All about Lubricants and Their Types

Posted by Linda Hudson on November 4th, 2019

During sexual intercourse, it is important that a woman’s vagina is well lubricated so that it is ready for sex. There are many women who feel that lubrication makes sex more comfortable or enjoyable as it reduces friction and irritation.

However, sometimes, women tend to experience vaginal dryness. Since the vagina is not lubricated enough, it leads to pain or discomfort. This can also happen when estrogenic levels drop during the menopause. Vaginal dryness can also happen when a woman is breastfeeding, or when she is undergoing chemotherapy, or when she’s been treated for breast cancer.

Sometimes, some women just prefer more lubrication than the natural female lubrication their bodies provide. In such circumstances, using a lubricant can help. A lubricant is basically a liquid or gel that a woman and their partner can apply during sex for making the vagina, vulva, or anal area wetter. Lubricant can also be applied to a man’s penis or a sex toy for making them more slippery.

Types of Lubricants

There are various types of lubricants; the most significant ones are:

Water-Based Lubricants

Water based lubricants are usually inexpensive and very easy to find. The most significant advantage of water based lubricants is they can be washed off easily. However, the only thing is they need to be reapplied during sex in order to maintain moisture.

Silicone-Based Lubricants

Silicone-based lubricants tend to last longer than the water-based ones. However, they do not get rinsed off easily and often lead to irritation for some women if they are not rinsed immediately after intercourse. Also, silicone-based lubricants may contain glycerine that may even lead to inflammation and yeast infections. If this becomes a problem for you, then you don’t need to worry as there are lubricants without glycerine available in the market.

Oil-Based Lubricants

Oil-based lubricants need to be used with caution. These lubricants can’t be used with latex condoms, as they’ll weaken the latex, making the condom more likely to leak or even break. Also, this increases the risk of unplanned pregnancy or the transmission of STI.

Petroleum-Based Lubricants

Petroleum-based lubricants are usually those that are made with petroleum jelly, mineral oil, or baby oil, which may cause irritation or inflammation for some women.

Final Word

Choosing a lubricant is a personal decision. Couples can, of course, try and experiment with different types to see what works the best for them. However, if a personal lubricant causes irritation or an allergic reaction, the couple should stop using it and try a different kind. You can always consult a doctor or sex therapist for guidance.