, ghee and other dairy products. It s important to remember that all these are oil-based and will react with and corrode latex condoms which will make them less effective.
Water-based lubricants
Water-based lubricants are the latest rage among couples because they have clear advantages over the other varieties. They re extremely smooth, slick and non-messy. It s easy to wash off, doesn t leave marks and is compatible with condoms of all kinds including latex. The major con is that it gets used up pretty quickly and needs to applied again and again, which might put a damper on the mood.
Popular ones
Maximus: This lube though water-based is supposed to last long.
Astroglide: It's supposed to mimic body fluids and is one of the older names in lubricants.
Silicone-based lubricants
Like water-based ones, silicone-based lubricants are compatible with latex condoms but are far messier than water-based ones. They re thicker and tend to last far longer. The good thing is that you don t have to keep on applying it again and again; the hard part is actually getting it off! They re so effective they work even underwater (if you are into that sort of thing)! One other problem is that many of them have glycerine as one of the ingredients which can lead to yeast infections.
Popular ones
Ride Dude: Specifically targeting men this product uses medical-grade silicone for a fun pleasurable experience.
Wet Platinum: A silicone-based formula that promises last long.
ID Backslide: Specifically designed for anal sex as the name suggests. You may also like to read Do women really want anal sex?
Oil-based lubricants
Oil-based ones are last in our list simply because they tend to react with latex, making condoms ineffective. Sadly, this is the lubricant most people tend to use because they re too scared/ashamed/lazy to go to a store to buy other lubricants and instead end up using the aforementioned everyday objects like lotions, cold creams, moisturisers, etc. instead. So be prepared, choose the right lubricant and say goodbye to uncomfortable friction during sex forever!
Popular ones
Almost every cream, petroleum jelly, moisturiser and other products fall under this category.
Disclaimer: www.thehealthsite.com doesn't endorse any of the products mentioned and will take no responsibility for their efficacy.
Image source: Getty Images
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