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FTLOI Learning Center
Lubricants
How to pick a lube
Buying a lube for the first time? Curious about how to pick a lube? Don't like the one you have? There are MANY options when it comes to choosing a personal lubricant and more hit the market every year. There are a wide variety of bases, ingredients, styles, and recommended uses and that can result in an overwhelming amount of bottles sitting on the shelf. Here are some factors to consider that may help:
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Activity - Take into consideration what you want to do with the lubricant. Yes, all lubricants create slide, but some some are formulated with specific sexual activities in mind. If you are looking for a lubricant for penis in vagina intercourse and have overall healthy vaginal environment, then just about any lubricant will work. The focus then would be simply personal preference on the brand, thickness, base, flavor (or not), etc. However, if anal penetration is on the menu, the ideal lubricant would be a gel. If you expect to be switching between penetration and oral, you may want to consider a flavored water-based lubricant. Using a sleeve toy, or stroker, it is recommended to use a thicker water-based for best experience.​​
Sensitivity - Lubricants are a liquid that is on or in the body. Those intended for internal use are considered Class II medical devices subject to premarket approval through a 510(k) submission. That means that the manufacturer must meet as standard set of testing requirements to ensure general safety. However, that does not mean that you may not have a reaction to a specific ingredient or usage. If you already know you have an allergy, or very sensitive skin/tissues, be sure to select a lubricant made for sensitive users. If you are unsure about a lubricant, buy the smallest amount possible and test a small amount prior to putting into full use.
Phase of life - This factor is more applicable to vagina owners. Sometimes where we are in life can guide what lubricant we choose for that particular time. For many women, menopause can bring about a number of body changes, vaginal dryness and/or health being some of them. Choosing a lubricant that offers more moisturizing elements to tone and elasticize tissue would be good choice.
If you or partner are trying to conceive, lubricant can have an impact on this process. Using lube does not improve the likelihood of conceiving, but rather could negatively impact depending on which is used. Lubricants can slow sperm down (even harm) and conception friendly lubricants are designed not to avoid that as much as possible. So, for couples who want or need lubricant and are having challenges conceiving, make sure you choose lubricant up to the task.​​​
Preferences - All other factors aside, sometimes choosing a lubricant can come down to what you personally prefer. Do you like a thick gel or a thin liquid? Perhaps you do not want to apply once and forget about it. Then choosing the longest lasting might be best. Do you hate a lubricant that gets even a little bit sticky? Or maybe you want it to be the closest feel to natural vaginal moisture? Or to have flavor? We are all unique and so is what we want out of our lubricants. A well-trained staff member of a good store can help or choosing small sizes of different lubes to test out.
​First purchase - If you have never used a lubricant before, you simply may not know what is best for you. Rely on a reputable and objective store or website for help. Ask questions, communicate concerns clearly. It also can help to think ahead of what you will use the lube for. Lastly, if able, purchase small quantities or sample sizes of several to try out before buying that bigger bottle.​​