Your Guide to Lube 

Using lubricants during sex or other intimate times can be beneficial in a number of ways. Whether it’s solo or with a partner, it can make the overall experience more enjoyable. There are a few different types of lube, and each one can work differently for different people. Learn more about the types of lube, pros and cons, what to look for and avoid, and who would benefit from adding lube in the bedroom (spoiler alert – it’s everyone!). 

 

Why Should I Use Lube?

Anyone can benefit from using lube. Adding lubrication can help to reduce friction, prevent irritation, and enhance overall comfort for both parties. With hormonal changes, you may experience more dryness, which can lead to discomfort. 

 

Big hormonal changes, like pregnancy and postpartum, can impact your body in more ways than one. Other things, like pumping and breastfeeding, have whole body effects as well. All of these can lead to increased dryness, which can cause discomfort during sex. 

 

Other changes, like perimenopause and menopause, cause hormone fluctuations and can lead to thinning vaginal walls. When the tissue becomes thin and fragile, adding lube can help prevent discomfort and possible tearing.

 

What Type of Lube Should I Use?

There are three types of lubricants, and each has its own pros and cons. 

• Water based 

  • What it is: Water based lubes are a very popular type of lube for many reasons. They are lightweight, easily dissolved by water, and don’t stain sheets or clothes. 
  • Pros: Easy cleanup and safe for all types of condoms and sex toys. 
  • Cons: Dries out quickly and requires reapplication, not ideal for water based activities.   
  • Favorite brands: Slippery Stuff, Lola

• Oil based

  • What it is: Typically coconut, almond, or olive oil based, these lubes are thicker and more long lasting. Their waterproof properties make them ideal for water based activities, and anal sex. It is recommended to stick to plant-based oils, like coconut, avocado, or shea butter, which are more gentle on sensitive areas. 
  • Pros: Ideal for long lasting use and intensive activites, can also be used for massage and water play. 
  • Cons: Can stain sheets and clothing, can break down condoms, may increase risk of infections. 

• Silicone based

  • What it is: Silicone based lubes are considered the “Cadillac” of lubes. They are long lasting, thick, and good for water based activities. 
  • Pros: A little goes a long way, making it cost effective, and safe with latex condoms and most other types of contraceptives. 
  • Cons: Often more expensive than other types of lube, and not safe for use on silicone sex toys. 

 

Who Would Benefit From Using Lube?

Regardless of age, gender, or stage of life, everyone can benefit from using lube. Specifically, those who are experiencing dryness related to hormonal changes during pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and menopause, would benefit significantly.

 

It can also be used for increased comfort and pleasure during sex. If you want to use toys, increase duration and sensation, or try anal sex, adding lube can make the process more pleasant. 

 

There are also medical reasons why someone may benefit from using lube. Certain medications, like antihistamines, SSRI’s, or birth control can have side effects of dryness. More serious medical conditions, like cancer treatments such as radiation and chemotherapy, and autoimmune disorders, can contribute to these symptoms as well. 

 

What to Look For 

There are a few factors to consider when picking the right lubricant for you. The first is purpose – what will you be using it for? Consider what is suitable for different materials, like condoms or sex toys, and for what type of intimacy. 

 

The second thing to consider is ingredients. You want to look for products that are pH-balanced so they don’t throw off the microbiome of your vagina. This can help prevent yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis. You should also consider a low-osmolality or hypoallergenic brand.  High-osmolality lubricants can pull moisture out of your body’s tissues, and lead to increased dryness in the area. 

 

What to Avoid 

With so many options on the market, there are certain things you should avoid. Certain ingredients found in “fun” options – like flavored, warming, or tingling lubricants – can mess with your vagina’s pH levels and cause irritation or infection. Other ingredients, like parabens, glycerine, fragrance, and petroleum, can also increase risk of infection.

 

If you are using condoms or toys, you should also avoid lubricants that are not compatible with the materials. Using oil based lubricants can break down condoms, and silicone based lubricants can break down silicone toys. 

 

In Conclusion

Everyone can benefit from adding lube! It’s okay to try things out and see which option is best for you. The right lubricant should help increase pleasure, comfort, intimacy and enjoyment, not add discomfort or risk.  

 

Discomfort caused by dryness during sex is common, but pain during sex is not. If you’re experiencing pain with sex, pelvic floor physical therapy can help! You can learn more about how pelvic floor physical therapy can help on our website, or can book a consultation with our team to learn more. 

 

 vstrongphysicaltherapy.com 

 

Works Cited

Adcox, Mariah. “Your Guide to Lube for SEX: Types, How to Use, and More.” Healthline, Healthline Media, 4 June 2025, www.healthline.com/health/healthy-sex/lube-shopping-guide-types#takeaway.

Dickinson, Alex. “Lube For Every Body.” UnityPoint Health, www.unitypoint.org/news-and-articles/lube-for-every-body. 

Jackson, Kristen. “Your Guide to Choosing the Best Personal Lubricant.” Advanced Urogynecology, Advanced Urogynecology, 22 Aug. 2025, www.advancedurogynecology.com/post/your-guide-to-choosing-the-best-personal-lubricant.

Reardon, Sara. “Best Lubes (and What You Should Avoid).” The Vagina Whisperer, 6 Dec. 2025, thevagwhisperer.com/2021/02/22/how-to-choose-the-right-lubenbsp/.