To lube or not to lube?

To lube or not to lube? That is the question, and one which you might not have given much thought to before. As with everything to do with sex, using lube is a matter of personal preference, often governed by how our bodies work and how things feel.

 While some of us lube up on a regular basis, others have never tried it, have never fancied trying it, or just don’t really get it. After all, don’t women have a naturally built-in lube function to help things run smoothly in the bedroom department? Well yes, we do, but that doesn’t mean that we won’t all need a helping hand now and again. 

Here’s a few instances when you might want to reconsider whether to lube or not to lube, and which types to use.

Medical reasons to use lube

The purpose of lubrication is to reduce friction and increase pleasure (and what I would probably call ‘glideability’ if I was an American sports commentator). Whether you produce your own vaginal lubrication or rely on a little bottle of something, sex should always be comfortable and always not leave you unreasonably sore, torn, or bleeding afterwards. It’s one thing telling a fella to “ruin me” and entirely another to risk your health and comfort.

To reduce friction and prevent you (and partners) from feeling sore during and after sex, try the YES WB natural water based lubricant which is a pH matched designer to ease painful sex. 

There’s a few factors which some lube might help with, so it’s important to get to know your own body. If you identify with any of these medical reasons then why not experiment with some lube to see if it helps?

• Vaginismus (a pelvic floor condition which can cause a fear of sex and medical examinations)
• Endometriosis (which can include symptoms of painful intercourse which can in turn lead to anxiety and reluctance) 
• Medication (anti depressants are well known to decrease libido and affect both male and female ability to reach orgasm, while hormonal medication can also affect production of personal lubrication in women)

Hormonal changes 

Early menopause, the contraceptive pill, new mothers, breastfeeding mothers, mothers recovering from miscarriage, women undergoing hormone therapy or cancer treatments, women who have undergone gender reassignment – these are just some of the main groups of women whose ability to lubricate naturally is compromised. As if we didn’t have enough to be getting on with! 

If you’ve noticed changes in how wet you’re getting and it’s making sex more difficult or uncomfortable then the YES OB plant oil based lubricant which is a natural alternative to silicone. Its job is to soothe and nourish dry and sensitive tissue, but be extra careful if your hormones are all over the place and you’re avoiding getting pregnant because this lube isn’t suitable for use with condoms.

And if you want to be really safe then you know what they say: ‘up the bum, no babies’

Anal sex 

While the vagina is designed to produce adequate lubrication where possible for penetrative sex, unfortunately the same can’t be said for the back door. While the muscles are accustomed to handling more than you might typically throw at it in the bedroom, people often complain that bum fun can be a bit uncomfortable. Whether male or female, having same or opposite sex, using a penis, dildo, or finger, whether it’s your first time or you’re already a pro, lube really is your friend. 

Try YES BUT™️ organic anal lube which is pH matched specially for anal sex (this is very important because bums believe it or not work very differently to fannies) and is also compatible with latex condoms and silicone sex toys. 

Using sex toys 

You might not think that you need lube when you’re using your favourite vibrator or dildo but think again. While sex toys and male masturbator toys these days are made out of fantastic silky sillicones for smooth insertion, there’s at least two reasons why extra lubrication might come in handy while you’re having some ‘me time’.

Firstly, if you prefer a dildo which is slightly on the bigger side (the UK average penis is 5.1” long and approx 5” girth, meanwhile sex toy retailer Lovehoney’s best selling dildos start at 6”…) then you will really feel the benefit of some lube. Secondly, unlike sex with a partner, when you’re getting down to some scheduled DIY you can miss out on the all important foreplay – the whole point of which is to literally get you wet.