Lube 101: Your Guide To Personal Lubrication

During the build up to sex, your natural wetness usually increases due to heightening sexual excitement. However, for a variety of reasons, you may need a little extra help to achieve the perfect lubrication so that sex is more pleasurable and to ensure that there is no pain involved. While natural wetness can decrease at different points of your life due to stress, medication, health and hormonal changes; using lube can be a very effective solution during these periods.

Even if you don't have a problem with dryness, lube can be used as a stimulant to enhance sexual activity and to make the act of sex, as well as oral sex, more pleasurable in many ways. It can help to increase sensations felt during sex between you and your partner, and can even help extend the duration of love-making.

Water based lube

Water based lubes are lighter than other types and tend to be smoother to the touch. They are suitable for sensitive skin, are non-sticky and easy to wash off. Durex water based lubes won't stain your sheets and are water soluble. Water based lubes are available in many flavours and with warming and tingling varieties available.

Silicone based lube

Silicone lubricants offer a different texture to their counterparts, water based lubes. Significantly thicker than water-based lube, silicone lubes is not easily absorbed into the skin or mucus membranes, making it last much longer so you can get on without having to stop and re-apply.

Yes! All Durex lubricants & Durex Pleasure Gels are totally safe to use with condoms. Add lube to the outside of the condom once it's on and inside of the vagina for additional lubrication. Take care not to use too much lube before you put the condom on, otherwise it may slip off during sex. However, you can always apply more if you need it later.

Most water based lubes are suitable for oral sex and are safe to consume; however, swallowing large quantities is not advisable. For those with a sweet tooth, Durex flavoured lubes are sugar-free so you can indulge as often as you wish!

There are no set rules regarding how much lube to use. The best thing to do is experiment and see how it feels for both yourself and your partner. If you are trying a new lubricant or if this is the first time you have used any kind of lube, start off with a small amount, gently applying it to desired areas using your fingertips. If you are enjoying the sensation of the extra lubrication, then feel free to keep applying. Many lubes also double up as massage gel, so why not give your partner a slow sensual massage during sex to stimulate their senses even further.

As a general rule, lube should be used within three months of opening. There is no need to keep your lube in the fridge, however, it is advisable to keep it out of direct heat or sunlight and in a cool cupboard away from pets or children.