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During foreplay, when you feel like things are about to get spicy, but your body is cosplaying the Sahara Desert, or when friction is threatening to ruin the fun, that’s exactly where lubricant comes in. And no, we’re not talking about that random bottle of baby oil that’s sitting in your bathroom.

Why Lube is Actually Your Best Friend

Lube is that friend who shows up exactly when you need them, loyal and helpful to a fault. If you’re dealing with vaginal dryness, trying something new in the bedroom, or you just want to make things feel so much better, lube should be your go-to, anytime, any day.

The truth is that even when you’re fully in the mood, your body might not produce enough lubrication. This can happen for so many reasons. Maybe you’re breastfeeding, going through menopause, stressed about work, or your hormones are simply showing you shege during your period.

One of the benefits of using lube is that it reduces friction during sex, which means that there are fewer chances of tiny tears in your vagina and surrounding areas. Those micro tears aren’t just painful; they could also make you more susceptible to sexually transmitted infections. If you’re using condoms (which you absolutely should be), lube makes them less likely to break or slip off.

For anal sex, lube isn’t an option; it’s mandatory. Your anus doesn’t produce any natural lubrication, so trying to have anal sex without proper lube isn’t just uncomfortable; that’s you asking for injuries. Don’t do it.

Things You Should Never Use as Lube

We get it, sometimes you’re in the mood, but you don’t have proper lube handy. Still, there are some things that are simply not meant to go anywhere near your vagina.

Saliva might seem convenient because it’s free and always available, but it’s actually terrible as lube. Your mouth harbours bacteria different from those in your vagina, and mixing the two can lead to infections. Plus, saliva dries up pretty quickly, so you’re back to square one in minutes.

Vaseline and petroleum jelly are the worst offenders. Yes, they’re slippery, but that’s basically where the good news ends. Research shows that women who use petroleum jelly inside their vagina are more than twice as likely to develop bacterial vaginosis. Petroleum jelly doesn’t wash away easily with water, so it stays in your vagina for days. That’s basically saying ‘Hi bacteria, here’s a perfect breeding ground for you.’ It also destroys latex condoms completely. And good luck getting those greasy stains out of your sheets.

Baby oil, coconut oil and cooking oil have the same problems as Vaseline. They can irritate your vaginal tissue, upset your pH balance, damage condoms, and are incredibly difficult to clean up. Save the coconut oil for your hair. Cooking oil should stay in the kitchen; it doesn’t belong in your vagina.

Lotion, body cream, or moisturiser might feel smooth, but they contain fragrances, preservatives, and other chemicals that will irritate your intimate areas. These products are designed for your external skin, not your internal organs. They also tend to dry out too quickly to be effective during sex. Body wash, soap, or shampoo are absolutely off limits. Using them can cause burning and irritation. Plus, no one wants to explain to their doctor why their vagina smells like lavender shower gel.

The Right Stuff: Types of Lubes

The good news is that proper sexual lubricants exist and are accessible, both online and in pharmacies. Here’s what you should actually be using.

Water-based lubricants are the gold standard and safest choice for most people. Popular brands available in Nigeria include K-Y Jelly (available at Supermart, OneHealth, and most pharmacies), Durex Play (available at Padek Health Pharmacy and Jumia), and LUBRICA.

Water-based lubes feel most similar to your body’s natural lubrication. They’re safe to use with all types of condoms, sex toys, and barrier protection. They’re easy to clean up with just water and soap, and they’re less likely to cause irritation. The only downside is they can dry out during longer sessions, but you can just reapply or add a little water to reactivate them.

Silicone-based lubricants are thicker and last longer than water-based options, which makes them great for anal sex or marathon sessions. They’re also safe with condoms. However, it is important not to use them with silicone sex toys because they can damage the material.

When shopping for lube, check pharmacies and supermarkets, though you might need to ask the pharmacist or an attendant directly, since they’re often kept behind the counter.

What to Look For When Buying Lube

Choose a lubricant that matches your vagina’s pH (around 3.8 to 4.5) to keep your vaginal flora balanced. Avoid products with glycerine if you’re prone to yeast infections because the sugar can feed the yeast. Stay away from anything with parabens, petroleum, or string fragrances. The simpler the ingredient list, the better.

If you’re trying to conceive, look for lubricants labelled as “fertility friendly” because many regular lubes can affect sperm motility. For anal sex, look for thicker lubricants specifically marketed for anal sex, usually silicone-based or thick water-based formulas.

Stop raiding your kitchen or bathroom cabinet for makeshift solutions. Invest in a proper lubricant. These products are not luxury items; they’re basic sexual health necessities, just like condoms. Don’t let anyone or anything make you feel embarrassed about using lube. It shows you’re informed, responsible and care about having great sex.

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