Why You Should Never Be Ashamed of Using Lube (and How to Find the One That’s Right for You)

Why You Should Never Be Ashamed of Using Lube (and How to Find the One That’s Right for You)

After Rhonda Rousey gave terrible sex advice in late 2015, stating, “You should never need lube in your life. If you need lube, then you’re being lazy,” I felt like it was my personal duty to discuss the very important and essential inclusion of lubricants in a sexual equation.

After Rhonda Rousey gave terrible sex advice in late 2015, stating, “You should never need lube in your life. If you need lube, then you’re being lazy,” I felt like it was my personal duty to discuss the very important and essential inclusion of lubricants in a sexual equation. While I could raise your blood pressure by letting you know what I think about Rousey’s lube-shaming comments, I’ll save you the stress and counteract her opinion by diving into the positive facts of applying lube into your personal moments.

First things first, we need to talk about what lube actually is. The taboo of lube is linked to the stigma that vaginal dryness equates to not being “turned on,” therefore, leaving your sexual partner at a loss for why their sexual advances are flawed.

Another stigma towards lube is that the woman herself is flawed and can’t successfully have sex without some extra help. In reality, lube helps reduce any friction caused by moving body parts, aka having sexual intercourse. Masturbation and sex are made easy and enjoyable when lubrication is added into the mix. How can anyone complain about that?

Like sex toys, condoms, and vibrators, personal lubrication comes in an array of choices. Water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based are the most popular, while powder-based and cream-based are a bit more under the radar (you can even make your own DIY lube!)

 

Water-Based Lube

Water-based lubes are considered the “all purpose” lube. They are safe to practice when wearing a condom and have often been hailed as being non-irritating and easy to clean up. The down side? Some water-based lubes contain glycerin which is linked to yeast infections. Recommended water-based lubes include: Astroglide Gel, Passion Lubes, and Slippery Stuff Gel.

 

Silicone-Based Lube

Silicone-based lubes are also safe to practice with latex condoms and last longer than water-based lubes. The positive to using silicone is that you can use it while in the shower and it won’t wash off. However, this makes for a sticky aftermath when the intimacy is over. Reminder: don’t use this lube on a sex toy since it may damage those that are made of silicone. Recommended silicone-based lubes include: Pink, ID Millennium, and Passion.

 

Oil-Based Lube

Okay, this is important: oil-based lubes are not safe to use with latex condoms. The oil can cause the condom to rip and they are also difficult to clean off of toys, skin, and can cause infections. Oil-based lubricants are mainly geared towards male masturbation and include: Vaseline and YES Lube.

 

After weighing the pros and cons of each lubrication, you have to decide what you are going to actually use your lube for: alone time, with condoms, without condoms, in the water, or something else. Let the search begin!

The importance of lube is due to its creation of more comfort and less pain during intercourse. Condoms, which are typically inconsistently lubricated, can use the extra help in terms of additional wetness to prevent painful sex. According to a 2013 study, nine out of 10 women, between the ages of 18-68, felt that sex was more comfortable, pleasurable, and better when using a lubricant. Moreover, by creating a smooth connection during intercourse, your partner’s experience will also be improved. Specifically, with men, a well-lubricated condom can prevent damage to tissues in the vagina and penis.

About 40% of females experience a lack of lubrication during sex or foreplay. While vaginal dryness may stem from a variety of sources, you have to remember: you are not lazy, you are not flawed, and at the end of the day, you are just human.

Cover image courtesy of Shutterstock.