Some folks have the idea that lube is only for women who are either older or not interested enough in sex to get slippery on their own.  Nothing could be further from the truth. 

While lube can be wonderfully helpful for those women, it can also increase pleasure exponentially for anyone who likes great sex. Any age, any gender and any orientation can benefit from the slippery properties of a high-quality lube.

The vagina produces lube, but if you're in bed for long enough, eventually things run dry.  The ass of neither gender self-lubricates, and the penis produces only a very small amount of lubrication.  Therefore, if you plan on doing anything other than a short session of penis-in-vagina sex, you can get great results from lube.

A quality lube will give the following pleasurable benefits:

• Smoother penis-in-vagina sex
• Safe, pleasurable penis-in-ass intercourse
• Reduced risk of irritation or tearing of delicate tissues
• More stimulating hand-jobs
• Additional fun flavors for oral sex experimentation
• More slippery, intimate massages

Unfortunately, the lubes commonly available in the average drug-store are not the best on the market.  Shopping in a store devoted to adult products (either online or brick-and-mortar) will give the most benefit for your dollar.  This guide will discuss the major categories of lube available, their uses, benefits and potential drawbacks.


Water-Based Lubes

A good water-based lube should be in the toy box of everyone engaging in any kind of sex.  Water-based lubes are safe for use on all sex toys and in all orifices.  They are available in a huge variety of flavors, textures and scents, but it's best to start with a very simple non-flavored lube and try something deliciously flavored later.

Because these lubes contain water, they will eventually dry out.  Reapplication is necessary for continued slipperiness.  All of these lubes will dry leaving some degree of stickiness on the skin, though the "sticky factor" of the lubes mentioned in this article is quite low.

Some women may find that they are sensitive to ingredients sometimes found in water-based lubes.  For those concerned about sensitivities, a lube free from scents, flavors and sweeteners would be a great choice.  Sliquid is an excellent example. Try it in the tiny, inexpensive Pillow Pack form to make sure it's the right one for you.


Silicone-Based Lubes

These super-slippery lubes contain silicone, an ingredient whose molecules acts like miniature ball-bearings.  These molecules reduce the friction between surfaces incredibly well.  Silicone lube is great for all kinds of sex.  It has no scent or taste, although some might not be crazy about the slippery feeling (similar to lip gloss) these lubes can leave on their lips.

Because silicone lube does not contain water, it will not dry out.  Instead it will be very gradually absorbed, leaving the skin soft and smooth.  Another benefit of not having a water base?  Silicone lube performs well in the pool, hot tub or shower.  Just use caution:  Because it is so slippery, silicone lube will make a floor like an ice-skating rink.  Wipe up spills and drips right away.

Massage (both X-rated and otherwise) can be wonderful with the assistance of a silicone lube.  A little bit warmed in the hands will feel wonderful on a tense back or the naughty bits.  There's never a mess to clean up, as silicone lube absorbs softly into the skin. 

Some swear by silicone lube for achieving a super-close shave.  Others use it to shine leather and vinyl products.  A tiny dab in the hair leaves it silky and glossy. 

Some women even enjoy silicone lube because it can be rubbed into the vagina and labia before the start of an encounter so that the action doesn't have to pause for the application of lube.

Silicone lube cannot be used with silicone sex toys; this is one of its very few drawbacks.  If you forget and use silicone lube with a silicone toy, the lube will bond instantly to the toy's surface, leaving it permanently sticky but not unusable.  Stick with a water-based lube for silicone toys.

Also, use caution with your best sheets if you're using a silicone lube.  It can leave "wet" looking stains on linens. 

Highly recommended for folks who love a super-smooth experience.  Try a silicone lube out in a tiny, affordable Pillow Pack to make sure it's the right one for you.


Anal Sex Lubes

If you're planning on having anal sex, you must use lube.  The ass does not lubricate on its own, and no amount of saliva or naturally-produced vaginal lubrication can take the place of a quality lube.

Some retailers carry buttsex lubes which contain numbing agents (look for "benzocaine" in the ingredients list).  These lubes should be avoided.  Do not use them for anal sex.

Pain is the body's way of indicating that something is wrong.  If the ass is giving off pain signals, you need to be able to feel and respond to those signals by stopping.  If you cannot feel the pain because the ass is numb, you could do serious damage and not even feel it until it's too late.

A high-quality, thick water-based lube like Sliquid works very well for buttsex.  If you're not using any silicone toys in your play, a silicone lube like ID Millennium will give long-lasting slipperiness during buttsex as well. 


Now that you know about the different types of lubricants available, make sure to choose one with your next sex toy product.  Your body and your libido will thank you.