When being intimate, do you always feel dry and painful? Rediscover "moisture and passion" with just one bottle of it...

Let's start with a no-prize quiz: What do you need to prepare before rolling in the sheets with your beloved? Condoms, birth control pills, or even various fun gadgets like vibrators and love eggs... All the above answers are correct! But there's one item that can quickly improve the quality of your intimate life and let you enjoy speed and passion, often overlooked or even misunderstood. Today, let's talk about this underrated little prop - lubricant.

At the mention of lubricant, many might think: "I don't need this. I'm not frigid or a 'Sahara Desert,' or my partner can produce enough natural lubrication. Adding more might make it too slippery..." Hold on! We've specially invited Prof. Gan Xiaoqin, Chief Physician of Gynecology at Chengdu Women's and Children's Central Hospital, to provide a science-backed explanation. After reading, you might view lubricants differently.

Does using lubricant mean I'm inadequate?
In my opinion, those who don't use lubricant fall into two categories: one is largely unaware of what lubricant is for, and the other rejects it due to prejudice. Some people mistakenly believe that if a partner uses lubricant, it's because they're not "aroused enough," even wondering, "Does he/she not love me anymore?" or "Am I not good enough?"

In fact, "not being wet enough" is perfectly normal. A woman's body isn't a water dispenser that automatically releases fluid at a press. Just as men sometimes face "performance issues" for various reasons, women can also experience delays or insufficient lubrication even when aroused.

Let's look at some data: According to the "Chinese Female Sex Survey" jointly conducted by the Sexual Medicine Committee of the Chinese Sexology Association and the Menopause Group of the Obstetrics and Gynecology Branch of the Chinese Medical Association, 78.5% of surveyed women admitted experiencing insufficient vaginal lubrication during sex. This clearly shows that most people lack adequate lubrication during intimacy.

Perhaps because it's so common, many think some pain or discomfort during sex is normal. But it shouldn't be! Insufficient lubrication during sex has serious consequences: vaginal dryness and severe pain turn intimacy into a ordeal, leading to resistance and even sexual apathy. As Prof. Gan Xiaoqin explains: When a woman's body doesn't secrete enough fluid (or any), forced penetration can cause pain, lower back distension, or dyspareunia, leading to fear of sex and affecting marital relationships and quality. In severe cases, it can even cause genital injuries. Clinically, there have been cases of women suffering perineal or vaginal lacerations with heavy bleeding, requiring emergency treatment.

This is where lubricant becomes crucial: it provides auxiliary lubrication during dryness, reduces pain or dyspareunia from direct friction between genitals, and enhances pleasure. (Psst... Using lubricant can also reduce male genital sensitivity by minimizing friction, making intimacy last longer!)

Is lubricant safe, and how do I choose it? Prof. Gan reminds us that there are many products on the market. Always purchase from pharmacies or legitimate merchants to ensure safety, as it directly contacts or enters sensitive areas.

So, how to choose the right lubricant? Let's hear Prof. Gan's advice. Lubricants are categorized by ingredients into water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based types:

1. Water-based Lubricants

These are the most recommended for sex and dominate the market.

· Advantages: Good solubility, high body acceptance, and easy to clean. Notably, they don't dissolve latex, so they can be used with latex condoms.

· How to identify: Look for "water-soluble" labeled on the packaging.

· Caution: Since they're water-based, they're easily absorbed and volatile, so reapplication may be needed during sex.
PS: Some use saliva as a substitute, but this is ill-advised. Saliva is 99% water, which evaporates quickly, taking skin moisture with it (like licking lips makes them drier). Bacteria in saliva can also cause vaginal infections.

2. Oil-based Lubricants

Not recommended for sex as they dissolve condoms, risking pregnancy and failing to prevent STDs. However, their long-lasting lubrication with minimal use makes them suitable for medical and care purposes (e.g., petroleum jelly, baby oil).

3. Silicone-based Lubricants

Compared to the others, they offer long-lasting lubrication like oil-based types but don't dissolve condoms. However, they're hard to wash off if not rinsed immediately. They're generally pricier than water-based options and shouldn't be used with silicone sex toys, as they can damage the silicone resin.

Final reminder: Never grab random slippery items like shampoo, body lotion, or olive oil in the heat of the moment. The risks are high: unknown ingredients can compromise condom effectiveness, irritate delicate female mucosa, disrupt vaginal pH, and cause vaginitis or allergies—men are equally at risk!

Whether between couples or solo, sex should be a beautiful and pleasurable experience. Using a little aid to significantly enhance this precious experience is a no-brainer.

If you take this advice, come back and leave a comment about your experience!