We all hear the same story as teenagers. A man sweeps you off your feet, you get married, and then you make passionate love to him. Obviously, we now know that this is not exactly accurate. Sex isn’t a magical lily pad, where everyone knows where they’re supposed to be and what they’re supposed to do. There are fumbles, giggles, and even the occasional gas here and there. Basically, intercourse is more complicated than it appears in movies and television programs.
One crucial element that seems to have been glossed over in books and magazines is the need for personal lubricant. When I first started having sex, I spent a lot of time wondering why it wasn’t as amazing as everyone made it out to be. That was until I met my husband. We got into the habit of using lube because of a mistaken condom purchase, and never went back.
Like any American product, there are many, many different brands to choose from. Here are the ones that I recommend:
1) Water-based lubricants – These are the most widely used type of lubricants, and they come in both a liquid and a gel form. Which form you use depends on your personal preferences, as there are pros and cons to each, but I like the liquid types because they don’t tend to dry out as fast. My favorite brands are K-Y Jelly®, Astroglide®, and Durex Play™.
2) Specialty lubricants – These include any “warming” or flavored substances. K-Y Warming Lubricant® is a great place to start if you’re looking to make sex more comfortable AND more interesting. I wouldn’t use it every time, but it does help increase blood flow to the area. And flavored lubes are fun just because they smell good. I wouldn’t try using them with oral sex though, because it feels like you’re eating a balloon.
To use lube, simply squeeze out a quarter-size amount and rub it between your palms. Apply half of this amount directly to his shaft (guys usually love this) and the other half to yourself, covering the outside rim of your vagina as well as a few inches inside.
You should feel a noticeable difference when he enters you, and you’ll probably be able to lengthen your sexual encounters as well. A thin layer of lube over your clitoris can dramatically affect its responsiveness and sensitivity for faster and more intense orgasms. What more could you want?
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Shaina Gaul is a feminist and freelance writer living in Iowa. View more of her writing at http://www.toasterbyte.com.