Education - About Lubes

Here is the most important thing to remember about sexual lubricants: Never use an oil based cream, jelly or oil (like baby oil or petroleum jelly) when you are using latex condoms or a diaphragm. According to the Kinsey Institute, studies have shown that these products destroy latex with incredible speed, boring it full of microscopic holes - holes large enough to allow free passage for the AIDS virus - within 60 seconds. Within minutes, oil-based lubricants eat holes in latex large enough to allow sperm to pass through, rendering your barrier contraceptive about as impregnable as a colander.

Normally, an aroused woman will produce enough natural lubrication to make intercourse silky and sweet. Many men, in fact, think that when a woman is wet, she's ready. But it's important to remember that lubrication is only one of the first signs of a woman's arousal; usually she requires a good bit of foreplay before she's actually ready for intercourse.

Also, men sometimes interpret a woman's lack of wetness as a sign that he doesn't turn her on. But sometimes she may have trouble producing enough natural lubrication for painless penetration for reasons that have nothing to do with him. Older women, especially, often have trouble getting wet enough for intercourse because, after menopause, reduced levels of circulating estrogen inhibit the vagina's ability to produce natural lubrication during arousal.

That's important, because among humans, women provide most of the natural lubrication for sex. In other animals, it's different:  The male contributes a slippery pre-ejaculatory fluid - a sort of natural lube  manufactured by an obscure part of the sexual anatomy called the Cowper's glands. Stallions, rams, boars, male goats and other animals many dribble or run continuous streams of such secretions as soon as they approach a female in which they are sexually interested.

Although the Cowper's glands are much more poorly developed in humans, many men produce a drop or two of this dewy lubricant (sometimes called "gland-come") shortly before they actually ejaculate. (It may contain a few overeager sperm cells, which is one reason it's wise to put on a condom well before you ejaculate.)

For women who have trouble getting wet enough for intercourse, or lovers who simply want to add a little spice to their love making, there are lots of lubricants to explore. Please remember that it will take a little experimenting to find the lubricant you like best - but it's hard to imagine a more interesting science project.

We get a kick out of a lube commercial that's been playing a lot on TV recently. A husband is reading a book in bed when his other half starts reading the label on a bottle of lubricant aloud to him: something like, "Hmm ... gets warm on contact." The husband cocks his eye ... and ... scene.

The 30-second spot always strikes us as kind of funny, mainly because Johnson and Johnson is pitching such a fun product using though, considering that KY wasn't originally developed to be used in the bedroom, but simply as a lubricant for the insertion and quick withdrawal of medical devices such as devices such as thermometers. It was only after we, the curious and resourceful public, began using KY during sex that its makers realized they could add products like the warming gel to the line and market all of the products as sexual aids, which they've done heavily since about 2003. It's great to see one of the country's pharmaceutical giants devoting major advertising dollars to promoting lubricants. This implies that even the most conservative, mainstream customer is so familiar and comfortable with lubricants that they don't mind them being discussed on TV during prime time. Johnson & Johnson has done an exceptional job of getting the message across: "Lubes are for everyone ... Try them!"

But their commercial fails to communicate how fun and romantic lubes are. And that's where we come into play. After all, the customer shopping for sexy or romantic lingerie is already in the right frame of mind to buy a simple, sensuous add-on like a lubricant. Most shoppers prefer to buy lube from us because our friendly and knowledgeable staff .

Many of people think of "Lube" simply as the slippery stuff used to ease (or enhance) friction during sex. But the true definition of a lubricant is much broader: "Any substance that reduces friction when applied as a surface coating to moving parts." Which means that beyond personal intimate lubricants, massage oils and substances like Pennzoil, technically, are lubricants; while many flavored and/or stimulatory gels thought of as lubricants, technically, are not. But sometimes they can be.

Confusing, huh? It's no wonder some customer’s are caught staring at our section of lubricants and feeling overwhelmed! They'll see that intimate lubricants differ in viscosity, (some are thicker than others), some last longer than others, some are flavored, some get hot, some are meant for external use only ... the list goes on. But what's meant for what purpose, and which is best for them?

One of the most common misconceptions we help clear up is that "massage oils" double as intimate lubricants. An understandable assumption, since massage oils usually have ambiguous labels that say things like "perfect for sensual massage".

As a general rule of thumb, massage products that are oil- based are intended for external, topical massage only. There are plenty of wonderful massage oils on the market; many with clean, sensuous packaging and therapeutic aromas. System JO has a great line of massage oils featuring invigorating scents and a smooth, moisturizing texture; Intimo massage oils by WET also smell delicious and have non-greasy formulas.

System JO's Personal Lubricant is one of few products that go both ways." Described as "100 percent latex-safe and manufactured under strict US FDA guidelines," JO Personal Lubricant "is designed for multiple uses: to enhance your personal pleasure," plus functions as a "skin conditioner and therapeutic massage formula."

There are also many "massage" products (also categorized as lubes) on the market that don't contain oil but are still meant for external use only. These types often contain sugar, which makes them ideal for fun, playful massage/foreplay, but probably not the best choice for a 'true' clinical massage. For example, WET Fun Flavors (which get warm on contact) are a delicious, lickable way to warm-up for the main course, and sure, you could give a massage with them... but you're not going to see a sports' massage therapist whip out a bottle at your next appointment. Fun is the operative word here.

Oil-based lubricants are usually clearly labeled as lubes (and not massage products). First introduced in the 1970s, oil-based lubes still have a loyal fan-base, but because they are not compatible with latex condoms, their use has narrowed somewhat over the years. Please be aware that oil based lubes should be used with polyurethane condoms.

A few other lube-confusions to make a note of: stimulatory agents (gels, creams, etc.), which have proliferated, are sold within the lube category, but don’t really provide the slickness or longevity of a “genuine lube.” However in many cases, can help increase a woman’s natural fluid protection, and thus have similar functionality.

For many people, personal lubes are a godsend. They are not only a welcome addition to the bedroom; they can also alleviate a host of medical concerns. Healthsquare.com sites that, in particular, women going through menopause, peri-menopause, lactating mothers, women on the birth control pill, women on anti-depressants, and those with diabetes often use lubricants for medical purposes.

Company spokesman from WET stated “Lubricants help your intimate experiences last longer. They enhance the experience and both partners benefit by using a lubricant during sex. Why not maximize your pleasure!” In other words, the simplest reason to buy lubes is tat they’re fun, romantic, and non-obtrusive way to enhance an intimate experience.

Lubricants were first popularized within the gay community during the 1970s; their wide use among heterosexual couples followed soon afterwards. Sales manager for B. Cumming Company explains that with no readily available alternative at the time, couples were using whatever they could as intimate lube, including substances like Vaseline and Crisco. With an obvious need for a safer alternative, companies like B. Cumming introduced products including Elbow grease, the original mineral-oil based lubricant.

As the years passed and the dangers of HIV and AIDS surfaced, people began requesting latex-friendly lubes to use with condoms. In the past couple of decades, a plethora of lubes have arrived to fulfill that need and many others.

More recently, several lubricant products featuring "enhancing" ingredients like warming and tingling agents have arrived on the market. These products are transitioning the functionality of lubricants in public perception. Now, lubes are seen as not only a means of simulating as well as increasing the body's natural fluids, but as a means of inducing thrilling erotic sensations.

Now with the introduction of "enhancing" lubricant products, lubes are quickly becoming the most widely-accepted way for people-of all comfort levels to expand their intimate repertoires. And, since they are classified as true medical devices, lubes tend to glide around the stigmas associated with some other adult products.

Sinclair Intimacy Institute, "the leading source of sex education videos for adults who want to improve the quality of intimacy and sex in their relationships" private-labels their own line of lubricants because, as Sinclair Sales Executive says, "We are known for our expertise in sexual well-being, and we try to offer all of the products to round out that category. Lubricants are one of the most important and basic sexual health and well-being products. "Cook adds, "Beyond the clinical side, lubricants evoke romance and sensuality.”

Lube manufacturers offer so many different types because they're striving to meet the unique needs of each customer. "Different strokes for different folks!" Because no two people have the same physiological makeup, there is no end-all, be-all lubricant that will perfectly suit every customer.

Intimate Delights / Planet Delights is on a mission to provide customers with accurate sex information and quality sex toys, books, and videos. A lubricant has to appeal in every way to our customers. Every person has individual tastes and sensations. Not everyone likes the same kind of lube, because each affects the sexual experience a bit differently-plus, everyone's body is different, and what's a perfect for one person won't appeal to, or may even irritate another. There are times that customer’s go through a few different lubes until they find the one that is right for their pleasure.

Water-based

Water-based personal lubricants are water soluble, and are generally the type which is least irritating to body surfaces. These are descended from a cellulose and water combination, originally labeled as 'Surgilube', released in the 1950s. Subsequent products have added various agents for spreading, water retention, and resistance to contamination. The viscosity of these products can adjusted by adjusting their water content and concentration of cellulose (or other gel forming macromolecule). They do have a tendency to dry out during use, but application of additional water is sufficient to re-activate them. These properties lead to their frequent use for sexual activity.

Since the 1980s, a few companies have used a water soluble, silicon co-polymer (dimethicone), for a prolonged slippery effect. While these contain a silicone component they are still water based products. They are very slippery, which can be a disadvantage because a certain amount of friction is necessary for optimal sensation, their viscosity cannot be adjusted, and they can stain clothing and sheets.

Water-based lubricants are incompatible with sex acts which occur in water (such as in a bath) as they can be dissolved or dispersed in water.

Oil-based

Petroleum jelly has long been used for medical procedures. Being oil-based, it does not react with body fluids in the same way as water-based products, making it longer lasting, though it is somewhat less lubricating. Petroleum jelly is sometimes used as a lubricant for anal sex. Although petroleum jelly is inexpensive and readily available, it can often be very difficult to clean off the body after sexual activity, due to the fact that it is not water soluble.

Unlike water-based lubricants, oil-based lubricants weaken latex and may reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms as a contraceptive and protection against sexually-transmitted diseases. This also applies to oil-based lotions or foods which may be used as an improvised lubricant.

It has been said that no oil-based lubricants should be used for anal sex or masturbation because "many oil-based sub-stances will coat the lining of the rectum, providing a haven for many potential infections."

Silicone-based

Technically, most silicone-based lubricants are oils, as they are chemically hydrophobic. They tend to retain lubrication longer than water-based lubricants.

Silicone-based lubricants should not be used with silicone based sex toys.

Warming

"Warming" lubricants are designed to cause physiological or physical changes to the area applied; these include warming lubricants which heat up in temperature on contact with the body. Breathing on these types of lubricants can also increase their temperature creating a pleasant warming sensation. Another type of specialty lubricant can increase blood flow to the regions in which they are applied creating a fuller erection of the penis or clitoris.

List of vasodilating and or sensitivity maximizing ingredients to look for: 

Methyl Salicylate,Niacin,L-Arginine HCL, Methyl Nicotinate, acetylcholine, amrinone, bamethan sulphate, bencyclane fumarate, benfurodil hemisuccinate, benzyl nicotinate, buflomedil hydrochloride, buphenine hydrochloride, butalamine hydrochloride, cetiedil citrate, ciclonicate, cinepazide maleate, cyclandelate, di-isopropylammonium dichloroacetate, ethyl nicotinate, hepronicate, hexyl nicotinate, ifenprodil tartrate, inositol nicotinate, isoxsuprine hydrochloride, kallidinogenase, methyl nicotinate, methyl salicylate, naftidrofuryl oxalate, nicametate citrate, niceritrol, nicoboxil, nicofuranose, nicotinyl alcohol, nicotinyl alcohol tartrate, nitric oxide, nonivamide, oxpentifylline, papaverine, papaveroline, pentifylline, peroxynitrite, pinacidil, pipratecol, propentofyltine, raubasine, suloctidil, teasuprine, thymoxamine hydrochloride, xanthinol nicotinate, diazoxide, hydralazine, minoxidil and sodium nitroprusside

(Note that the use of transdermal technology is important for the increased effectiveness of some if not all formulations).