I really like lube. To me, having intercourse with out lube is like brushing your enamel with a dry toothbrush. It would possibly get the job performed, however the result’s … sticky, sort of painful, and doesn’t depart you feeling refreshed. Lube shouldn’t be an non-obligatory luxurious that sits within the bedside drawer ready for the “right moment.” Whether you might be spending some intimate time with your self, a companion, or many companions, an intimate lubricant ought to be concerned. 

No bed room is full with out not less than one or two varieties available, particularly for those who’re planning to make use of intercourse toys. (You ought to be using sex toys, however that’s one other story.) As far as I’m involved, lube is as important for intercourse as condoms and clear arms. If I present up at somebody’s home for an excellent time and there isn’t lube ready on the nightstand, I’m heading out the door.

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No Lube, No Boob

I used to be shocked to study that not everyone seems to be with me on this. In the (albeit largely queer and Pacific Northwestern) bedrooms I’ve been in, lube has been as widespread as bedsheets and tarot cards. If you haven’t tried lube earlier than, or you probably have some reservations, that’s in all probability not your fault. There are highly effective forces working to persuade you that you need to be on the market raw-dogging it. Dark forces, gathering within the evening, who search solely to chafe your genitals. 

One of those malicious creatures is misogyny—it tells us that utilizing an intimate lubricant is in some way a failing; that needing it for intercourse is a failure in your half or your companion’s. It whispers: How dare you not get wetter; there have to be one thing flawed along with your physique. 

Another monster beneath the mattress is machismo. It tells us that utilizing lube means you’re a nasty lover and that you simply’ve didn’t get your companion excited. It’s all nonsense. There is nothing flawed along with your physique. There’s nothing flawed along with your method. Sometimes our bodies don’t do what we wish them to and, shock, shock, generally genitals don’t behave in the way in which that films, TV, books, and porn inform us they need to. 

Pleasure Is Not the Enemy

What’s disheartening is that these attitudes proceed to form not solely a well-liked opinion however medical analysis into sexual well being. Most of the research I appeared into whereas researching this story targeted on intimate lubricants deal with curing an issue. I discovered just one or two that even point out sexual pleasure, and a kind of is a research about how few articles about sexual well being point out sexual pleasure. It’s 2022, can we please give up pretending that folks shouldn’t take pleasure in getting off? Or that sexual pleasure isn’t essential? Because it’s. Put that Plymouth-Rock-Puritanical-Hester-Prynne nonsense within the rearview. 

Anyone who has ever touched themselves is aware of that having a little bit additional one thing (saliva, naturally occurring moisture, and so forth) makes it really feel higher. And feeling good is the entire level! Water-based or silicone-based lubes created from high-quality substances could be like rocket gasoline to your sexual pleasure. 

Not solely do they forestall chafing (and microscopic tears) on essentially the most delicate components of your physique, however they make issues really feel so a lot better. Lube is like sexual MSG. It makes the whole lot higher, and a few persons are weirdly afraid of it. 

Let’s Get Down to Business

OK, so the place do you begin? Easy peasy: Order your self a bottle of any unscented, unflavored, glycerin-free, water-based lube. You don’t need any scent, as a result of if you’re within the thick of it, it’s going to make issues scent bizarre. (It’s the identical cope with flavored lubes.) Ideally, you need lubes which have as few substances as doable. Keep it easy. 

Brands like Sliquid fit the bill and really feel nice to make use of on any genitals, plus they’re cheap. In my expertise, they will depart you feeling a little bit sticky afterward. For a extra premium lube, I’d level you to ones from Maude or Dame. These lubes meet the above standards however depart a pleasant clear end and final a little bit longer if you’re utilizing them. 

The different main sort of lube you’ll encounter is silicone-based. These lubes are oil-based, which means they final so much longer than water-based lubes, as your physique gained’t soak up them as shortly; it makes them the commonest alternative for anal play and anal intercourse. However, they will intervene with vaginal flora, so it’s typically not suggested to make use of them for vaginal play or vaginal intercourse. 

There can be one different huge caveat with silicone-based lubes: You can’t use them with silicone intercourse toys. Silicone lube could make silicone toys degrade over time. If you utilize silicone lube with a silicone toy, be sure you use a condom. My favorites listed below are from the identical manufacturers as above: Sliquid and Maude.

Other than that, my solely remaining recommendation is that this: Play! Play with your self. Get a lube, put aside a while, seize a favorite toy, and go ham. The solely method to discover ways to use lubes is to make use of them, and one of the best ways to follow is with your self. Learn how nicely they apply, how a lot you want to make use of, and the place the very best place to retailer them is. Sex ought to be simple, be friction-free, and really feel nice—and an excellent lube will assist with all three. 

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