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Sexual Lubricants - A Slippery Pleasure
Lance Russell
Sexual lubricants, sometimes call personal lubricant, can greatly
enhance sexual pleasure between partners, when using a sex toy or
during masturbation for both women and men.
When making love to a partner lubricants can add to the erotic
feel of the experience. For some women it may be essential to use
a sexual lube as it is quite common for many women's vaginas
don't self-lubricate enough, and these women can find intercourse
extremely uncomfortable. Lubrication is often the answer.
For those who enjoy anal sex liberal use of a personal lubricant
is a must as the anus does not produce it's own lubrication like
the vagina.
When using a sexual toy inserted into the vagina or anus, most
people find the experience much more enjoyable when using a
lubricant. Lubrication makes toys glide sensually in, out and
about. However, be sure to choose a lube that doesn’t damage you
or your erotic toys.
There are three types of lubricants: Water-based, petroleum-based
and those made from natural oils, and silicone-based. Each has
its advantages and disadvantages.
Water-based Lubes are the most versatile, safe and popular
lubricants for all situations. Typically made of de-ionized
water, glycerin, and propylene glycol, they are safe to use with
condoms and all forms of barrier birth control. In addition,
water-based lubricants are safe to use with sex toys, which are
usually made of either latex, silicone, or plastic.
It is rare that water-based lubricants cause irritation, and they
don’t stain clothing. They are safe to ingest, and they come in
both flavored and unflavored varieties. They tend to dry out over
extended periods, but a little water or saliva will get you slick
again.
Petroleum-based lubes & natural oil-based lubes include Vaseline
products, mineral oil products and baby oil. Unfortunately, these
products all destroy latex, so they cannot be used with condoms,
cervical caps or diaphragms. In addition, they can inflame and
irritate the vagina. They also stain clothing. Petroleum-based
lubes do tend to last well, so they are often used by men during
masturbation.
The natural oil lubricants come from sources such as nuts or
vegetables. Like petroleum-based lubes, they too destroy latex
(condoms, diaphragms and cervical caps) and stain clothing.
However, they do have one key advantage over petroleum-based
lubes: they don’t cause vaginal irritation. This makes them
excellent for female [and male] masturbation, as well as
unprotected vaginal.
Silicone-based lubricants offer the benefits of water-based
lubricants with the addition of being waterproof, so they may be
used in the bath, or the jacuzzi, or... In addition, they tend to
lubricate longer than water-based lubes. Silicone will not hurt
latex, so they’re safe with condoms and other forms of barrier
birth control; however, they can affect adult toys made from
silicone. Many people report greater satisfaction with the the
feel and performance of a silicone lubricant.
Some of the most popular brands of lubricant are: Wet, i-D,
Astroglide, and Eros.
Lance Russell has lectured about sexuality at Universities in
Califronia. In addition, he is an owner of the adult toy store
www.PleasureMeNow.com and the
co-author of the book "Recipes for
Better Sex: 75 Delicious Ways to Spice Up Your Love Life"
available on the site and at Amazon.com
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