5 Reasons You Need Lube in the Bedroom

If we’re talking about what you should have in your bedside drawer, I’m going to make a strong case for something you might not have: a tube of lube. Alongside moisturiser, condoms, tissues and a plethora of bobby pins, lube is one of the greatest things you can do for your body. It shouldn’t be just relegated to the domain of anal sex – it should have its rightful place as a necessity for all people who have sex in all positions and orifices. Lube is great for everything from a quick handjob to a long bout on a cold winter’s night, and here’s why.

1. Lube helps you get ready for sex without pressure

Vaginas aren’t ready to go like a pre-packaged salad from the fridge section of Dunnes. Getting wet enough to allow penetration is important and is often just as much mental and physical work as an erection. Being cold, nervous, tired or just taking a while to warm up can contribute to ‘dryness’, and therefore pain or discomfort during penetration. I put dryness in inverted commas because it has a negative connotation of not being aroused or into sex, when in fact, not being wet can be an effect of all of the reasons listed and more. Sometimes dryness is just a symptom of having a vagina that does its own damn thing including self-lubricating and self-regulating. A slow sensual massage with a lubricant-massage oil hybrid can help build your arousal while preparing your body for sex.

2. Lube helps your libidos and bodies harmonise

Everybody has their own libido and rarely will your arousal synchronise with someone else’s. One partner might be raring to go while the other may need more time. The physical “I’m ready” signs such as an erection or being wet often don’t line up. An erection can be a fickle, easily spooked friend that likes to come when it’s not needed and stay limp when it is needed. Lube can help partners avoid the awkward timing battle of genitals by being a bit of a shortcut. If you’re not wet enough, help your vagina with a dollop of lube. If they don’t have an erection, stiffen things up with an encouraging blow job. Make oral foreplay a treat for yourself or them with a deliciously flavoured lubricant. Remember, intimacy is best when both partners are ready.

3. Lube makes anal sex enjoyable

This one goes without saying. For god’s sake, if you’re going to have anal sex, use anal lube. Use lots of lube. If you feel like you’ve probably got enough lube all over you, use more. I cannot stress this enough. Use lube, just use it. Nobody has ever stopped during anal and said ‘jeez, I’ve used too much lube’.

4. Lube makes putting a condom on less awkward

Sex has a lot to do with flow, and if there’s one thing that can ruin it, it’s stopping to glove up. You’ve got to fiddle with the perforated edges, whip the condom out, and then finally roll it on. Sometimes this can take away the spontaneity of the moment, especially if you suddenly cop the smell of latex, which your vagina isn’t a huge fan of. To get things going again, it takes an awkward fumble of words and body parts. Return to your passion sooner with a generous slather of lube. Applying the lube along their penis help builds their arousal, and lets you both comfortably enjoy penetrative sex.

5. Lube is good for other things too, not just penetration

Lube isn’t just for penetrative sex. As well as being a great aid for hand-related sex for, or masturbation, there are other uses for your handy little tube. People who get their period and struggle to use tampons or menstrual cups will find a little lube goes a long way in making insertion easier, especially with a cup, as they can be tricky.