Lube

Why would you use lube?

Do you use lube during sex? If so, you will enjoy a better, safer experience:

• Sex will feel easier and better
• It’s also nice to use lube when jerking off
• Lube is necessary for fingering and anal sex. Or when you insert sex toys in the anus
• Your condom is less likely to break, and your anus is less likely to tear. In turn, this lowers the chances of HIV or other STDs

Types of lube: water-based or silicone-based

Choose water- or silicone-based lube. Other types of lube will cause your condom to break. But which one is better? They both have pros and cons.

Water-based lube

Water-based lube is very slippery. 

Pros

• You can buy it everywhere, even at the supermarket
• It is safe for use with condoms and sex toys
• You can easily wash it off your body with water and soap 
• You can also easily wash stains on your clothes or bedding

Cons

• It dries up quickly and can become sticky
• You have to reapply it often during sex
• It washes away easily. So it’s not ideal for playing in the shower or bathtub

Silicone-based lube

Silicone-based lube feels smooth on your skin. It doesn’t easily mix with water. 

Pros

• It’s more durable 
• It is safe for use with condoms and some sex toys
• During sex, you won’t have to reapply as often
• You can also use it in the shower or bathtub

Cons

• It’s more expensive than water-based lube
• Stains on clothing or bedding can be persistent
• Are your sex toys made of silicone? Contact with silicone-based lube can break them

Silicone-based lube in powder form

You can also get silicone in powder form. With it, you can make lube yourself. You will need to dissolve it in water. This is especially convenient when you need a lot of lube in one session, for example when playing for a long time. Or for inserting a hand or big toys in the anus.

Do not keep homemade lube for longer than 24 hours. It will go bad and could make you sick. 

Choose the lube that feels good to you

There are different kinds of water- and silicone-based lube. Some dry up slower than others. 

The feeling of each lube is different for everyone. Do you want to know which lube works best for you? Try different brands.

Where can you buy lube?

 You can buy lube in all kinds of shops. For example in:

• Supermarkets
• Pharmacies
• Chemists
• Special condom shops
• Sex shops
• Online stores

How should you use lube?

Do you want to use lube during sex? This is how it works:

• Choose water- or silicone-based lube. This way your condom won’t break
• Before the penis enters the anus, apply lube to both. Or to the sex toy or your hand(s)
• Some condoms are already covered in lube. Are you having anal sex? Then add more lube.
• Is the sex becoming more difficult after a while? Then use new lube

What should you not use as a lube?

When having sex, stick to water- or silicone-based lube. Do NOT use:

• Spit
• Soap
• Coconut oil
• Vaseline
• Body lotion
• Sunscreen
• Massage oil
• Butter or olive oil
• Hand cream

Why should you not use these?

• Condoms break from contact with oils or fat. This can lead to STDs 
• Spit can contain an STD 
• Soap, creams and body lotions in your ass can make you sick

Allergic to lube?

Lube may contain substances your body can’t handle. You could be hypersensitive or allergic to them. Do you get these symptoms on your penis or ass after using your lube?

• Skin irritation
• Itchiness
• Bumps
• Swelling

This could mean you’re allergic to your lube. Then you have a couple of options:

• Make an appointment with your GP if your symptoms are severe. 
• Try another type of lube
• Do you want to get advice about lube? Ask for advice in a condom store