5 things every woman should know about using lubes

Once you go lube shopping, you will be spoilt for choices with the plethora of options available. Photo: Shutterstock/ IndiaPicture

Sex can be painful for some women. As unfortunate as it is, it's a common problem--and nothing to be ashamed of. In fact, according to a study published in the International Journal of Obstetrics and Gynaecology, almost one in ten women refrain from having sex because of the discomfort and pain. And while there are many factors responsible for it, vaginal dryness is one of the most conspicuous causes.

You see, some women despite getting aroused, don't get wet enough to enjoy easy and pleasurable penetration--mainly due to lack of vaginal secretion. But, this most definitely doesn't mean that such women can't enjoy sex or should abstain from it. What they can do, instead, is opt for more artificial methods to make their steamy sex sessions more enjoyable. And by that we mean use lubricants to make things easier. However, there are certain things that every women must be aware of while using lubes that are available in the market. So, here it goes:

There Are Different Kind of Lubes In The Market
Once you go lube shopping, you will be spoilt for choices with the plethora of options available. However, we are not just talking about the brands here. According to a report published in Your Tango, there are four basic types of lubes. Astroglide products, which are water-based and safe to use with condoms; oil-based lubes, which provide good lubrication, but can tear latex condoms; silicone-based lubes, which contain no water and aren't reabsorbed; and all-natural lubes, which have fewer additives.

You Should Not Use Oil-Based Lubes With Condoms
Some women go the DIY way while in midst of a steamy, passionate session and opt for more easily available options like baby oil and petroleum jelly. But, here's a word of advice: DO NOT DO THAT!

"Using oil-based lubes with condoms can deteriorate the latex in a condom and cause it to break. So, if condoms are your only form of birth control, think wisely. If the condom breaks, that can increase your risk of STIs and/or pregnancy," states a report published in Redbook Magazine.

Whatever you do, don't use petroleum jelly if you having protected sex. Photo: Shutterstock/ IndiaPicture

Also read: Turns out Indians prefer flavours in their ice creams, and well, condoms too. Here's proof

Avoid Lubes That Cause Infection
According to a 2013 study published in the journal of Obstetrics & Gynecology, it was found that some women use products that they should not bring anywhere close to their lady parts. So, it's no shocker that such women had higher rates of yeast and various bacterial infections, most probably because these products messed with their pH.

"You might want to stay away from glycerin, too, which is found in a handful of popular ingredients, including many water-based lubricants because it can lead to a nasty yeast infection or a case of bacterial vaginosis," states a report published in Cosmopolitan magazine.

You And Your Bae Can Use The Same Lube
"The truth about lube is that it's a shared experience. Both partners can usually feel the difference, no matter who applies it where. Male and female genitalia don't biologically require different types of lubricant," writes Amanda Green, while blogging for Your Tango.

Last, but not the least…

Using Lubes Doesn't Make You Are Bad At Sex
It's no deal breaker, really. Just because you are taking external help, it doesn't mean you suck at sex or there is something wrong with you. So, just don't fall prey to such misconceptions. Vaginal dryness can be caused due to various reasons like not getting aroused enough or decrease in estrogen level. And there's really no harm in turning to lubes for some help.

Also read: From stomach ache to an urgent need to pee, 4 things which are totally normal after sex