Why Everyone Should Be Using Lubricant: A Must-Have for Enhanced Pleasure and Wellness
Lubricant isn’t a last resort. It’s a first choice. For years, lubricant has been marketed as a solution to a problem, rather than what it truly is: an enhancement for intimacy. We use moisturisers even if our skin isn’t dry. We invest in skincare not because our face is damaged, but because it makes us feel good. So why do we treat lubricant as something we only use when something is ‘wrong’? When it comes to sexual wellness, lube is one of the most essential yet underrated products. Ples’Jour is here to shift the mindset from need to want. Because the truth is, everyone should be using lube.
1. Enhances Pleasure
The most important benefit of using a lubricant is its ability to enhance pleasure. Research shows that 98% of women agree that lubricant makes sex feel better (2). Whether you’re using it during intercourse, with sex toys, or for self-pleasure, lube allows for heightened sensitivity and a more enjoyable, stimulating sensation. Lube is about maximizing pleasure. It’s a simple, powerful way to elevate intimacy and create a more effortless experience.
2. Your Body Works on a Cycle
For people with menstrual cycles, natural lubrication fluctuates based on hormonal changes throughout the month. Around ovulation, estrogen levels peak, and the body often produces more cervical mucus, leading to increased natural lubrication. However, during other phases of the cycle, such as before or after your period, hormone levels drop, and natural lubrication may decrease, leading to dryness or discomfort. Lubricant helps bridge the gap during these fluctuations, ensuring comfort and enhancing pleasure no matter where you are in your cycle. Understanding how your body’s natural rhythm impacts lubrication is key to making every intimate moment enjoyable and stress-free.
3. Stress disrupts lubrication!
1 in 5 adults over the age of 16 are stressed every single day, with women almost twice as likely to experience stress than men (3). Stress is one of the biggest culprits behind reduced natural lubrication. When the body is under stress, hormone levels like cortisol can spike, disrupting the production of vaginal fluids and leading to dryness. This can occur at any age in individuals who are otherwise healthy. Using a lubricant ensures that intimacy remains comfortable and pleasurable, regardless of life’s external pressures.
4. Elevates Foreplay
Lubricant isn’t just for intercourse, it can transform foreplay into a more sensual and enjoyable experience. While many people rely on saliva for lubrication, it dries up quickly and often needs to be reapplied, interrupting the flow and mood. A high-quality lubricant stays silky and long-lasting, making your life easier and allowing you to stay in the moment. Incorporating lubricant into foreplay creates a more luxurious and satisfying experience for both partners.
5. Improves Intimacy and Connection
Using lubricant isn’t just about the physical benefits; it can also improve emotional and relational intimacy. When discomfort is removed from the equation, you and your partner can focus more on each other, deepening your connection. Research has shown that couples who communicate openly about their sexual needs, including the use of products like lube, report higher relationship satisfaction (4,5). Lube encourages communication between partners as it allows for greater exploration and helps both parties feel more comfortable discussing what enhances their experience.
6. Reduces Risk of Injury and Irritation
Without adequate lubrication, the risk of microtears in sensitive areas increases, especially during longer sessions. These small tears can lead to irritation, discomfort, and even a greater chance of urinary tract infections (UTIs). In fact, friction during sex is one of the leading causes of irritation and injury, which can increase the risk of contracting infections (6). Lubricant acts as a protector, reducing the risk of injury by minimising friction and ensuring a safer, more comfortable experience.
7. Increases Sexual Exploration and Experimentation
For those interested in exploring different kinds of sexual activities, including the use of sex toys or trying new positions, lubricant can be a game-changer. It allows for smoother experimentation, making new sensations and movements feel more natural and less intimidating. Many sexologists recommend using lube to enhance the comfort and enjoyment of sex toys, particularly for those new to using them (7). It’s also important for anal play, as the anus does not self-lubricate like the vagina does, making lubricant essential for safety and comfort.
8. Supports a Positive and Inclusive Sexual WellnessJourney
Using lubricant is a reminder that pleasure is a vital part of sexual wellness. In a world where there are often stigmas or taboos surrounding sexual health, choosing to use a product like lubricant is an empowering act. Studies have shown that people who prioritize their sexual well-being, including the use of products like lube, report higher levels of overall life satisfaction (8). Regardless of gender or sexual orientation, everybody deserves to experience pleasure in a way that feels comfortable and enjoyable for them.
9. Perfect for All Ages and Life Stages
Lubricant is for everyone, regardless of age or sexual experience. Whether you’re just starting to explore intimacy or have been sexually active for years, lube can elevate your experience. A study published on Menopause found that more than half of women aged 40 to 65 experience vaginal dryness (9). Using a high-quality lubricant ensures that comfort and pleasure are always within reach, no matter where you are in your journey.
10. Works with Condoms and Enhances Safety
Using lubricant with condoms is not only encouraged but can also improve safety. When there’s not enough lubrication, condoms are more likely to break due to increased friction. By adding a little lube, you ensure that the condom stays intact, reducing the risk of breakage and making the experience more comfortable for both partners (10). Just be sure to choose a lubricant that is condom-
compatible..
Final Thoughts: Lube is for Everyone
Lubricant is an essential tool for enhancing pleasure, increasing comfort, and creating a more connected, positive sexual experience for all. Whether it’s used for daily self-care or shared with a partner, lube is a simple, effective way to elevate intimacy.
Ples’Jour®
Pleasure, reimagined
Sources:
(1) Mitchell KR, Geary R, Graham CA, Datta J, Wellings K, Sonnenberg P, Field N, Nunns D, Bancroft J, Jones KG, Johnson AM, Mercer CH. Painful sex (dyspareunia) in women: prevalence and associated factors in a British population probability survey. BJOG 2017; 124: 1689–1697.
(2) Jozkowski KN, Herbenick D, Schick V, Reece M, Sanders SA, Fortenberry JD. Women’s perceptions about lubricant use and vaginal wetness during sexual activities. J Sex Med. 2013 Feb;10(2):484-92. doi: 10.1111/jsm.12022. Epub 2012 Dec 4. PMID: 23211029.
(3) Forth – The Great British Stress Epidemic Study, 14th February 2024.
(4) Mallory AB, Stanton AM, Handy AB. Couples’ Sexual Communication and Dimensions of Sexual Function: A Meta-Analysis. J Sex Res. 2019 Sep;56(7):882-898. doi: 10.1080/00224499.2019.1568375. Epub 2019 Feb 19. PMID: 30777780; PMCID: PMC6699928.
(5) Kornreich, Z., “The Role of Communication in Enhancing Sexual Satisfaction,” Journal of Family Psychology, 2018.
(6) Leclair, C. M., et al., “Friction-Induced Vaginal Tears and Their Consequences,” Journal of Women’s Health, 2019.
(7) O’Reilly, S., “Why Lube Is Essential for Sexual Wellness,” The Pleasure Report, 2021.
(8) Brotto, L., et al., “The Connection Between Sexual Well-being and Life Satisfaction,” Sexual Medicine Reviews, 2017.
(9) Avis, N. E., et al., “Vaginal Dryness in Midlife Women,” Menopause, 2018.
(10) Planned Parenthood, “Condom Use and Benefits,” 2020.
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