A complete guide to using lubricants: a beginner's guide to avoiding the pitfalls + buying advice

Preface

Many people often ignore the importance of lubrication during sex or masturbation, and only realise the problem of insufficient lubrication when they experience discomfort, pain, or even skin breakage.

As an example, just like warming up before exercise or frying vegetables in oil, lubricants are also a protective measure to make the body more comfortable and safe.

There are also many of you who often wonder, ‘When do I need to use a lubricant?’ ‘What kinds of lubricants are there? How do I choose one?’ ‘How can I tell if a lubricant is right for me?’

Today's article will answer all your questions about lubricants, and bring you an in-depth understanding of this seemingly niche but very important sexual health helper.

When do I need to use a lubricant?

The core role of lubricants is to reduce friction. Whether during masturbation or during sex, lubricants can come in handy whenever there is strong friction and dryness.

In particular, lubricants are recommended in the following situations:

• Masturbation: Especially when using a masturbator, due to the high frequency of operation of the masturbator, coupled with the delicate and sensitive skin of the private parts, without lubrication, it is easy to cause pain or irritation. Although some people have a preference for ‘pain’ per se, for most people, the proper use of lubricant can make the process smoother and more comfortable.
• Vaginal dryness: When a woman does not produce enough lubrication due to hormonal changes, stress, or environmental factors, the use of a lubricant can significantly improve the discomfort of entry.
• anal sex: the rectum does not have the same natural lubricating ability as the vagina, so it is important to use a sufficient amount of lubricant during anal sex to prevent mucosal damage and tearing.
• Prolonging sex: Although water-based lubricants can evaporate, replenishing the lubricant midway through the session can keep the experience smooth and comfortable.

Classification and Selection of Lubricants

Lubricants are generally divided into three main categories according to their main components: water-based, oil-based and silicone-based.

The current market mainstream is water-based and silicone-based two types, we focus on these two categories.

Water-based lubricants

Water-based lubricants are suitable for a wide range of people and are suitable for most sex scenes and masturbation equipment.

Water-based lubricants are mainly composed of water, which makes them feel fresh, easy to clean and non-greasy, and are the most common type.

Due to its high safety, it is suitable for use with condoms and all kinds of erotic devices, especially recommended for novices or those with sensitive bodies.

Water-based lubricants can be subdivided according to different usage experiences:

• Ordinary water-based lubricants: Hyaluronic acid (hyaluronic acid) is added to increase the moisturising effect, and the lubrication effect is mild and suitable for daily use.
• Sperm-like water-based lubricants: viscous texture, creamy colour, high degree of simulation, especially for those who like to feel the real experience of friends.

Precautions:

• Water-based lubricants are easy to evaporate and generally last between 10 and 30 minutes, so users who have longer sex need to replenish it halfway.
• There is no need to douche the vagina, just clean the vulva after sex.

Silicone-based lubricants

Long-lasting lubrication, suitable for special scenarios such as anal sex or for people with high lubrication needs.

Silicone-based lubricants are made of silicone, which has strong lubricating power and is not easy to be absorbed by the skin or evaporated, so they are especially suitable for longer-lasting and more friction-intensive sexual behaviours, such as anal sex.

Bestvibe Water Based Personal Lubricant 300ml

£12.59£17.99

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Applicable Situations:

• Suitable for masturbators made of glass or metal, can not be used for erotic products made of silicone (will lead to corrosion of the apparatus).
• Users who have anal sex, toys that go deeper into the body and have a very high need for lubrication.

Disadvantages:

• More troublesome to clean, need to rinse thoroughly with cleaning solution or shower gel after use.
• Not suitable for use with silicone devices, which can shorten the life of the device.

Is there enough lubricant on a condom?

Answer: It depends!

• The lubricant on the condom is like a ‘free sample’, it is small and dries out easily.
• If the girl has little secretion and the guy takes a long time, it is recommended to apply extra lubricant.
• Correct usage: Apply lubricant first and then put on the condom (don't put it on the inside of the condom!).

Lubricant dosage reference

How much lubricant to use at one time depends entirely on individual needs and usage scenarios, here are some common suggestions for reference:

• Female external masturbation: a soybean-sized amount is usually sufficient.
• Vaginal sex: the amount to be used depends on whether the penetration is smooth and whether it feels dry, and the amount to be used should be replenished immediately if there is any discomfort.
• Anal sex: the amount must be sufficient and it is recommended to evenly coat the entire surface of the masturbator or insertion to avoid damage.

Remember: It's not about saving lubricant, it's about using enough. Adequate lubrication greatly enhances the experience and sense of security.

The right way to use lubricant

The way you use lubricant is also very important:

• It can be squeezed directly onto the penis or evenly applied to the contact surface of the masturbator;
• If your partner is using it, you can help them to spread it evenly as a kind of foreplay interaction;
• It is advisable to prepare lubricant in advance, before sex begins, so that it can be replenished at any time.

Some people think they don't need lubricant because they or their partners ‘produce a lot of fluid’, but this is not the case.

Even if you produce a lot of fluid, it is difficult to cover the friction points that may occur throughout intercourse.

Suggestions for selection and precautions for use

Smaller Dosages Are Better

First-time lubricant users are advised to start with a small bottle.

On the one hand, it is easier to try out different brands and types, and on the other hand, lubricants are not used in large quantities each time, so a large bottle may not be used up for several years.

Conduct an allergy test before use

The first step to take when getting a new lubricant is not to use it directly, but to carry out an allergy test:

• Apply a small amount to the inside of your arm.
• Leave it on for 15-30 minutes;
• If redness, itching or swelling occurs, wash immediately and stop using it.

In conclusion

Lubricant is not an erotic luxury, but a daily necessity to take care of the body.

Just like skin care products should be selected to suit the skin type, lubricants should also be adjusted according to the use of the scene, the body to feel.

Remember three principles: safety first, use enough, and don't be afraid to experiment.

I hope this guide can help you put aside your worries, after all, the thing about pleasure is that it is supposed to be comfortable and at ease!

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