Sexual lubricant

A Sexual lubricant ("lube")is a liquid or gel used to prevent chafing or soreness during vaginal or anal sexual activity.

There are three main types of lubricants: oil based, water based, and silicone based. Each has a different feel, advantages and disadvantages. They may be packaged in small 'single-use' sachets or small or large plastic dispensers.

Water-based lubricants

Water based lubes are generally a safe bet for any situation, safe with condoms, safe with insertables. The downside is that they tend to dry out. And some of them taste nasty. Adding a few drops of water will refresh the lubricity but nothing will help with the taste. Best to start with with a flavoured brand.

Oil-based lubricants

Oil based lubes last better but will be absorbed and more will be needed. This is not usually a huge problem, a far more important downside is the effect oil based lubes have on latex condoms. Any oil based product will degrade a latex condom very quickly.

Silicone-based lubricants

Silicone based lubes last well, they don't seem to be absorbed as quickly as oil based, if at all, and have very high lubricity. They are also safe with latex condoms. The downside of silicone lubes is the effect they have on silicone toys. Keep silicone lube away from silicone toys. Use a condom on the toys, it protects them from the degrading effect of the lube and makes clean up easier, silicon lube is quite persistent and takes some effort to clean off.

Brands

There are a number of lubricants available, ranging from those sold in ordinary chemists such as KY Jelly, to more sophisticated versions such as Eros and Astroglide, as well as specialised lubes used for anal sex.

Other substances can also be used for the purpose, such as Crisco and butter.

Health issues

Take care not to buy a lube that contains spermicide if you think you may be allergic or over-sensitive. Only latex safe lubes should be used with condoms - Vaseline does not come into this category!