Have you ever had a condom break during sex? Yeah, it can be pretty scary.
We’re all just one broken condom away from an STI or a screaming baby….
Condoms break for various reasons. The most common is that you’re wearing the wrong condom size.
Condoms that are too small are more likely to stretch to their limit and break. So before you do anything else, make sure you’re wearing the right condom size.
But sizing isn’t the only reason that condoms break. Friction and overstretching can also cause a condom to tear, and that’s where sexual lubricant can help.
Sex lube keeps the condom—and your partner—nice and slippery. It reduces friction, pulling, and stretching on the condom. This helps prevent tears or other mishaps, such as the condom slipping off.
Sex with lube is safer sex. But it’s so much more than that. Lube makes sex more comfortable and pleasurable, too, especially for the receiving partner.
Do you think your partner enjoys excess friction and dryness on their most sensitive parts?
NO—that’s what we call sandpaper sex. It can be painful for your partner…and it makes you look like a clown in bed.
So, do yourself a favor and use lube when you have sex with a condom. Don’t know much about lube? That’s what we’re here for.
Below, you’ll learn exactly how to lube up your nether bits and your condom to stay safe and have better sex. You’ll also find top-rated sex lubes for condom compatibility and some tips to improve your game in the sack.
Lube up, and let’s go.
How to Add Sex Lube to a Condom So It Doesn’t Break
Adding sex lube to a condom is easy, but you need to do it the right way. Too much lube and the condom might slip off. Too little, and it may break.
Using the wrong lube can also have disastrous consequences. Here’s how to add lube to a condom the right way.
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Choose a water-based lube or a silicone lube. Both are fantastic options. Never use oil or oil-based lube with latex condoms.
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Put a drop of lube on the head of your (or your partner’s) penis. This isn’t strictly necessary, but it makes sex more comfortable and can help prevent the condom from stretching.
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Roll the condom onto your erect penis. You can learn how to put a condom on the right way here.
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Squeeze more lube into your hand or onto your shaft. Use your hand to apply lube to the outside of the condom. Don’t be shy—make sure it’s extra slippery!
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You might want to apply some lube to your partner’s vulva or butt. This may not be necessary during vaginal sex, but it’s really important during anal sex because butts don’t self-lubricate.
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Now, you’re ready to penetrate your partner. Go slowly! Add more lube if you’re having trouble.
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Reapply lube throughout your romp. You may need to reapply water-based lube every 5-10 minutes. Silicone lube lasts much longer—around 20-30 minutes.
That’s it! Sex lube is safe, non-toxic, and fun to use during all sorts of sexual activities. More importantly, it makes just about every sex act feel better.
Plus, your partner will appreciate someone who cares about their safety and satisfaction.
So, don’t be afraid to whip out the lube as soon as the condom makes an appearance. Slather it on, and do so generously. The more lube on the outside of the condom, the better!
Top-Rated Sex Lube That’s Safe to Use with Condoms
Which sex lube is the best (and safest) to use with condoms? Here are some top-rated lubes from around the web, as well as some personal favorites of the Condomania staff.
We’ve been selling, testing, reviewing, and even tasting sex lubes for over 30 years. The following sex lubricants are all long-lasting, silky smooth, and condom-safe.
Water-based Sex Lube
👉 Top-Rated Water-based Lube: Sliquid H2O
👉 Staff Favorite Water-based Lube: Fuck Water Clear
👉 Water-based Lube for Sensitive Skin: ID Free
👉 Water-based Lube for Anal Sex: Pjur Backdoor
👉 Thicker Formula Water-based Lube: Aqua Lube Natural
👉 Warming/Tingling Water-based Lube: Intimate Earth Melt
Silicone Sex Lube
👉 Top-Rated Silicone Lube: Gun Oil
👉 Staff Favorite Silicone Lube: Sliquid Silver
👉 Silicone Lube for Anal Sex: Pjur Analyse Me!
👉 Gooey and thick Silicone Lube: SPUNK
👉 Silicone Lube for Sensitive Skin: Pjur Woman BodyGlide
Important: What You Need to Know about Lube and Condoms
When it comes to using condoms and lube safely, there’s one important rule that you must not forget:
Never use oil-based lube with condoms made of latex or polyisoprene.
Latex is the material that most condoms are made of. Polyisoprene is a popular latex alternative used to make non-latex condoms such as Skyn and Durex Avanti.
Oil-based lube can damage these materials, causing them to tear more easily. So, if you use an oil-based lube with a condom, you’re increasing the chances of a condom malfunction. That’s not good.
When we say no oil-based lube, that includes all oil products you might decide to use as lube, including olive oil, coconut oil, and vaseline. None of these are safe to use with latex (and polyisoprene) condoms.
Instead, stick with water-based lube and silicone lube. Both of these lube types are safe to use with ALL condoms.
You might be wondering: Why do they even make oil-based lube if it’s not condom safe?
Oil-based lube is a super slick, natural, and skin-friendly lubricant that lasts a looong time. It’s a wonderful choice if you’re in a committed and condom-free relationship.
It’s also amazing for anal sex (check out Boy Butter Oil-based lube).
If you want to give it a try with a condom, you can do so with condoms made from polyurethane, such as Trojan Raw Pure Feel, or condoms made from polyethylene resin, such as Unique Condoms.
These condoms are safe to use with oil-based lube.
Sex Lube and Condom Safety: Do’s and Don’ts
Are you ready to drench yourself in sex lube and get wet and wild with your partner?
Hold your horses.
Lube is a lot of fun—and yes, you can feel free to use as much as you want. We’re big fans of getting weird with it.
But there are a few tips you need to know to get the most out of your lube. Here are the top lube do’s and don’ts to keep in mind the next time you’re getting slippery.
When using sex lube with a condom, DO:
👉 Use lube for foreplay, oral sex, vaginal sex, anal sex, and masturbation: Lube makes sex better, no matter what sort of frisky activity you’re getting into!
👉 Use water-based or silicone lube: Sex lube made with water or silicone is safe to use with all condoms, including latex and non-latex varieties.
👉 Reapply lube often: Lube doesn’t last forever. If you’re having an especially long sex sesh, make sure to reapply as you go to prevent discomfort and condom issues.
👉 Pay attention to friction: How do you know when it’s time to reapply lube? If the condom starts to feel tight or you feel more resistance when thrusting, it’s time to add more lube.
👉 Pay attention to the condom: Keep an eye on the condom to make sure it’s not bunching or pulling. That could mean you need to apply more lube. Look for signs of breaks, too.
👉 Communicate with your partner: The receiving partner may feel uncomfortable if everyone’s bits are not well-lubricated. To make sure they’re feeling great during sex, just ask if they’re ready for more lube. They’ll be grateful!
When using sex lube with a condom, DON’T:
👉 Use oil-based lube with latex or polyisoprene condoms: This is the golden rule. Oil-based lube can weaken condoms, causing them to tear more easily.
👉 Put lube on your shaft before putting on the condom: Lube goes on the condom, not your dick. Putting lube on your shaft before putting on the condom will cause the condom to side off during sex.
👉 Put more than a drop of lube in the condom: If you apply lube to the naked head of your peen or the interior tip of the condom, only use a drop. Too much lube inside the condom will result in a loose fit.
👉 Use sex lube without consent: Some people may be allergic to ingredients in lube or just find them irritating. This is especially true of warming, tingling, and spermicidal lube. Always ask your partner’s consent before putting lube on them or in them.
👉 Use flavored lube for anal or vaginal sex: Flavored lube is a tasty addition to foreplay and oral sex, but it can cause irritation to sensitive areas like butts and vaginas.
Do You Really Need to Use Lube with a Condom?
Using lube with a condom is optional, right?
Not really.
Condoms are made to be used with lube. Without lube, sex may be less safe, increasing your chances of getting an STI or having a baby.
Don’t just take our word for it. Studies have found that lube helps condoms stay strong and prevents breaks and tears.
This is why most condoms come pre-lubricated. However, lubricated condoms only contain enough lube to ease the moment of penetration—basically just a drop.
It’s not enough for sex sessions that last longer than a few minutes.
Using lube is a standard and essential part of having sex with a condom. Lube is not a kink or a sex toy. It’s a bedroom staple.
If you’re not using it, you are putting yourself at risk.
Not only that, but without lube, you’re definitely having mid-tier sex—and so is your partner. When you use lube, sex feels wetter, slicker, and better. It’s an easy way to boost your game in bed with zero effort.
Live, Laugh, Lube
Learning to use lube the right way—to prevent condoms from breaking—is almost as important as learning how to use a condom.
Lube and condoms go together like peanut butter and jelly. Come to think of it, lube is pretty similar to jelly…you can even get it in strawberry!
Lube helps condoms stay on and stay strong. And it makes sex feel better for everyone involved.
So, don’t go to bed without lube. Even if you go alone! Lube also takes masturbation to the next level 😍 💦.
The only thing you have to do now is choose which lube is best for you.
If you’re looking for a go-to all-around great lube, get Sliquid H2O. It’s one of the top-rated water-based lubes on the market. It’s pure and additive-free, and it lasts a long time.
If you’re looking for a premium experience, go for a silicone lube like Gun Oil. Silicone lube lasts way longer than water-based lube, and it’s silky smooth.
It’s also much better for butt stuff. However, it costs more, and it’s harder to wash off.
We recommend keeping one of each lube—water-based and silicone—on your bedside table. That way, you’ll be ready for anything.
Don’t wait to start having better sex with a condom. Shop sex lube now at Condomania. And while you’re at it, don’t forget to stock up on condoms too!
Want to learn more about sex lube? Check out our Ultimate Guide to Sexual Lubricant! It covers all of the lube varieties, our favorite sex lubes, and more sex tips!