The Ultimate Lube Guide: Why & How You Need To Use Lube During Sex & Solo Play + Types of Lube & More!

What’s lube got to do with sex and masturbation you ask? And why do you need it?

A lubricant is a substance that reduces friction, essentially making movements smoother. A loving nickname for lubricants is lube. You’ve probably seen hoardings for car and bike lubes at the petrol pump for example — these exist to help engines run more smoothly, with less wear and tear. 

Sexual lubes operate on exactly the same principle— they help make your movements during intimacy smoother and more comfortable, and so delightfully slidey-glidey, minimizing the chance for uncomfortable friction or injury, and maximizing pleasure. Ofcourse, unlike car and bike lube, sexual lube is made of body-safe ingredients that are great for both external and internal use. After all, you deserve a smooth ride in bed too! ;)

In this blog, we're going to dive deep into the world of intimate lubrication and explore the reasons why using lube during intimacy can unlock new dimensions of pleasure and comfort in your sex life and self-play adventures.

Why everyone needs lube 💦

Let’s now elaborate a little further on why you need lube during intimacy: When it comes to pleasure, it’s not just about the destination, but also the journey itself. Whether it’s during solo play or during sex with partner(s), natural lubrication doesn’t always suffice. Many of us intuitively recognise this and turn to saliva for added wetness - but trust us, it’s no substitute for a tube of great lube. 

Lube can make both self loving and partnered play time more comfortable and more fun. You can use it on your hands, on genitals, some can also be used with condoms, and with toys, some are edible, some double up as massage oils! Lube makes movements smoother, more comfortable, and more sensual by reducing friction and making everything more slippery. We personally ALWAYS use lube during intimacy! 

There are water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based lubes, and each have their own benefits. It’s worth understanding what each one works best for, and which ones are compatible with condoms and toys. Some are liquids, some are jellies - take your pick! We like having multiple kinds on our bedside tables as they each have their pros and cons and we like using the most suitable one for a given activity!

If you've never used lube before, prepare to have your mind blown. 

The science behind lubrication

Before we delve deeper into the benefits of using lube, let's explore the science behind lubrication. When aroused, our bodies naturally produce some lubrication. Vaginas typically get wet when aroused, and penises release precum. For the penis, it is the Bulbourethral Glands or Cowper’s Glands that provide lubrication. And for vaginas, it is Bartholin's Glands.

Now that we know the biological terminology that we probably won’t remember, let's understand why this phenomenon occurs. Intimacy and lubrication go hand-in-hand. Our bodies essentially produce lubrication for better sex. It knows to reduce friction during sex and does just that through the bodily fluids. But the amount of lubrication produced naturally is dependent on various factors like level of arousal, age, hormonal changes, stress level, medication or even past trauma. And sometimes even though you’re aroused, your body may not exhibit the typical symptoms of arousal: erection and wetness - because our bodies are not machines, we are human. And things don’t always operate like clockwork. Arousal non-concordance is a thing (you can look it up) and most people will experience it at some point. And it is no big deal!

These factors may result in insufficient natural lubrication which may cause a painful sexual experience. Fret not! That is where lubes can come to the rescue too. We can enhance comfort and pleasure with lube, since they provide a slippery, smooth texture that mimics natural lubrication, making sexual activities more pleasurable and comfortable.

And even if you do feel you have enough natural lubrication - sexual lube is a game changer because many parts of the body that we use during sex. Think hands and fingers for example, and, not to forget, the anus – they do not produce any lubrication at all. A lubed up body part feels so much better and more comfortable when stimulated, than a dry one. Trust us. Fingering and handjobs become miles better with lube, and you cannot even attempt anal sex without lube. 

What are some benefits of using lube?

1. Increased Comfort With Lube
One of the primary benefits of using lubricant is increased comfort. Insufficient lubrication can result in discomfort, and even pain during sex or self-play. Lubricants like Leezu's Coconut Self Love Oil reduce friction, making the experience more enjoyable and pain-free.

2. Overcoming Dryness

Vaginal dryness is more common than we think it is. It can happen for many reasons ranging from hormonal changes, stage of menstrual cycle to stress, medication, or even menopause. Whatever the reason may be, lubrication provides us with a solution to overcome dryness and ensures a much smoother and a more enjoyable experience for all partners involved.

3. Smoother sexy times of all kinds

One can improve sexual experiences with lube as they are incredibly versatile and enhance various types of activities. If you’re enjoying self-play, or partnered play with hands and /or genitals, as we’ve established, lube can certainly heighten the experience. But if you’re engaging in anal sex, the use of lube is not just a bonus, it’s an absolute necessity. The anus does not produce any lubrication of its own, and attempting anal sex without lube can result in injury. Lube is also a great addition to play time with toys, since toys do not produce any lubrication of their own either.
Just make sure the lube you are using is compatible with the material your toys are made of.

4. Enhanced Sensations

Over and above using lube for intimacy, one can also use lube for heightened sensations. It intensifies the pleasure by reducing friction, and allowing for smoother movements, which amplifies how sensual and comfortable everything feels. This can in turn lead to more intense and satisfying orgasms. Different lubes also have different qualities. Some may have a cooling sensation, whereas others may provide tingling or warm sensation, depending on its ingredients. Additionally, when using water based lube with a condom, it may make sex feel more natural while keeping it safe.

5. Extended Playtime

Using lubricant can prolong your intimate moments, by allowing for extended playtime without discomfort or soreness. Due to the increased comfort with lube, it can lead to more adventurous, exploratory and satisfying experiences.

6. Safer Sex

Lubricants also play a crucial role in safer sex. Using water based or silicone based lube with condoms can reduce the risk of condom breakage and make it easier to put on as well as remove condoms. This promotes responsible sexual practices and helps protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unintended pregnancies. Moreover, since it reduces dryness and friction, lube reduces the risk of injury during sex, whether it is vaginal or anal. Do not use oil based lube with condoms, as oil can break down materials like latex and polyisoprene.

How to choose the right lubricant?
Contrary to what pornography might have us believe, saliva is not enough. Enhancing pleasure with lube is a fun experience, but it requires some amount of research to choose the right lubricant for yourself and/or your partner(s). It is an essential step for a pleasurable and safe experience. First and foremost, it is important to read the labels and ensure that there are no ingredients you or your partner are allergic to. Once that step is done, you need to ensure that the type of lube you’re choosing is well suited for the activity in mind.

There are different kinds of lubricants: water-based, oil-based and silicone-based. Each type is effective but best suited for different experiences. For example, water-based lubes are safe to use with latex condoms and most sex toys, but may not be the ideal choice for in-shower action.

Silicone lube, on the other hand,  can be used with latex, it is long lasting and holds up well with water too. The cons, however, are that it is not compatible with silicone sex toys, and it can sometimes stain clothing and bedding. They are also more difficult to wash off. It is worth noting again that silicone-based lube must not be used with silicone toys since silicone can degrade silicone over time.

Coming to oil-based lubes. Oil has a wonderfully warm, velvety texture and requires very little reapplication. Leezu's Coconut Self Love Oil is an excellent choice in this category. It's made from delightful skin-friendly ingredients, free from harmful chemicals, and designed to provide long-lasting lubrication. Plus, it has a delicious coconutty scent that can elevate your sensory experience and can be used as a sexy massage oil as well. And, you can lick it too ;) Just remember that oil-based lubes are not compatible with condoms.

Introducing lube in the bedroom

Introducing lube for intimacy in the bedroom can be an exciting and enjoyable experience for all partners. Here are some tips to make the transition seamless:

1. Communication: Start by discussing your desire to use lube with your partner. Open and honest communication is key to a fulfilling sexual experience.

2. Foreplay: Incorporate lube into your foreplay routine. Applying it as part of sensual massages or intimate caresses can be arousing and pleasurable.

3. Experiment: Don't be afraid to experiment with different types of lubricants and techniques. Trying new things can lead to exciting discoveries. Pro tip: Activities that involve using your hands, as well as all penetrative activities become miles more comfortable with lube.

4. Condom Application: When using condoms, apply a small amount of lube inside the condom to increase comfort and reduce friction.

5. Have Fun: Remember that using lube is all about enhancing pleasure and intimacy. Use as much of it as you like, at any point during intimacy.  Relax, have fun, and enjoy the newfound comfort and pleasure!

Incorporating lubrication for better sex can be a game-changer, offering a range of benefits from increased comfort to enhanced sensations. Don't let discomfort or dryness hinder your pleasure; embrace the world of intimate lubrication and unlock a new realm of satisfaction.

In the world of sexual wellness, Leezu's as a brand is dedicated to enhancing intimacy, and furthering our commitment to promote a healthier and happier sex life. We believe it is our duty to keep you well informed about all our products. 

So don’t be a noob, you’ve gotta use lube! 😋

FAQs

When can I use lube? 

Lubrication is a wonderful tool that can be used during self play or partnered play. Experience increased comfort with lube whether you are using a toy, having sex or exploring anal sex.

Why should I use lube during intimacy?!

There are a plethora of benefits of using lube. Starting right from the fact that sex is safer with lube as it minimizes risk of injury, it helps putting condoms on and reduces chances of them breaking. Of course, it also helps with dryness, increases comfort during sexual activity, enhances pleasure and sensations and even helps with extended play. 

What are the different kinds of lubricants?

 There are three broad categories of lubes: water-based, oil-based and silicone-based. They can all feel uniquely wonderful, but are suitable for different activities. While choosing which lube to use, consider all factors like if you need it to be suited for a specific toy, if you are going to be using it in water, whether it is for partnered play with condoms, and more.

How can I introduce lube in the bedroom?