Lubricants, picked well.
Water, silicone, hybrid, oil. The 30-second decision that fixes a lot of bedroom complaints.
Most people use lubricant less often than they would benefit from. Natural lubrication varies a lot for reasons that have nothing to do with desire.
Click a stat to read the source.
Why lubricant matters
Natural vaginal lubrication varies across the cycle, with hydration, with menopausal status, with breastfeeding, and with individual physiology.
Inadequate lubrication during sex causes small abrasions, discomfort, and reduced pleasure. Lubricant fixes that in 30 seconds.
Four product categories
Most couples need 1 or 2 of these. Pick by use case.
Water-based
The default. Compatible with all condoms, all toys, all bodies. Look for paraben-free and glycerin-free if you are sensitive.
Silicone-based
Longer-lasting. Compatible with all condoms. NOT compatible with silicone toys. Stays slippery in water.
Hybrid
Mix of water and silicone. Works with most toys.
Oil-based
Long-lasting and skin-friendly. NOT compatible with latex condoms.
What we know from research
Herbenick 2011 found regular lubricant use is associated with higher self-reported pleasure, comfort, and ease.
Four-rule selection
Most couples settle on one or two products.
Default to water-based
Buy a clean water-based lubricant for most sessions.
Add silicone for long sessions
Avoid using with silicone toys.
Avoid bad ingredients
Glycerin can promote yeast overgrowth in some women. Parabens, fragrance, warming additives are unnecessary.
Use it routinely
Apply at the start of partnered sex as part of the routine.