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Sex Lubricants

With so many different types of intimate lubricant available, it can be difficult to know which one is right for you. Here we will hope to explain the different types of lubricant; so you can make the correct choice when buying.

Why Use A Sexual Lubricant?

The majority of sexually active people tend not to use any additional lubrication when they participate in sexual activity, be it masturbation or intercourse. Lube is not a requirement, but an aid. However, studies show that using a lubricant can make the activities much more enjoyable.

Situations in which a lubricant may be used:

• Vaginal lubrication varies in women, and so sometimes the use of lube can make all the difference. Personal lubrication tends to fall with age, as well as at certain times of the month.
• For activities such as anal sex, lube is highly recommended. The vagina naturally secretes moisture, but the anus will not. This is true for both men and women. Because of the sensitive tissue, anal sex can be unpleasant without the correct type of lubrication.
• If you are having sex in the bath or the shower, sex can sometimes feel unpleasant or rough. This is due to the water diluting the natural moisture, making you feel dry. With the correct lubrication, the pleasure will come back! Sex toy materials are not as slippery as human skin, and so the use of a lube when using them can make the whole experience that little bit more enjoyable.
• When masturbating, a small amount of lube on the hand can make the experience even more pleasureable, and a whole lot smoother. Once again, a lack of natural lubrication would cause masturbating to be rough.
• Some lubricants contain special ingredients that help prolong sexual activity. So men no longer have to worry about not lasting as long as their partner woudl like!

From our own experience, we know that the right lube doesn't just increase lubrication, it makes the whole experience 'smoother' and can create an even more exciting atmosphere. Our pledge to you - just try it and see for yourself!

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An Explanation of General Purpose Lubricants

Water-Based Lubricants
The majority of lubricants on the market are water-based - formulated to mimic the pH of the human body, as well as being condom friendly. They are available in various degrees of viscosity.

'Light' lubes tend to be thinner and offer a lower level of lubrication. These lubes are perfect for any woman who just needs that extra bit of lubrication, while naturally being highly lubricated. They are often marketed asd 'womens lubricants'.

'Gel' lubes are much thicker and last longer. These are ideal for people with a lower level of natural self-lubrication. Once again, you will need to experiment to find out which one is right for you.

Sometimes there are extra ingredients added to a water-based lube, aloe vera being a good example - used for centuries as a skin soother. A recent addition to lubricants is capsicum which gives them a warming effect. A big advantage of water-based lubes is that they are readily adsorbed by the body and are generally 'non-sticky' when they dry. Be warned, they do not stay slippery for as long as other lubricants, and so use of water-0based lubricants in anal sex or water play is not recommended.

Silicone-Based Lubricants
Pharmaceutical grade silicone is a great material to use as a lubricant, because it lasts and doesn;t dissolve in water. This can mean that it is perfect for use in the bath or the shower. Because of the intense lubrication it is also superb for anal play. One of the main drawbacks of silcone-based lubricants is that the body cannot naturally absorb them. This means that there is some cleaning up required afterwards! However, every quality silicone lube uses pharmaceutical grade silicone. Silicone lubes are also condom friendly, but are not designed to be used with silicone toys. A water-based lube is recommended for use with silicone toys instead. This is because silicone can react and sometimes degrade the sex toy you are using.

Petrolatum-Based Lubricants
Petrolatum or petroleum jelly is derived from mineral oil. It has been used for hundreds of years to soothe the skin and act as a medicinal oil. Gels that are made specifically for anal sex, sometimes known as 'thick' gels or lubes, are usually made from this material. This is because the lubrication can simply last and last, due to the material being hard-wearing. As well as this, it doesn't dissolve in water. However, some people may be sensitive to the mineral oil and therefore not everyone will be happy with this type of lube. Petrolatum-based lubes are NOT condom compatible - they attack the rubber. If you are using a condom or any type or rubber based protection, it is best not to use this type of lubrication.

Flavoured Lubricants
Flavoured lubes can enhance the experience of oral sex, due to the vast amounts of flavours available. Flavoured lubes are made using food-grade gelatine. Good products then use mostly natural colours and flavours. These lubes may not be as tasty as sucking a lollipop, but they certainly add to the experience of oral sex, and can taste mighty good! Because of the way that these lubricants are formulated, flavoured lube is not as hard-wearing as some of the other options available. The amount of sucking and licking that can be done certainly makes up for this though! If you are an oral sex fanatic, or want to try it out, browse the site to find our flavoured lubes, and give them a go. They are available in many different flavours.

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Special Lubricants

Reducing Penis Sensitivity
There are some lubricants (as well as sprays and creams) that can reduce penis sensitivity, meaning that men can take longer to reach orgasm. They can include numbing agents that can make the head less sensitive. If you've ever had an injection at the dentists then you've experienced the effect of benzocaine – but in much higher doses. In most lubricants, there is 3% Benzocaine present, just to reduce the sensitivity for a short while.

Increasing Clitoral Sensitivity
Many women would kike to increase the sensitivity of their clitoris - which can lead to faster, longer and more intense orgasms.There are a variety of creams and gels available designed to achieve this. Menthol and/or l-arginine (an amino acid) are the ingredients used to achieve the increased sensitivity in the clitoris. There are many types available, browse the site to find the one that is right for you.

Sensitive Skin
There will be lubricants that are unsuitable for sensitive skin in both men and women. In recent years, lubricants have become available that do no contain glycerine, silicone or oil. The System Jo ‘Agape’ is one such high quality lubricant which is non-toxic, non allergenic, odour and fragrance free, and 100% latex safe – it is also suitable for women that are prone to thrush.

There are many types of lubricants available at UK Pleasures Online, that cater for most people's needs. Browse our site and experiment with different lubes, and find which is the best for you!