Once stashed in bedside table drawers, only to be brought out during those drier-than-Chardonnay sex sessions, lube is emerging from the shadows.
“Many women struggle to get wet, particularly if there is not enough foreplay. Couples can use it to take away this pressure or to enhance the sex they’re already having,” says Dr Elna Rudolph of the Intercare Centre for Sexual Health.
Not only does lube let both partners move more easily but it also helps conduct sensations, which increases the odds of climax. Follow these tips to reach new heights of pleasure:
1. Get A Grip
Lube allows for easier thrusting, which helps build momentum. Also, the extra slipperiness makes you feel more excited because it mimics the moisture caused by arousal. There’s just one problem: all that moisture can cause slippage. Get into missionary and throw one leg – or both – over his shoulder. This angle will tilt and tighten your vaginal canal, allowing you to maintain a good grip.
READ MORE: Not Sure What Lube To Use With Your Sex Toy? Well Here’s The Guide
2. Body Heat
Cold lube on a hot body heightens sensitivity. Pop a tube in the fridge, then trace chilly trails over each other’s stomachs, backs and legs or drizzle the cold liquid over your hot spots. Unlike ice (which leaves you cold and wet), these warm to your body’s temperature, so you can transition right to intercourse. “Use it as foreplay,” suggests Rudolph. You could also heat things up with Durex Play Warming Intimate Lube. Blow on it to enhance the warmth and get things steamy.
3. Aquatic Action
A sexy romp in the bath is never quite what it’s cracked up to be. That’s because water washes away your body’s natural moisture and increases friction. So, as ironic as it sounds, you can end up feeling dry even though you’re dripping wet. To make shower action more pleasurable, rub a silicone lubricant (such as Desir Astroglide X Silicone Lubricant) on his penis before getting wet. It sits on top of the skin and doesn’t get absorbed, so it’s long-lasting and waterproof. Warning – never use a silicone lube on a silicone toy as the material will be degraded.
READ MORE: Four Great Lubricants For Every Possible Sexy Scenario
4. Make Blowjobs Sweeter
Let’s be honest: performing oral sex can be a lot of work. That’s where flavoured lube comes in. Try System Jo H20 flavoured lubricant. The taste makes it sweeter for you, and the extra moisture keeps things slippery well beyond the point when you’d usually be getting a dry mouth. Just remember: the sugary stuff isn’t recommended for intercourse, so make sure your guy washes it off before sex or you’ll risk developing a yeast infection, says sexuality educator Lou Paget, author of Hot Mamas.
5. Smooth Conception
Not all lubes are recommended for baby-making, since it can harm sperm (this doesn’t mean it can be used as a contraceptive). And unfortunately, the planned nature of baby-making sex means you might need a little lube. Enter Pre-seed Sperm-friendly Lubricant. It won’t harm the little chaps or hinder the fertilisation process. If you’re not trying to fall pregnant, avoid oil-based lubes as they can damage condoms, warns Rudolph.
READ MORE: 5 Lube Substitutes You Should Absolutely Never Put In Your Vagina
NB: Allergy Alert…
If you are allergic to some make-up products or fragranced creams, stay away from novelty lubes. “Avoid oil-based or flavoured lubricants and stick to a standard water-based lube like KY Jelly,” says Rudolph.
