Now that we’re of a certain age, we should all have a “goody drawer.” What you keep in it depends on your personal sexual preferences, but one item that should be in “goody drawers” across the nation is personal lubricant. Over the past five years, lube has lost its taboo connotations, and is — or should be — a mainstay of sexual practice, as it can only enhance sexual pleasure for both partners. (It’s also great for self-play!) There’s nothing embarrassing about using lube, and you shouldn’t take it as an insult if your partner asks for it. There are many reasons people might use this sexual accessory; but don’t take my word for it, read my Q&A with sexuality instructor, Dr. Charlie Glickman and Jennifer Martsolf, Vice President of Marketing at Wet Personal Lubricants.
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STAY WET LONGER
1. What’s the correct way to use personal lubricant? Is there one?
CG: There isn’t any one way to apply it, though it’s best to do it before irritation happens, or as soon as you notice too much friction. You can put it on yourself, or put it on your partner. It’s great foreplay before intercourse to get some lube on your fingers and use it as both an application of the product and to warm your partner up.
Some women find that the top or the bottom of the vaginal opening needs some extra lube. It depends on their individual anatomy. And EVERYONE needs lubricant for anal play, especially anal penetration.
If you’re using condoms, put a few drops of lube in the head of the condom before rolling it on. That keeps it in the head, where it prevents air bubbles (which can make it break) and where the penis is more sensitive. It also keeps it off the shaft, so the condom doesn’t slide off as easily.
2. Is lubricant directed to any particular type of person — meaning male/female or for a certain age range?
CG: No- people of any age can enjoy lubes. Despite the myths, arousal doesn’t always equal lubrication. Medications, where someone is in their menstrual cycle, or even stress can all affect it. So can pregnancy and childbirth, taking hormonal birth control, and menopause. And it increases the effectiveness of condoms. So anyone who experiences more friction than is comfortable can use lube.
JM: For any type of digital manipulation (i.e. Hand job, clitoral stimulation) where it is skin to skin, personal lubricant really increases pleasurable sensation instantly.
3. Especially for women, what are the benefits? How can lubricant help women achieve orgasm?
CG: Well, if sex feels better or if she’s not worrying about it being painful, it’s much easier to enjoy and relax into the pleasure. Plus, if there’s too much friction on the clitoris, that can be really unpleasant. So lube just makes it more enjoyable.
4. After using the product, should one take a shower? Do you recommend taking a shower after sex in general?
CG: Only if you want to. Folks who are sensitive to skin reactions might prefer to, but most folks can decide to shower or not, as they prefer.
5. How can you tell if your body is having an allergic reaction to the product? In that case, what should you do?
JM: A reaction may present as a rash, or burning or itching. Increases in recurrence of yeast infections may be associated with personal lubricant use. They may also be associated with ejaculation in the vaginal canal which has a much higher Ph. We recommend consulting your OB/GYN if you are experiencing any issues. We also recommend staying away from any warming, cooling, or tingling lubricants if you have sensitive skin.
CG: Generally, the only thing to do is wait it out. If someone knows she’s sensitive, try just a little bit at first and see how it goes.
6. If you are using lubricant with condoms, is there a way to make sure the condom stays intact? Does lube increase or decrease the chances of a condom breaking?
CG: Lube definitely decreases the chance of condoms breaking and it also helps with the extra friction latex has that skin doesn’t. See above, and also, put lube on the outside of the condom once it’s on his penis.
7. Does lubricant expire?
JM: Most Wet lubricants have a shelf life of seven years. We do not recommend keeping them for more than one year after opening.
8. Is there a correct way to store lubricants to preserve its integrity?
CG: Room temperature, so keep it away from the heater vent.
9. Are there any other body parts aside from the obvious that people can use lubricant for increased stimulation?
JM: I like to recommend the Wet Ecstasy for nipple play. It gives a cool, tingling sensation. Asking your partner to wear a blindfold while you apply it will add a heightened sense of arousal. Wet Flavored lubricants are a fun way to enhance oral play and they are sugar-free so they may be used as you would use any water-based lubricant.