Having great sex depends on many factors: time, atmosphere, chemistry, and physical readiness. Yes, that too. At the risk of sounding like a science textbook, hormonal changes can cause a temporary lapse of pleasure during lovemaking. According to recent research, a significant percentage of women experience vaginal dryness following major life transitions, like menopause and childbirth. In my case, following the birth of my first child, no one told me that postpartum sex would be uncomfortable! For the first time, I experienced dryness due to a drop in estrogen (caused in part by breastfeeding). Luckily, I did my research and realized that a few drops of intense lubricant could -and would- work wonders.
WHAT IS LUBRICANT?
When aroused, the vagina secretes a natural liquid to allow penetration to occur smoothly. However, as I mentioned earlier, hormonal changes can cause dryness. When that happens, it is necessary to apply a topical product to restore that “wet” feeling. There are several kinds of lubricants out there on the market, and all are NOT created equal. But take heart- especially you new mommies!
Lubes such as Sliquid Naturals Silk Lubricant can restore vaginal moisture, making sex even better! According to scientific studies, lubricants provide comfort during sex and reduce the likelihood of vaginal tearing (not the desired effect during lovemaking)! The same studies also indicate that even the very act of applying lube to private parts creates a new level of intimacy between you and your partner.
TYPES OF LUBRICANT
Not all lubricants are created equal. There are several types of lubricants on the market and knowing which type bests suit your specific situation is key to an enjoyable, intimate time together...or alone. Different types include water-based, oil-based, silicone-based, specialty, and anal. Water-based lubricants are readily available and are widely used. This type of lube is famous for a reason.
Water-based lubes are least likely to irritate your skin. Water-based personal lubes are quickly absorbed by the skin. This means during marathon sessions drying out will occur frequently. To reactivate water-based personal lubes, just add water or saliva or take a moment to re-apply additional lube. Water-based lubes are safe to use with condoms. There are various brands available, including Durex, K-Y, Swiss Navy, Wet, Extenze, and Comfort.
The downside of water-based personal lubes is that they dry out fast, tend to leave a sticky residue, and produce a disagreeable smell or taste after drying out. This style of lube is not recommended for use in hot tubs, pools, or the shower.
Another type of lube is oil-based. Oil-based lubricants can weaken condoms, leading to breakage. Avoid using oil-based lubes with condoms. Doing so increases the risk of pregnancy or transmission of a sexually-transmitted disease when they break. Oil-based lubricants can be messy and hard to clean up. Popular brands of oil-based lubes include Wet and Swiss Navy. Silicone-based lubes do not penetrate the skin and last longer than water-based lubes. They are also thinner. Therefore, there is no need to re-apply silicone-based lubricants. The downside of silicone is that they feel greasy and take more significant effort to clean up.
Silicone-based lubes can negatively affect the finish of sex toys and other silicone products and should not be used with them. Brands include Extenze Premium, Gun Oil, Wet Platinum, and Eros Gel. Specialty lubes are made for partners who are seeking heightened experienced over other types of lubricants. Specialty lubes include warming lubes, or cooling lubes, as well as flavored and edible types. Anal sex-specific brands are designed for easy penetration with a thicker consistency. This lube comes in liquids, sprays, and lotions. Specific brands of anal lubes include Eros and Fusion. Some anal lubes are made for relaxing the anus with the use of benzocaine.
HOW TO APPLY IT
Applying lubricant is very easy. Just a small amount can go a long way, and paired with a gentle touch, it can also be an aphrodisiac. I suggest using a little lube while giving your mate a loving back message, then gradually make your way to stroking the most intimate areas. In fact, Cosmopolitan.com featured an article on this very act.
Here are some spicy ways to use lube on your partner
- Massage up and down his groin area using a sawing motion with the side of your hands.
- Spread a warming lube on his testicles. Then, give him oral while lightly massaging his balls.
- Slip a few drops inside his condom before he slips it on.
- Apply the lube on a vibrator and ask your partner to use it on you.
- Stand behind your partner and use some lubricant to give him a relaxing hand job.
- Use Wet Flavored Gel Lubricant while going down on your partner.
- Have your partner give you a sexy back massage, using a few lube drops as a massage oil.
- Spread a little flavored lube on your lips before you go down on your partner for an extra wet sensation.
- Marathon sex sessions can dry you out, so reapplying lube during a long one is key.
- Place a few drops of lube on your thumb and use it to massage his perineum (the spot between his balls and anus) while you go down on him.
WHERE TO BUY IT
At this point, you’re probably wondering, “Where can you find the best product??” Sure, you can go to your local supermarket or big box store and search in a sea of aisles for “intimate health” products. Yet, do you really want to throw some lube in your basket (along with some laundry detergent and the meat special of the day) and stand in a long line, waiting to be checked out?
Why not purchase your desired lubricant in a more intimate (excuse the pun) environment, like an adult sex store? If the idea of stepping inside a sex store is too extreme for you, then check out online shopping. Condomania offers a wide variety of lubricants, along with free shipping and discreet packaging. Finally, use this opportunity to chat with your mate about any changes that affect the two of you's intimacy. You just might discover that your mate is more than willing to experiment with various products offered on Condomania to find the best “intense lubricant”!