Best Lubricants for Women: Benefits of Lube for Painful Sex
Lube can be a game-changing addition to your sex life. Learn more about the benefits of lube, and how it can help reduce pain during sex.
The Best Lubricants for Women: Benefits of Lube for Painful Sex
As women’s sexual pleasure enters the zeitgeist more and more, people are waking up to the fact that lube is a game-changing addition to your sex life. Everyone can benefit from using lube, but it’s especially helpful when sex feels uncomfortable or downright painful due to decreased production of own vaginal lubrication
Pain during sex — medically referred to as dyspareunia, can happen for various reasons, including vaginal dryness. Often caused by low estrogen levels, vaginal dryness can be particularly problematic during the menopausal transition, after giving birth or breastfeeding, or while taking hormonal contraceptives. Whether or not you feel you "need" it, using lubricant reduces friction during sexual contact or penetration (whether with a penis, finger, or your favorite sex toy) and makes sex more pleasurable.
Benefits of lube
Ever heard of the saying “the wetter, the better?” Research backs it up. Women who use lube have higher ratings of sexual pleasure, during both solo play and partnered penetrative sex.
A 2022 systematic review published in the journal Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters highlighted several benefits of using lubricant during sex, including enhanced sexual health and well-being, especially for those experiencing vaginal dryness or pain during intercourse.
Even if you don’t find sex painful, using lube can make it more pleasurable. Everyone with a vagina can — and should — use lube, regardless of how “wet” you get when turned on, your age, or the type of sex you’re having.
More importantly, you should never feel embarrassed about using lube. Many people mistakenly believe that using lube indicates a sexual deficiency or that something is "wrong" if they’re not producing enough natural lubrication. The reality is that everyone is different, and the time required for a vagina to produce sufficient natural lubrication varies depending on factors such as the duration of foreplay, the phase of the menstrual cycle, medical conditions, and medications you're on.
Does lube help painful sex?
Though they won’t treat the cause of painful sex, lube can be very helpful in reducing discomfort during sex.
Lubricants work by reducing friction and adding moisture, which makes everything smoother and more comfortable. This can turn a potentially painful experience into a more intimate and enjoyable one, which in turn can increase desire and lead to greater sexual interest.
Introducing lube into your sexual routine can really enhance your overall enjoyment and satisfaction Whether you're dealing with occasional discomfort or ongoing issues, using a lubricant is a super simple way to improve comfort and make sex more pleasurable.
It's also important to remember that pain during sex isn't normal. If you're finding it uncomfortable or painful, you should reach out to your healthcare provider or a sexual health specialist to identify the causes and find appropriate treatment.
The best lubricants for women
When it comes to lube, it's important to find the best one for your needs and the type of sex you're enjoying. There are three main types: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based, each with its own pros and cons. It's all about finding what works best for you, but here is a crash course on the best lubricants for women.
Silicone-based
Silicone-based lube is longer-lasting than water-based kinds, so it’s good for sex that lasts a long time since you’re less likely to need to reapply as often. They’re extremely slippery, which makes them ideal for anal sex. Their slightly waterproof nature also makes them perfect for shower sex.
Just be sure not to pair them with silicone sex toys or silicone condoms, as they can break down the material.
Super Slip & Slide is formulated with skincare ingredients squalane and sea buckthorn oil for long-lasting deep hydration and quick-acting slick lubrication.
Water-based
Water-based lubricants can be used with all types of sex toys and barrier methods, making them highly versatile. They are also absorbed by the skin more quickly, making them easier to wash off — although you may need to re-apply them more frequently than silicone-based lubricants.
Women’s Intimate Elixir is an ultra-lightweight, super-hydrating lubricant formulated especially for menopause — but it works for everyone. It harnesses the powers of hyaluronic acid, chasteberry extract, and aloe vera to supplement your body's natural wetness.
If you’re looking for a water-based lube that adds a bit of oomph to your sesh, our Women’s Pleasure Serum is a pre-play topical lotion that uses proprietary nanotechnology to provide lubrication while supporting easier, longer, more intense, and more satisfying orgasms.
Oil-based
Oil-based lubricants, like silicone-based ones, provide longer-lasting lubrication compared to water-based lubricants. However, oil-based lubricants can't be used with latex barriers such as condoms or dental dams. This is because oil-based lubricants can weaken the latex material and increase the risk of barrier tearing, which may lead to a higher risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or pregnancy.
The impact of oil-based lubricants on vaginal health is also not fully understood, and they may not be the best option for those prone to yeast infections or bacterial vaginosis (BV). Nevertheless, oil-based lubricants can be great for erotic massages or other non-penetrative activities.
FAQ
Does lube stop pain during sex?
Lube can be very effective in reducing or even stopping pain during sex, depending on the cause of the discomfort. Pain during sex, often caused by vaginal dryness or insufficient natural lubrication, can create friction that leads to discomfort or even pain. By adding a lubricant, you can reduce this friction, making penetration smoother and more comfortable. But remember, while lube can do wonders for dryness, it might not fully address pain caused by other underlying issues like medical conditions or psychological factors. If lube isn't solving the discomfort, it's a good idea to talk to a healthcare provider. In any case, using lube is a simple and effective way to enhance comfort and make sex more enjoyable.
What kind of lubricant do gynecologists recommend for sex?
Gynecologists often recommend water-based or silicone-based options. Water-based lubes are super versatile, easy to clean, and safe to use with condoms and sex toys. They're great for sensitive skin too. However, you might need to reapply them during longer sessions. Silicone-based lubes are also awesome because they last longer and don't dry out as quickly, making them perfect for extended playtime or use in the shower. Just be aware that they might not mix well with certain silicone-based sex toys. Oil-based lubes can also be trickier to clean up and may up your chances of getting a vaginal infection. When choosing a lubricant, it's important to consider personal sensitivities or allergies. Some lubes have added ingredients that can cause irritation for some people. Going for a product that's free from such additives is usually a safer choice.
