Many of us don't start investigating the use of personal lubricants until we discover the joys of using sex toys. If you're like the majority of couples, you probably just let nature take its course, until latex entered the equation and your natural lubrication wasn't sufficient. If you've only recently discovered the range of personal lubricants that are available, you are probably wondering why there are so many different types and what purpose they all serve! Today we take you through the many ways that different types of lubricants can add to your sex life and/or personal masturbation.

Yes Lube, No Chafe!

The main reason for using a personal lubricant, across the entire range of sexual situations, is to increase sensation and pleasure. A slippery experience will tickle many more nerve endings than a painfully dry or tight sexual experience, obviously. However, there are several other good reasons why you should use a personal lubricant for sex:

• Lack of lubrication is the main reason for condom breakage. If you use condoms for contraception, you should also have plenty of lube available. You don’t want any unwanted friends joining the party 9 months from now.  
• If you use adult toys, you probably find that more lubrication is needed to make them comfortable.  There is nothing worse than trying to get a large piece of silicone in a dry entry way. Not only is it unpleasant on you but you might even wreck your precious sex toys.  
• Women may experience excessive dryness due to hormones, age, illness or medications. Personal lubricants can make it possible to have sex comfortably and pleasurably. Again, dryness is not a disease. It happens to the best of us.  Don’t be afraid to break out the water based lube if you’re feeling the friction.  

Water based lubricants

These are the most common type of lubes, and usually the lowest-priced. They are suitable for all sexual situations, and for most skin types. Water based lubricants can be flavoured, and are suitable for oral sex, and are safe for condoms and latex toys.

Some people complain about a sticky or dried-out feeling when they use water-based lubricants. The lubricant hasn’t actually been 'used up' - it can be reactivated with a few drops of water or saliva. Water-based lubes can also be cleaned up with soap and water.

Why choose water-based? If you use condoms as contraception, or simply want a nice thick lubricant that is cost-effective for everyday use, water-based is an excellent choice.

Who should avoid water-based lubes? If you like to play in the shower or bath, water-based lubricants won’t be useful. Also, in some women the glycerine used in water-based lubes can break down to simple sugars in the vagina, and facilitate the development of yeast infections. Women who are especially prone to yeast infections may want to use silicone or oil-based lubes.

Oil based lubricants

Whereas water-based lubricants can start feeling a little sticky, oil-based lubes are always slippery and sleek. They can be comfortably used over the whole body for massage as well as sex and masturbation, however they aren’t compatible with condoms. Oil-based lubes can stain sheets and fabrics, and you should check with your sex toy manufacturer if oil-based lubes are appropriate for use with the particular materials it is made from.

Why choose oil based? If you're planning on playing 'the ultra-extended party mix' of your usual song with your partner, oil-based lasts the distance without reapplication or reactivation.

Who should stay away from oil-based lubes? If you use condoms as contraception, oil-based lubes should be avoided.

Silicone-based lubricants

Silicone based lubes are relatively new in the sexual scene. In some ways, they combine the best of both the water- and oil-based worlds; yet they are certainly an experience unto themselves. They can be used with condoms, the residue will usually wash out of sheets, can be used in water, and a little silicone lubricant goes a long way. Often the reason people buy water-based is the price tag - however the smaller amount of silicone lube needed means that it is equally cost-effective. Be careful with silicone lube use in the bath - it makes all surfaces slippery.

Why choose silicone? If you use lubricant in a wide variety of sexual situations, including alone and with partner, in bed and in the bath, and for both body and genital massage, silicone lube is an excellent choice.

Who should stay away from silicone-based lubes? If you use silicone sex toys or realistic skin-feel toys, silicone lube isn’t suitable.

If you're looking to try out a personal lube for the first time, silicone is highly recommended for its versatility. However, each type is great for different situations - why not keep three little bottles in your bedside drawer?!