LUBRICANTS

Coupled with the misconception that vaginal dryness equals disinterest or lack of arousal, many individuals or couples choose to hide their discomfort, or refrain from sex altogether - compromising not only their wants and needs, but also their sexual health and safety.

Lubrication 101

Typically, the walls of the vagina remain lubricated with a thin layer of moisture, primarily supported by the hormone estrogen. This, and the constant production of estrogen, maintain a level of elasticity, thickness and moisture in the vaginal walls. According to WEBMD however, many women may experience a gradual decline in the amount of moisture their vagina produces due to a number of reasons. Menopause, medication, age, and hormonal imbalances all play a vital part in the level of moisture found in the vagina, dispelling the myth that your level of lubrication is directly related to your arousal level.

It is here that the inclusion of a good, body-safe lubricant is vital to reduce friction and irritation, and promotes the healthy maintenance and protection of the healthy tissue in your vaginal walls.ISSM states that in addition, many women simply prefer more lubrication than what their body may provide.

With brands like Pjur, We-Vibe, Durex, Joy Division, and Intimate Earth, and the increase of online sexual health stores, lubricants for both men and women have never been more accessible.

Water Based lubricants - best for sex toys!

Most popular are water based for use with adult sex toys. Unable to penetrate the silicone of your sex toys, water based lubes not only protect against disintegration of your adult toy, but also moisturise and nourish your skin. With an aqua based ingredients list, water based lubes are inexpensive and easy to find. With a limited viscosity (meaning they are not always long-lasting), water based lubes require regular re-application and are easy to wash off. Designed mostly for those with more sensitive skin, water based lubricants are an obvious choice for those looking for a more natural lubricating alternative or for the inclusion of sex toys in your sex life.

Silicone based lubricants

If it’s viscosity and long-lasting lubrication that you’re after, then silicone silicone based are for you. With a more concentrated formula, silicone based lubes are not recommended for use with silicone toys due to the degradation of the silicone material over time. Thicker in it’s consistency, silicone is long-lasting and forms a protective barrier on your skin making it perfect for anal sex, massage, or masturbation. Silicone lubricants specifically designed for anal sex include anti-bacterial, and relaxing properties to assist with comfort during penetration whilst protecting your skin barrier at the same time. Silicone lubes have an oilier base, making it less easy to wash off and can sometimes act as an irritant for women when not washed off immediately.

Best of both

For the best of both worlds, hybrid lubricants refer to a combination and water and silicone. These are safe for use on your sex toys, are not as thick as a traditional silicone lube, and ofter the hydrating benefits of water based lubricants.

Choosing a lubricant is a personal decision, and should be based on the person’s required outcome. If it’s day to day lubrication that you are after, look for the more women friendly water based lubes that are designed to offer a more natural result based on day to day use.

For a lubricant that offers a thicker protective barrier opt for silicone based lubricants - but remember lubricants are not a preventative method against sexually transmitted infections and not all lubricants are condom friendly.

Oil based lubes should be avoided. Their long list of unnatural ingredients as well as the incompatibility with latex condoms often lead to the transmission of sexually transmitted infections, and allergic skin complications.