- Written By: Erica Stratton
- Edited By: C. Wilborn
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2003-2012 Conjecture Corporation
Natural lubricant can be a confusing term, in that it refers to both biological and man-made lubricants. It can refer either to the lubrication produced by human genitalia during arousal, or to man-made substances which can be applied to the genitals during intercourse to cut down on friction. Natural lubrication occurs in both men and women.
For men during arousal, the penis will leak a clear fluid, often called pre-ejaculate or "pre-cum." Pre-cum is produced in the Cowper's gland before ejaculation. It serves the dual purpose of protecting the sperm from the acid inside the vagina as well as cutting down on friction.
During arousal, the walls of a woman's vagina become filled with blood. The pressure of the blood forces the plasma through the vaginal tissues, and a woman's genitalia become "wet." The Bartholin's glands, located beneath the opening of the vagina, will also produce mucus to augment the plasma. Though most frequent during arousal, lubricants can also be secreted outside of sexual situations, such as during sleep or during certain periods in a woman's menstrual cycle.
Biologically produced lubricant is not always enough for intercourse to be comfortable for both partners. This is sometimes due to one partner being stressed or taking medication, but fluctuations in the amount of lubrication produced during arousal is also normal. Natural lubrication can be augmented with man-made lubricants, also known as "personal lubricants" or simply "lube."
Many of kinds of lube are water or silicone based. Other lubricants, sometimes referred to as "natural personal lubricants," are made from fruit or vegetable oils or butters. Examples of some of the ingredients that would go into a natural lubricant include coconut oil, shea butter, aloe, and green tea.
A natural lubricant that is not silicone or water based is often marketed as an alternative for users with allergies to conventional lubricants, people concerned about the environmental effects of man-made chemicals, or to post-menopausal women. Not all of these products are approved by regulatory agencies, such as the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), however. Some natural lubricants contain oil, which can react with condoms and cause them to break.
Though many products are marketed as natural lubricant for women, personal lubricant can be used during masturbation or to aid other forms of intercourse besides vaginal penetration. Personal lubricant can be used in any sexual activity in which the body does not make enough lubrication for comfort.
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oscar23
Post 4 |
I really wish that I could find some truly natural lubricant, but I really don’t know where to look. I mean, KY and all of that jazz is fine. I’ve even used some things from Adam and Eve, but I wish I could locate something truly natural.
Some of those other kinds can be really irritating to a sensitive woman, and if there is one place where itching is not advised, it is in the general who-ha area (by the way, who-ha is code).
Any ideas of good places to buy some quality products? Maybe something similar to what the article describes with coconut oil. Until then, I find that the very best is just plain old, Wal-Mart variety KY Jelly.
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blackDagger
Post 3 |
You know what; I am awfully funny about the things that I am willing to lubricate with, but some people just don’t care.
I’ve heard some of the craziest stories about people using all kinds of things like shampoo (can we say itchy, ouch), vegetable oil (yuk) and even butter (smelly).
I’m sorry, folks, but my...personal parts are precious and wonderful and very much worth the very best. So, you can bet your bottom dollar that if lubrication is needed, top dollar is what’s going down in my bedroom.
Using just any old thing is how many women get some pretty darn bad infections, not to mention what some of those off the wall ideas can do to the integrity of a condom.
This is one instance where you should really care enough to use the very best.
I guess I just don’t find vegetable oil sexy.
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pastanaga
Post 2 |
A lubricant can be very important if you are practicing safe sex by using condoms. In this case, unless you have quite a lot of natural lubricant for intercourse you need to use some other kind of lubricant. Otherwise you run the risk of tearing the condom. Sometimes condoms come with lubricant already on them, or in a sachet included with the packet. But, if you need to buy a lubricant, make sure it is a water based, or at a pinch, silicone based lubricant, not an oil based one. That includes things like body lotion or Vaseline. The oil can weaken latex and cause the condom to tear. Be safe and have fun. |
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pleonasm
Post 1 |
I've known a few women who felt bad about the fact that they couldn't produce very much lubricant. In fact I've known a couple who were worried about producing too much as well! Although that doesn't usually seem to be as much of a problem. Honestly, the best thing you can do is just make sure you get lots of foreplay so that you are warmed up. If, after all the foreplay in the world, you still don't produce very much, just use a squirt of store bought lube. Unfortunately, there is no other "cure" for not making enough natural vaginal lubricant, but it works just fine. All you have to do is stop worrying and enjoy yourself! |
