The Wonderful World Of Personal Lubricants

Get The Lowdown On The Slippery Stuff No Night Stand Should Be Without

    Although personal lubricants have been around for a very long time, they only recently have
been brought out of the darkness of night stand drawer and into our living rooms through
television and magazines.

     Personal lubricants are essential when using condoms, cervical caps and diaphragms. The
products are also used to treat vaginal dryness attributed to menopause, breast feeding, use of
medications like antidepressants, oral contraceptives and decongestants, as well as chemotherapy
and radiation treatments. Personal lubricants can also be used to simply add a new dimension to
your sex life. The use of lubrication on the genitals is proven to increase sensitivity, prolong
intercourse and intensify orgasm.

Lubricant Varities

     Personal lubricants are marketed under various names and labels. They come in  a variety of
formulations designed for a number of uses. Some even have added ingredients for flavor or to
create a warming affect. Here's the lowdown on lubrication varieties so you can make an
informed choice.

Petroleum Based

Petroleum based lubricants are thicker and extremely long lasting.
However, these types of lubricants break down latex and should not be used with condoms,
cervical caps, diaphragms or adult toys. They can also stain fabrics and adhere to the vaginal
walls which increases the risk of developing an infection.

Oil Based

Oil based lubricants are also long lasting but have the same detrimental effects on
latex products, therefore should not be used with any contraceptive device. While these oil based
products do not adhere to the vaginal walls, they do stain fabrics and are difficult to remove from
the skin.

Water Based

Water based lubricants are more widely used and safer that oil or petroleum
based products. They are recommended for use with condoms, cervical caps, diaphragms and
latex adult toys. These types of lubricants require more frequent applications and can become
sticky after drying. However, water based lubricants wash away easily and do not stain fabrics.

Silicone Based

Silicone based lubricants combine the thicker consistency of an oil based
lubricant with the safety of a water based product. These lubricants are safe to use with condoms,
cervical caps, diaphragms and adult toys. They are longer lasting and reactivate with a drop of
water. Silicone based lubricants are ideal for use in water and do not stain fabrics.

Nonoxynol-9 Lubricants

These lubricants have the added ingredient of Nonoxynol-9 which is an
antibacterial and spermicide. These products are recommended for use with condoms, cervical
caps and diaphragms to aid in the device's effectiveness. Although safe,  Nonoxyl-9 can be
irritating to sensitive vaginal tissues and the urethra in some women.

L-Arginine Lubricants

These lubricants contain L-Arginine, an amino fatty acid that stimulates nitric oxide production in the vaginal tissues. Nitric oxide is essential in a female's arousal process. These products are good for women who have difficulties with clitoral insensitivity, blood flow and production of natural lubrication. Most of these lubricants are water based and safe for use with condoms, adult toys and internal birth control devices.

Choosing A Lubricant

     When choosing a personal lubricant, keep your specific needs and uses in mind. Are you using the lubricant with condoms or other birth control devices? Do you need a lubricant just for vaginal dryness? Do you need the additional benefits an L-Arginine based lubricant can provide?

 Read labels carefully so you know for sure the type of lubricant you are purchasing. Some brands offer free samples of their products through their toll free telephone numbers or on their web sites. Try out
different brands and types until you find the product that best suits your needs and remember to
have fun while you do it!