CheekyChicago

Even though vaginas lubricate all on their own, thanks to natural vaginal lubrication, sometimes a little bit more slipperiness is needed. Or wanted. Or just plain fun.

That’s why everyone should consider keeping a little lube on hand to add a drop of pleasure into their private or partnered sex. Here are some possibilities:

Good Clean Love: Like organic ingredients? And don’t like icky chemicals that are common irritants? Then consider Good Clean Love. True, it’s not the clear consistency of Astroglide or KY, but who ever said that lubrication had to look like that anyway? Good Clean Love is a favorite for its consistency, its unlikely-to-irritate factor, and its organic ingredients.

Just Like Me: This is one of those lubes that I have long recommended to women who find some of the mainstream brands to be too irritating for their most sensitive parts. Like Good Clean Love, it can be used for vaginal or anal sex and is water-based, so it can be used with latex or polyurethane condoms. The “pump” container makes it easy to apply, too.

Olive Oil: Although not everyone likes their sex to feel oily, some go crazy for it! Olive oil has been used as a natural-ish lubricant for ages. Unless you’re insanely wealthy or just plain picky, I would save your best stuff for salads and bread dipping, and go with a plain old Extra Virgin Olive Oil (or as Rachael Ray likes to remind everyone, EVOO). However, oil-based products should NOT be used with latex condoms.

Zestra: Though not technically a lubricant, Zestra oil – found in many drug stores – has been shown in some small studies to enhance women’s sexual arousal and ease of orgasm. Just massage a little on your clitoris and see if you enjoy the tingly sensations. A small percentage of women find it to be irritating, so proceed with caution if you have sensitive skin. Remember, though: this is oil-based so it should not be used with latex condoms.

Although sex was meant to have some friction – between hands and genitals, yours and your partner’s genitals, or genitals and toys – there’s a difference between a little friction (which can feel good) and a lot of friction (which can feel uncomfortable or painful). Choosing a lubricant or other slippery substance can make for more comfortable, pleasurable sex.

Debby Herbenick, PhD, MPH is a sex researcher and educator at Indiana University and author of Because It Feels Good: A Woman’s Guide to Sexual Pleasure and Satisfaction.