Personal lubricant
Personal lubricants (colloquially termed as lube) are specialized lubricants which serve, during sexual acts (such as intercourse and masturbation), to reduce friction with the penis, vagina, or other body parts.
Personal lubricant types
Water-based
Water-based personal lubricants are water soluble and are the most widely available personal lubricant on the market. The earliest water-based lubricants were cellulose or glycerin solutions. Lubricants containing glycerin may promote or exacerbate vaginal yeast infections in persons who are susceptible. Subsequent products have added various agents for spreading, water retention, and resistance to contamination. The viscosity of these products can be adjusted by adjusting their water content and concentration of cellulose (or another gel-forming hydrophilic ingredient). They have a tendency to dry out during use, but reapplication of lubricant or application of water is often sufficient to reactivate them.
Because water-based personal lubricants absorb into the skin and evaporate they eventually will dry out leaving the residue derived from the other ingredients in the formulation. Particularly sugar (or glycerin) and other chemicals and preservatives create a sticky residue and associated sensation, often associated with an unpleasant taste and smell. Some of these water based personal lubricants require constant reapplication and leave a residue on the skin, which is, however, easily removed with water. Newer generation water-based lubricants are formulated with natural skin moisturizers such as carrageenan, eliminating the sticky residue post-evaporation. Carrageenan in some formulations has been shown to be a potent inhibitor of human papillomavirus (HPV) infection in vitro.
Typical water-based lubricants are incompatible with many sex acts that occur in water (such as in a bathtub, pool, or hot tub) as they can be dissolved or dispersed in water.
Oil-based
Many women, especially perimenopausal women (starting as early as 35–40 years old), menopausal women (50+ years old), and women with vulvodynia (inflammation of the vulvar nerves that can cause burning, stinging, rawness, itching, etc.), have been frustrated with over-the-counter (OTC) lubricants causing irritation.
Oil based lubricants are most appropriate for women in monogamous relationships not requiring condom use who are experiencing anything from minor irritations to chronic disease states (such as vulvodynia and vestibulitis) that can be caused or flared by common additives and preservatives found in other lubricants, like propylene glycol, parabens, or glycerin.
Artificial petroleum based lubricants such as petroleum jelly can increase the likelihood of breakage and slipping of latex condoms due to loss of elasticity caused by petroleum derived lubricants. Natural plant based oils generally do not have this effect.
Fertility lubricants
Fertility lubricants, also known as sperm-friendly lubricants, are formulated to be safe for use by couples who are trying to conceive. Fertility lubricants are pH and electrolyte balanced and have a specific osmolality range (measure of solute concentration} that is safe for sperm. Fertility lubricants are non-spermicidal and do not harm viability or motility of human sperm.
A fertility lubricant that contains calcium and magnesium ions and has an optimal pH and osmolality range better mimics the natural fertile cervical fluids to alleviate the problem of vaginal dryness and to assist couples trying to conceive a baby naturally. "The American Society for Reproductive Medicine" (ASRM) has published data on at least one fertility lubricant containing calcium and magnesium as safe for use when trying to get pregnant.
Organic
In the United States the first certified organic personal lubricant labeled with the USDA organic seal was Nude Personal Lubricant, which was created in 2004 by Applied Organics.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates lubricant as a medical device rather than as a cosmetic. Because of strict FDA guidelines for medical devices, Buddy Morel said his company was told its product could not carry a USDA seal for Nude Personal Lubricant-and that it should be very careful about using “organic" anywhere on its label.
Silicone-based
Silicone-based lubricants possess many unique qualities, which make them very different from other personal lubricants. Silicone-based lubricants are not absorbed by skin so they can remain useful longer. Various products have varying characteristics, quality and performance. Not all silicone-based lubricants are certified latex-safe, so the user must always check the label and use as directed.
Silicone-based lubricants are usually not recommended for use with silicone-based sex toys, though at least one manufacturer says use with their silicone-based products is rarely problematic. The lubricants dissolve the surface of the toys, making them sticky and causing them to slowly disintegrate. Pre-lubricated condoms often have silicone lubricants and should therefore be checked before using with silicone-based sex toys.
Specialty lubricants
Warming lubricants cause sensation of warmth. Breathing on these types of lubricants can increase the effect. Some lubricants are flavored to enhance oral contact.
Anal-specific
Many lubricants are safe for anal sex, but there are products that are specifically designed to enhance enjoyment of anal sex. Often, this is simply a thicker gel rather than a liquid. This thicker consistency is preferred because it helps the lubricant stay in place. Some lubricants contain benzocaine, an anesthetic. However, the use of any numbing agent for anal penetration is not recommended as a lack of sensation makes accidental injury more likely. Some anal lubricants, such as Astroglide Shooters, are not anesthetic but are conveniently packaged for ease of application. Products containing benzocaine will numb all body parts that they come in contact with.
Male-masturbation-specific
Some lubricants are designed specifically for male masturbation. Many of these are lipid-based for durability and quality of sensation at the expense of latex compatibility. By applying them to the penis, these lubricants can increase the pleasure of masturbation-stimulating the penis with fingers, hand or fist.
Uses
Medicine
In medicine, personal lubricants can be used for gynecological examinations, digital rectal examinations, the insertion of catheters and in the use of enema nozzles and rectal thermometers. In fact, some personal lubricants were invented for these medical uses.
Sexual intercourse
A lubricant can be used to increase pleasure and reduce pain during sexual activity and may be used for lubricating the penis, dildo, vagina or anus before or during activity. Personal lubricants are particularly useful for intercourse when a partner experiences dryness or excessive contraction of the anus or vagina. Anal sex generally requires more generous application of lubricant since the anus does not have natural lubrication sufficient for most sexual activity.
Nonoxynol-9, a spermicidal detergent contained in some lubricants, is an irritant and can cause micro-tears which may increase the rate of HIV transmission and HPV infection. Spermicidally lubricated condoms do not contain enough spermicide to increase contraceptive effectiveness, however application of separate spermicide is thought to reduce pregnancy rates significantly.
Masturbation
While males and females both produce various amounts of their own lubrication, it is often desirable to add extra lubrication. A circumcised male masturbating without lubrication can lead to friction burns, blisters, cuts, and calluses. For males there are specific masturbation lubricants that are not suitable for vaginal use or with condoms. Lubricant that is safe for sexual intercourse is also safe for masturbation.
Other
Other products which have been used as personal lubricants include vegetable shortening, which is durable and inexpensive but damaging to latex.
Some personal lubricants
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