Lubricants can enhance the pleasure of sex and minimize the discomfort of friction. Lubricants are not only needed for sex, but also for sex toys. However, there are some lubricants that are not suitable for sex toys, which may cause damage to the surface of sex toys, leading to the growth of bacteria and even destroying the sex toys, affecting our health and safety. This article will explain in detail the types of lubricants and which ones are safe for sex toys.
Why do we use lubricants?
Why not? Lubricants are great. Lubricants can enhance your sexual experience and there is no shame in using them. Even though the vagina can produce a lot of fluid, using a lubricant can further enhance pleasure.
After menopause, estrogen levels decrease significantly, which can lead to a decrease in the amount of fluid produced by the vagina, resulting in increased friction during intercourse leading to uncomfortable sensations, which is where a lubricant can do wonders to alleviate the discomfort and pain, and increase the pleasure.
In addition to menopause, there are some people who are affected by the side effects of medications, breastfeeding, dryness syndrome, etc. This can lead to a decrease in the production of fluids from the vagina, resulting in discomfort or pain during intercourse. This is where lubricants, can be of more help, allowing us to better enjoy the pleasurable sensations during sex.
Common types of lubricants
1. Water-based lubricants
Water-based lubricants are one of the most widely used lubricants and are suitable for many sexual activities. For example, penetrative sex, sex toys, masturbation, etc., and water-based lubricants are the most suitable for sensitive skin. Water-based lubricants can be used with condoms and sex toys. Water-based lubricants are also the easiest to clean, even if you get it on your clothes or sheets, it is very easy to clean without leaving traces.
With so many advantages of water based lube oils, but again water based lubes have their disadvantages, which are that they are not and long time sex, showers and water sex as its tends to become sticky needing to be applied often, as well as water based lubes being easily washed away by water currents. So, if you want to try prolonged sex, or want to be in the water, then other types of lubricants may be a better choice.
2. Silicone-based lubricants
Silicone based lubricants are ideal for long term sex because they are slippery and long lasting. It is also ideal for water sex because it is not easily washed away by water and is suitable for long periods of time without the need for repeated application. However, it is important to note that silicone-based lubricants are not easy to clean, especially if they get on clothes or sheets, and require the use of soap and water, in order to clean.
Silicone based lube should not be used with sex toys made of silicone, which can lead to damaging the surface of the material. It can lead to the growth of bacteria, which affects our health and safety, and can also lead to damage to the sex toy. But not all sex toys can not be used with silicone-based lubricants, such as glass, stainless steel, ABS and other materials, and will not react with silicone-based lubricants.
3. Oil-based lubricants
Oil-based lubricants have long-lasting, lubricating characteristics and can provide longer sex than water-based lubricants. Great for masturbation, sex toys, unprotected sex, water sex and sensual massage.
Oil-based lubricants have their own drawbacks, which is that they should not be used with latex condoms, as this can cause damage to the material of the latex condom, leading to condom breakage. There are even some oil-based lubricants that react with non-latex condoms, so read the package and instructions carefully before you start using them.
Also because of the long-lasting nature of oil-based lubricants, they are very difficult to clean. So try to avoid getting oil-based lubricants on clothes, bedding, and sex toys.
What type of lubricant is safe for sex toys?
The most common types of lubricants on the market are water-based lubricants, silicone-based lubricants and oil-based lubricants. I think the best lubricants for sex toys are water-based lubricants, not only because they are safe for sex toys and won't damage the materials of sex toys, but also because they are very easy to clean, don't leave traces, and are much kinder to the skin compared to oil-based lubricants.
Of course if your sex toy is not made of silicone, but is made of glass, stainless steel or ABS hard plastic, then silicone-based lubricants are also highly recommended as they provide longer lasting sexual activity, do not need to be reapplied, and can be enjoyed in water.
Summing Up
In conclusion, lubricants can enhance the sexual experience and this also applies when using sex toys. If your sex toy is made of silicone, then make sure you don't use silicone-based lubricants, which can lead to the destruction of the material, harboring bacteria and even damaging the sex toy.
Water-based lubricants are the most suitable lubricants for sex toys and are suitable for many sexual activities and are easier to clean than other types of lubricants, even if they get on your clothes or bedding.