Please keep in mind that much of the research done regarding lubrication and sex or sexuality has been done in vagina-havers only. As a result, this post may be somewhat more gendered than we generally try to put up.
Lubrication is one of those magical things that can help solve or treat a multitude of things WHILE making sexual activities extra awesome. Let’s explore a little more in-depth some of the sexual issues that additional lubrication can help with.
One of the things that many of us experience is discomfort during sexual activity. There are many forms and severities of discomfort that can be caused by many different illnesses and even some medications. Not all of them get better with more lube, but many can. If you are on medications that may affect your sex drive or libido (such as SSRI antidepressants and some non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or NSAIDs), adding in more lubrication – though foreplay or with a product – can completely change your sex life.
Sex when there is inflammation involved can also be helped by additional lubrication. If you have been through menopause, it’s incredibly common to deal with vaginal dryness. Sjögren’s syndrome can be a very common cause for those living with a rheumatic disease as well. Things like widespread chronic pain can even cause issues with lubrication itself due to the way it distracts us from pleasurable sensations.
Lube can also be incredibly helpful for people who may have mobility issues. To use an analogy, it’s easier to land a plane when the lights on the runway are on, no matter which direction you’re coming from.
Okay, so on to the fun part about lube!
People who menstruate often remark on how awesome sex during menstruation can be. The biggest reason for this? All the extra lubrication! (Well, to be technical, the increased sensation leading to increased blood flow helps, too.)
Like I like to say, the more slippy the slide, the better the ride!
The beautiful thing about lubrication is that there are as many options out there as one can find. I personally suggest water-based lubricants, but you’ll have to wait until the next few posts following up this one to figure out which ones chronically amazing people like myself enjoy!
Note that there are certain medical conditions that present themselves in ways that affect our sex lives such as heart disease and stroke. Joan Price shared a story a few months ago in Milwaukee of a woman who lost her sex drive and then lost her partner only to have a medical emergency that could have been found early had her physician listened when she brought up rapidly decreased arousal. Please make sure to check in with your physician(s) about symptoms you may be having.
