Condoms and lubricants – How to find the best for you
Condoms and lubricant are the perfect combination, because your safety is increased by better gliding and less resistance on the condom.
But even without a condom, the slippery aid is a booster for your sex life. Especially for vaginal dryness, anal sex and together with sex toys like vibrators or masturbators, lube is a real blessing and will help you glide quickly into 7th heaven.
So don't waste any more time, read the article and find out which lube is best for you and what you should definitely not use as a lube alternative. You'll also learn how to use lube properly here.
Why Lubricants and condoms Form a Great Partnership
You've probably noticed that condoms are usually coated with a thin layer of lubricant.
There's a good reason for this: despite their durability, condoms become more sensitive if there's too much friction and, in the worst case, they can even tear when things aren't so wet.
But don't worry, it usually doesn't come to that, because sex becomes extremely uncomfortable if the vagina, anus or toy is too dry.
You'll notice it quickly, unless you already have a bottle of lubricant at hand.
Which is the best lubricant with a condom?
In combination with condoms, water-based or silicone-based lubricants are particularly suitable for better lubrication. But before you buy, there are a few questions you should answer:
- Is the lubricant approved for use with condoms? (Labelled "condom compatible" or "suitable for condoms").
- Do you need a special lubricant, e.g. for anal sex?
- Do you plan to use the lubricant as a massage gel?
- Do you want to use the lubricant together with sex toys?
- What are the personal preferences of you and your partner?
Depending on your answers to these questions, certain lubricants are more suitable for you, because each lubricant has some advantages and disadvantages.
You can find out exactly what these are now, and then you will be able to choose the perfect lubricant for you.
What lubricants are there? What are the advantages and disadvantages?
There are a lot of lubes and lubricants that you can buy online or in stores. Here we have compiled a brief overview with the most important advantages and disadvantages.
Water-based lubricant - Perfect with condoms
Water-based lubricants, such as the organic lubricant gel from Mister Size, offer many advantages, because high-quality lubricants are usually good for allergy sufferers, have quite few ingredients and are also optimal for vaginal dryness due to caring substances such as aloe vera.
They are also great if you want to use them together with sex toys.
Another great advantage is that they absorb into the skin over time, feel good on the skin and wash off extremely easily with a little water.
Accordingly, they help to clean up quickly and usually don't leave unsightly stains on textiles if something goes astray.
This advantage already brings us to the disadvantages:
Because water-based lubricants are absorbed into the skin, they are less productive and you may have to reapply some lubricant every now and then.
This type of lubricant is also rather unsuitable for massages.
Silicone-based lubricant - also ideal for condoms
Silicone-based lubricants consist mainly of silicone, which has the advantage that it is hardly absorbed into the skin. This means that you will be able to have a lot of pleasure with the gel, especially if you have long sex.
In addition, this makes the lubricants excellent for longer massages and overall well tolerated by the skin.
The feeling on the skin of silicone-based lubricants is more reminiscent of massage oils. They are not quite as slippery as the water-based products.
You should only be careful here if you want to include sex toys in your lovemaking, because silicone lubricant is not compatible with toys made of silicone and can damage the toys.
Another disadvantage is that it is not as easy to wash off as water-based lubricants and can leave stains on textiles.
Natural lubricants with condoms
Natural lubricants such as aloe vera gel or Nuru gel can also be used excellently as an alternative to silicone-based or water-based lubricants.
The lubricants usually care for the skin richly, have only a few ingredients and can also be very productive. In addition, they have the advantage that they can be completely absorbed into the skin and do not leave stains on textiles.
However, it is important to make sure that they do not contain any preservatives or fragrances and that they really are 100% natural gels.
Otherwise, the feeling on the skin is not for everyone and should be tested. Residues can either be left on the skin or washed off easily.
Lubricant for anal intercourse a must-have
Anal without lube is like sledding without snow, basically not a good idea. Not only does it feel bad and can be painful, but it can also lead to injuries and anal fissures.
That's why it's extremely important to choose the right lube for anal sex. There are many water-based or silicone-based lubes available here that are produced specifically for anal sex.
These lubricants are more viscous, are absorbed more slowly into the skin and thus ensure that everything is always slippery and slides nicely.
By the way: We always recommend to wear a condom in the right size for anal intercourse to avoid infections of your urinary tract, prostate and co. The infections can be caused by the bacteria in your intestines.
The other advantages and disadvantages otherwise correspond to everything we have already written about gels.
Oil-based lubricant gel not suitable for condoms
Oil-based lubricants are generally not suitable for use with condoms. Oil-based lubricants cause the latex of condoms to become porous, which makes them burst faster.
Therefore, you should always keep them as far away from your rubbers as possible.
Alternatives to lube, are they suitable?
In addition to the classic lubricants, there are also alternatives that are considered by many as a substitute for lubricants. Here we will go into some of the most important ones.
Massage oils or baby oil as a lubricant replacement
Massage oils or baby oil are not suitable as lubricants, not for dry vaginas and certainly you should not use them in combination with condoms.
These oils mess up the vaginal flora and make latex condoms porous, so either way you should not use them.
The only exception is when massage gel is explicitly labeled as a lubricant for use with condoms.
Edible oils (coconut oil, olive oil, etc.) as an alternative to lubricant gels
With cooking oils we have the same problems as with massage oils or baby oil as an alternative to lubricant gel.
They dissolve condoms and unbalance the flora of the vagina.
In addition, the oil residues provide breeding grounds for bacteria and fungi, which can then lead to additional health problems.
Milking grease or Vaseline as a lubricant substitute
Again, we have to disappoint you, Vaseline and milking grease also do not belong in your intimate area.
The kerosenes (petroleum) make latex condoms porous and cracked, drastically reducing protection.
Studies have also shown that introduced petroleum jelly leads to an increased risk of bacterial vaginosis.
Anything else that contains fat or oil
You should always keep body lotion, hand cream, butter and anything else that contains fat or oil away from condoms.
Especially from the vagina as well as the anal area, unless it is specifically made for that purpose.
How to use lube correctly with or without a condom
The application of lube is incredibly simple and is done in the same way with or without condoms:
You put some in your hand, on your penis, vagina, anus or sex toy. Then spread it on the outside and inside, depending on the area, and you're ready to go.
You can also use it during foreplay to heighten sensation and add a little extra stimulation as you explore your partner's body. A tingling massage can also get you going.
Conclusion - condoms and lubricant
Lubricant is a wonderful tool and should not be missing in any household, especially because alternatives such as baby oil, cooking oils or Vaseline are not suitable for it.
Besides, vibrators, dildos, masturbators or anal sex without lubricant are not only less fun, but can lead to injuries.
Water-based lubes are perfect with or without condoms and can help get you and your partner really hot.
The same goes for silicone-based lubes, only here you have to be careful with your sex toys.
So don't waste any more time and stock up on lube gel quickly. You can get lubes in drugstores or supermarkets, but also in many online stores.
By the way, we at Mister Size also offer you organic lube that is best suited for use with condoms: