Lubricants are often a neglected part of intimacy. As awareness of sexual health and healthy sexual practices grow, we’ve become much more aware of the dos and don’ts of sex – words like “protection” and “foreplay” have become powerful buzzwords in the bedroom. But lubricants, not so much – it is not the most glamorous of paraphernalia, being more of a mechanical aid rather than something that tantalizes the senses.
Lubricants are a whole different experience and exploration.
In this article, we will discuss briefings of lubricants and their suitability among men for sexual intercourse.
A Brief about Lubricants and its Types
Lubricants are materials that have been carefully developed to lessen friction during intercourse. They are water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based, and they improve comfort and enjoyment while minimizing discomfort and potential irritation. Lubricants can be a useful supplement to sexual intimacy, making it more enjoyable and rewarding.
Water-Based Lubricants: These are versatile and safe to use with condoms and sex toys. They are a well-liked option because they are simple to clean up.
Silicone-Based Lubricants: Silicone lubricants provide smooth, long-lasting lubrication. They work well with latex condoms but not silicone toys and are best for water-based activities like shower sex.
Oil-Based Lubricants: Although they can be used, commercial oil-based lubes and natural oils like coconut oil may damage latex condoms and are not appropriate for all sex toys.
Warming and Flavored Lubricants: These spice up intimacy and can improve the pleasure of oral sex.
The best lubricant to use will depend on your preferences, allergies, and unique requirements. Lubricants can increase sexual pleasure, ease discomfort, and improve the enjoyment of closeness for couples.
Below are various factors to consider about Lubricants:
Addressing Dryness
The primary function of lubrication is to reduce friction, as simple as that. For most healthy heterosexual couples, this happens naturally, through increased production of vaginal fluid during arousal1. But sometimes vaginal dryness might occur despite arousal, due to a variety of reasons like stress, medication, or hormonal changes2.
This results in friction, and therefore discomfort, during sexual intercourse. It is here that lubricants provide a practical solution to ensure that discomfort doesn't hinder intimate moments. Also, beyond vaginal dryness, lubricants can be used for alternative forms of intimacy, where natural lubrication might be an issue.
Enhanced Comfort and Pleasure
While it is true that lubricants are used as an aid to reduce friction during intimate activities, it can be exciting to think of it as an enhancement rather than a crutch. Even for those that don’t necessarily require it, lubricants can significantly enhance comfort and pleasure, as they can be used to provide novel sensations, and as a safety measure to help you and your partner come out of your comfort zone.
Safety and Protection
The danger of friction during sexual intercourse is not as simple as mere discomfort. It might become as serious as to cause chafing injuries or microtears3, which can keep you or your partner in pain even after the fact.
Sexual lubricants play a crucial role in reducing this risk of friction-related injuries or micro-tears during intercourse. This is especially important for individuals who engage in vigorous or extended sexual activities. Lubricants act as a protective barrier, promoting safer and more enjoyable intimate encounters.
Prolonged Enjoyment
One of the lesser-known benefits of lubricants is their ability to prolong sexual experiences. By reducing friction-related discomfort, they enable longer and more satisfying sessions, enhancing overall intimacy. Some lubricants even contain a mild anesthetic that causes a temporary numbing sensation after being applied to the skin, which helps men keep their erections and postpone ejaculation. However, as a result of the numbed sensation, sexual pleasure could be reduced.
Amplified Sensation
Conversely, certain lubricants are specially formulated to intensify sensation. These products often contain ingredients like cooling menthol or warming vasodilators that create tingling or warming sensations, heightening arousal and intensifying orgasms.
Encouraging Exploration
Lubricants can inspire couples to explore new aspects of their intimate relationship. The added comfort and reduced friction make it easier to experiment with different techniques and positions, leading to a more exciting and fulfilling sex life.
Versatility in Usage
Finally, lubricants come in various formulations, including water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based options. This versatility allows individuals and couples to choose the right lubricant to suit their preferences and specific needs. For example, silicone-based lubricants last the longest, oil-based ones have the most viscous consistency, and water-based ones offer the assurance of not posing harm to condoms or other latex-based contraceptives4. So whether you're exploring intimacy with a partner or engaging in solo play, there's a lubricant designed for you.
Sources used for Reference:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326504#what-is-the-fluid
https://www.mayoclinic.org/symptoms/vaginal-dryness/basics/causes/sym-20151520
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325100#sexual-activity; https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/sore-penis-after-sex
Written By - Girish Pangeijam
Edited By - Bhagwat Jha
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