Intimacy is an essential part of a healthy relationship, not just in general romance but also in seduction. Partners also know how pleasure and comfort shape the experience, whether as an amazing sensation or as discomfort or pain. Often, women experience more discomfort during intimacy than men, especially if they’re dealing with issues such as low sex drive, genetic conditions, or other lifestyle factors. Basically, anything that interferes with natural lubrication can be a problem, but it doesn’t have to be.
Enhance Pleasure and Comfort with the Best Lubricant Gel for Women
Some ladies might not even consider how a lubricant gel isn’t just designed for addressing friction or “vaginal dryness” but for additional fun, excitement, and enhanced pleasure. All through added sensation – regardless of activity or lifestyle factor. It’s a great way to approach intimacy without feeling embarrassed. Even those without any bodily issues use lubricants to amplify orgasms and connection with a partner because it works so well as a sex tool too.
The Triple Threat: Lifestyle, Low Libido, & Vaginal Dryness
A woman’s desire and comfort work like a small band of musicians. Once you have everything in tune and balanced, the flow is right. Even with an instrument or two off the cuff, disaster can strike in the smallest but most noticeable way – very much targeted towards the female libido and her overall well-being.
Think of your lifestyle as an invisible force that shapes everything from stress and mental health to sleep and mindless dietary habits.
Side effects? Think low arousal, reduced moisture, and reduced responsiveness.
As for low libido or sex drive, it factors in a lot more than you think. Consider hormonal changes, emotional disconnect, stress, anxiety and depression, body image-related issues, and certain medications – all of which are synonymous with low sex drive.
Arousal is key to maintaining natural lubrication, and without it, it’s like kayaking downstream in a drought. Vaginal dryness is just another vicious cycle for some women, especially those on long-term medication or experiencing a hormonal imbalance. Thanks, genetics.
Lubrication is not just another backup; it’s like a service plan for your genitals. Used routinely, you’ll find a happier path down the sex lane. However, if it’s about more than just correcting vaginal dryness, you’ll want to invest in extending that warranty by addressing lifestyle issues and reviewing libido concerns.
Understanding Lubricants
No, not all lubricants are the same, nor do they share the same properties. However, they’re all designed to help with a number of things, like sex and oral, but you’ll find the types listed below.
Ladies, you can navigate the lube aisle confidently if you know what it is you’re looking for. And in this case, the type of lube really does matter.
Main Lubricant Types: What to Expect
Disclaimer: You can always check out our beginner’s guide to lube for more details on what lube works best, but that guide is quite broad and great for extra research. This guide focuses on finding lube for the comfort of female pleasure.
For those who are extra sensitive, we’ve also covered the type of lube that is best for sensitive skin.
Water-Based Lubricants
Dry or not, water-based lube is not only great for a smoother, more comfortable experience, but it also works with almost every sex toy.
This type of lube works well for most people because:
- It mimics the vagina’s lubrication, almost naturally.
- It’s super gentle for all skin types, especially sensitive skin, thanks to its non-irritating, natural ingredients.
- Great and safe to use on all sex toys and condoms.
- It leaves no residue or mess behind, so it’s super easy to clean up.
- Great to use with feminine hygiene products, too.
Downside:
- Reapplication is needed if you plan on extending your oral or sexual sessions.
- Gets messy.
Silicone-Based Lubricants
Some couples choose silicone-based lube because:
- It lasts much longer and is better suited for slow build-ups and longer sessions.
- Offers a silky-smooth feel, less friction, and works wonders with glass or stainless-steel sex toys (long-lasting fun).
- Doesn’t dry out quickly, so vaginal dryness or sensitivity shouldn’t be an issue.
- Completely Waterproof or at least water-resistant, perfect for the bath or pool. And shower sessions.
Downside:
- Not silicone-friendly (sex toys and silicone products).
- It’s harder to clean up compared to its water-based counterpart.
Oil-Based Lubricants
Oil-based products can make for a slippery yet sensational time in the bedroom.
Some prefer to use this type of lube because:
- It’s slightly thicker than water-based, so its long-lasting properties mean less application.
- The oil can feel a lot softer and smoother during a session. These products can also double as body moisturisers if dry skin is an issue.
- A favourite for external stimulation: foreplay and full-body massages.
Downside:
- Not condom friendly as oil breaks down pretty quickly (rather use non-latex products).
- Disrupts vaginal pH and bacterial balance, which can cause irritation to some.
- It can be harder to clean.
Hybrid Lubricants
Hybrid lubes, like the Jo Classic, are formulated with a small amount of water and silicone to maximise performance. So, rather than using a single lube that is either water-based or silicone-based, you can purchase a curated blend of both.
Hybrid works well for women’s comfort because:
- It offers a less ‘sticky’, longer-lasting session.
- It feels just as soft and gentle during penetration.
- Offers more moisture for longer, reducing friction.
- Safe to use with most condoms and is easier to clean.
- Incredibly versatile with sex toys (can vary considerably based on materials).
Downside:
- Won’t last very long during water-based activities (pool, shower, or bath).
- Some products may contain irritants such as glycerine or preservatives, which can irritate some users or increase the risk of yeast infections.
Ingredients to Limit or Avoid
Shopping for lube can be as overwhelming as trying to find the right sex toy for the first time. From warming and tingling to flavoured and natural, these types of products can be incredibly fun for a short while, but like anything in life, everything in moderation. At the very least, use sparingly.
To maintain a happy and healthy vagina, limit exposure to, or simply avoid, these ingredients:
- Glycerine
- Nonoxynol-9
- Petroleum
- Propylene glycol.
- Chlorhexidine gluconate
Experts recommend that if you do end up using condoms and sex toys, find a product that is latex-friendly, plastic-friendly, and rubber-friendly.
Key Takeaway
It’s about knowing what works for you and what doesn’t, which you won’t always know until trial and error. That’s all it takes.
You can do as much reading as possible, but if you know your body well enough, you can narrow down the list of unnecessary purchases that sit in your bedside drawer and enjoy the best pleasure of your life with the right lube.
If you’re still not convinced, you can do some extra reading here: Natural vs. Synthetic Lubricants: Which is Best for You?
