Lube is short for lubricant. Lube is something you use to reduce friction. Basically, it makes it easier for you and your husband’s skin to slide against each other to make sex more enjoyable. Different women secrete different amounts of fluids when they’re aroused. For some women, even mild arousal can result in enough natural lubrication that they don’t need any outside lube. For others, even when they’re extremely aroused, their body doesn’t secrete a lot of natural lube. If you’re in the latter category, it’s always a good idea to have a bottle of lube stored near the bed for when you have sex.
There are four types of lubes. Water based, silicone based, hybrid, and oil. Water based lubes are the most common. Since they’re water-based, they’re easy to clean, won’t stain clothing or sheets, and can be used with condoms without causing them to tear. They can also be used with sex toys.
Silicone is probably the second most common lube. It has a really unique feeling, almost silk-like. It lasts longer than water based lube so you don’t have to reapply as often. You can also use silicone with condoms without a problem but they do break down silicone sex toys. In addition to the silky smooth feeling of silicone lubricant, it comes in handy during shower sex. It won’t wash away like water lubricant so if you’re having shower sex, use it!
Hybrid lubes are kind of in between a water and silicone lube. They feel like water but last as long as silicone and wont’ wash off in the shower. If you’re planning on using just one lube, start out with this one.
Oil based lube have a number of drawbacks. They break down latex
condoms. They’re hard to clean up. But, they feel amazing. And for some guys, there’re few things hotter than seeing their wife with a naked shiny body. If you’re using oil-based lube, don’t use it for penetrative sex. Use it when giving a sexy massage, a handjob, or breast sex.
Some companies even sell flavored lube. This can make oral sex easier if you or your husband are bothered by the natural smell down there even despite good hygiene.
Before going out and buying an entire bottle of lube that you might not use, start out with a travel sized option. These are usually good for one or two uses and will give you a feel for each one. After trying them, you’ll be able to decide which one works best for you.
When having sex, feel free to reapply lube as needed. Lube evaporates so even if you’re wet and slippery when you begin, you might feel a little bit dry later on. Just take some lube and rub it over his penis or condom to get things sliding smoothly again.
Final thing to keep in mind is that a lot of lubricants are sperm-unfriendly. If you’re just have sex for fun, this doesn’t matter. If you’re trying to get pregnant, look for a lube that says TTC (trying to conceive) on it. These are formulated to not change pH so that the sperm doesn’t die because of the environment.