Better Sex With Lubricants

Lubricants enhance the sexual pleasure of individuals of varying ages and gender identities.

Marty Klein, Ph.D., a sex therapist based in Palo Alto, California, strongly advocates for the regular use of lubricants in intimate relationships. He asserts that the application of lubricant is beneficial for both partners, emphasizing the adage “wetter is better” for both men and women.

You can vividly illustrate the impact of lubricants on intimacy without necessitating any disrobing. Attempt the following experiment:

1. Seal your lips and allow them to dry.
2. Gently glide a fingertip over your dry lips, noting the sensation.
3. Now, moisten your lips and fingertip with a lick.
4. Glide the dampened finger tenderly over your moist lips.

Did you perceive the distinction? The sensation was undoubtedly heightened in the fourth step. In a similar vein, researchers from Indiana University observed comparable findings in a survey encompassing 2,500 women, wherein the participants reported greater enjoyment during sexual activities involving lubricants. Interestingly, this satisfaction appeared to escalate with advancing age. Similarly, a survey conducted among 1,874 men highlighted the association between lubricants and another pleasurable aspect: the extension of sexual duration.

The most encouraging news of all is that lubricants deliver an immediate enhancement to sexual experiences.

So, why is it that only a small fraction of American couples utilize this enhancement? Annual lubricant sales in the United States amount to a mere $165 million. In contrast, the nation allocates over twice that amount on condoms ($430 million) and a staggering six times as much on vibrators ($1 billion).

Addressing the needs of older men with lubrication

Aging men commonly encounter two distinct challenges in their sexual journeys: arousal and erection. While the media and pharmaceutical industry predominantly focus on the latter, issues related to arousal can be equally troublesome. Until around the age of 50, a significant portion of men experience frequent sexual desire. Post-50, however, the sight of an alluring figure no longer elicits an automatic thrill. The initial encounter with this shift can evoke feelings of confusion and apprehension—confusion stemming from the drastic departure from the past, and apprehension rooted in concerns for one’s ongoing sex life.

It’s important to relax and recognize that although arousal may no longer be instantaneous, it remains entirely attainable. With age, the genital region becomes less sensitive to erotic stimuli, necessitating prolonged caressing to induce arousal. Enter lubrication! It intensifies the pleasurable sensations associated with erotic touch, empowering older men to achieve arousal and embrace sensual pleasure.

A simple squeeze away from enhanced intimacy

In the lips-to-fingertip test, the lubricant utilized was saliva—an effective, easily accessible, and cost-free option. However, saliva tends to be more watery than slippery, with a propensity to dry rapidly. For most couples, commercial lubricants offer a superior solution.

Pharmacies typically offer four categories of over-the-counter lubricants, commonly found alongside condom displays:

1. Water-based: These are the most prevalent lubricants, valued for their affordability and non-staining properties. They can be ingested safely in small quantities during oral activities and are compatible with latex contraceptives. However, they may dry out during prolonged lovemaking, necessitating reapplication or refreshment with water or saliva. These lubricants are easily rinsed off with water.

Examples include:

– Astroglide Water-Based Personal Lubricant

– Sliquid H2O Water-Based Lubricant

– Aloe Cadabra Natural Aloe Vera Water-Based Lubricant

2. Oil-based: Derived from vegetable and nut oils, these lubricants can be found in supermarkets. While safe for consumption and latex-compatible, some individuals find them greasy, and they have the potential to stain bedding. Cleaning them off requires soap and water.

Examples include:

– Boy Butter Original Oil-Based Lubricant

– Crisco All-Vegetable Shortening (Note: While not explicitly marketed as a personal lubricant, some individuals employ it as such due to its oil-based nature. Caution is advised.)

3. Silicone-based: These lubricants share similarities with the familiar WD-40 in terms of texture. They retain their silky, slippery feel for a longer duration compared to water-based alternatives. Silicone-based lubes are not messy, and they’re latex-safe. They don’t leave stains on bedding and are easily washed away with soap and water. However, their suitability for ingestion remains uncertain.

Examples include:

– Pjur Original Silicone-Based Lubricant

– Wet Platinum Premium Silicone-Based Lubricant

– Überlube Luxury Silicone Lubricant

4. Petroleum-based: Lubricants like Vaseline and baby oil should generally be avoided. Introducing them into the vaginal area can disrupt vaginal chemistry, potentially increasing the risk of infections. Petroleum-based lubricants should never be ingested, and they may lead to stains on bedding. Furthermore, these lubricants are incompatible with latex and should not be used with condoms or diaphragms.

Example include::

– Vaseline (Note: While not designed as a personal lubricant, some individuals use it due to its petroleum jelly base. However, caution is advised due to potential material damage and condom incompatibility.)

Fine-tuning the process

Direct application of lubricants onto the genital region is discouraged. Instead, apply a small quantity onto your hand, warm it by gently rubbing your fingers together, and then proceed to caress your partner or yourself using your lubricated fingers.

If vaginal intercourse and condom usage are still part of the equation, exercise caution when employing lubricants, as they may contribute to condom slip-offs. Employ gentle movements during intercourse, and when withdrawing, ensure that the condom remains securely in place on the penis.