What Is Lube, What Does It Do And Why Do People Use It For Sex?

What Does Lube Do?

Lube can be used by men or women, regardless of sexual orientation or the type of sex someone is having – and whether with a partner or solo.

Lube can be used for:

• Decreasing friction and preventing associated discomfort during vaginal sex.
• Decreasing friction and preventing discomfort or injury to the anus during anal penetration.
• Making oral sex easier and more enjoyable, particularly if dry mouth is an issue. Additionally, some lubes have added flavoring that can be used purely for the enjoyment of it, or as a means of “masking” the natural taste of a penis or vulva.
• Making the use of sex toys more comfortable and in some cases, can actually improve the way they function.
• Adding a warming, cooling, or tingling effect during sex play, although the ingredients used to achieve these effects are not always safe.
• Numbing the areas they make contact with — most often the anus — to decrease discomfort during penetration. This numbing effect, however, can mask any pain associated with injury as it occurs.

With its silky and slick consistency, personal lubricant reduces friction and lowers the risk of irritation or injury if your body isn’t producing enough of its own lubrication during sex — which, by the way, is normal.

Many people use lubricant during vaginal or anal penetration, but it’s often used during external play, too — such as during manual stimulation of the penis or clitoris.

Although the vagina produces lubrication naturally, it isn’t always enough to provide adequate comfort during penetration.

Additionally, small tears can occur from friction during vaginal penetration — something that lube helps to prevent.

Aside from vaginal use, the anus is not self-lubricating and for this reason, lube should always be used during anal sex — without exception — to prevent anal injury (and in tandem, a higher risk of STI transmission).

There are plenty of expertly-crafted formulas to choose from that are specifically designed to enhance anal sex.

While spit acts as a natural lube during oral sex, dry mouth can happen to anyone — and an edible lube can remedy the situation quickly, with the added benefit of sweet flavoring (optional).

Additionally, the performance of sex toys can be improved with the use of a little bit of personal lubricant.

While penetrative toys benefit from the reduction of friction when lube is in use, personal lubricant helps clit sucking vibrators to “latch” onto the clit more easily — making them more effective in the process.

• What Does Lube Do For Men?

Lube is just as beneficial to men as it is for women by also reducing friction and easing any pain — especially when it comes to anal sex.

This study showed that 70% of American men had used lubricant, and about one in four men used lubricant in the past 30 days.

Sexual intercourse was the most common activity in which men used lubricant, though masturbation and sexual activity with partners of the same sex were also linked to lubricant use.

The most popular reasons men cited for using lube included making sex more comfortable, exploring it out of fun or curiosity, or because “my partner wanted to.”

• What Does Lube Do For Women?

Often, sex feels uncomfortable because of vaginal dryness.

Women use lube to reduce dryness, ease pain, and lower the risk of injury.

In the study we referenced above, the most repeated answer to why lubricant is used by women was to “make sex more comfortable.”

In addition, more than two-thirds of women in that study confirmed that they use personal lubricant because it makes sex more pleasurable.

Lube is also commonly used for reasons related to sexual pleasure.

The results of this study determined that using water-based or silicone-based lube directly correlates with better feelings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction during masturbation and vaginal sex.

Lube literally makes sex better physically and, in consequence, mentally.

• How To Choose The Right Lubricant

Lucky for you, we have a fun, interactive quiz that will help you find the perfect lubricant for your favorite sexual activities, preferences, and personal safety.

You can also read through our in-depth lube guide but if you need a quick answer about which type of lube might be the best fit for your situation, the table below will help.

Lube Type:	Water-Based	Silicone-Based	Oil-Based
Oral Sex	Yes	Yes	Not usually
Vaginal Sex	ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable	Yes	Yes
Anal Sex	ONLY if pH/Osmolality suitable	Yes	Yes
Condom Types	All	All	Polyurethane, nitrile and lambskin only
Sex Toy Types	All	All but silicone	All but latex
Bath/Shower Use	No	Yes	Yes
Does It Stain?	No	Yes	Yes

Lube Type:
Oral Sex
Vaginal Sex
Anal Sex
Condom Types
Sex Toy Types
Bath/Shower Use
Does It Stain?

How To Use Lube

There are no real instructions for using lube — simply apply a small amount to your genitals and/or sex toys you intend to use.

Dr. Susan Milstein, a human sexuality health educator on our medical review board, advised that it is best to start with a minimal amount.

“You can always add more,” she explained, “but too much when you start can feel a bit awkward and uncomfortable.”

After you choose the best lube for your body and your intended sexual activity, you can apply it to the vagina, penis, anus, or anywhere else as necessary.

The amount needed may vary depending on the type of lube, your personal preferences, and the duration of the activity — but you can reapply if you find that you need more.

Alternatives To Lube

Since the beginning of time, people have been using creams, oils, lotions, and other liquid concoctions to make sex more comfortable.

Although formulated personal lubricants typically contain several different ingredients, some of these are safe enough to use as lube in certain circumstances and they can likely be found in your pantry:

• Aloe vera gel (pure)
• Argan oil
• Avocado oil
• CBD oil
• Coconut oil (virgin, unrefined)
• Shea butter
• Vitamin E oil

It’s important to note that oil-based lube alternatives shouldn’t be used with STI or pregnancy barriers made of latex or polyisoprene, as the oil will degrade their materials and make them ineffective.

Additionally, any lube alternative should be patch-tested on a non-genital area of skin (such as your inner elbow) to make sure it won’t cause an allergic reaction.