What is a lube or lubricant in gay sex?
What is lube?
Slippery substance used to enhance penetration whether using a condom or not, that allows for ease of masturbation as well as penetrative sex.
Definition
A slippery substance used personally, primarily, for ease of penetrative sexual activities, such as anal or vaginal intercourse. It is also used to ease the penetration of sexual aids, such as dildos, butt plugs, anal beads, and other assorted sex toys.
Various lubricants (lube) are also used for masturbation, to ease the gliding of one's hand up and down the penis.
History
Personal Lubricants were derived from the use of various substance during Surgery or other Medical examinations, that involved intrusive penetration.
About
Many manufactured lubricants have different 'bases' and are 'used' for various sexual acts. Lubricant is generally applied to prior to the commencement of a specific sexual act, such as penetration. It involved the coating of the penetrating object, such as a penis or a dildo, and can also involve placing the lubricant agent within the cavity, such as the rectum.
The addition of lubricant to the rectum, prior to insertion, is usually done by the finger(s).
Water Based - Usually mixed with glycerin, or even scented, these type of lubricants tend to dry out quickly, though they can be easily added. However, they can also facilitate yeast infections, to those susceptible to such infections.
In addition, some of the additives used in Water Based Lube can remain, though easily dissolved in water, the lingering feeling is generally not pleasant. Nor can these products be used easily in some sex acts, such as in a shower or bathtub.
J Lube - Usually a powder that is mixed as needed. One of the more popular types, inexpensive to purchase, it is mainly used by Vets, is extremely slippery when mixed with water. It is popular in some sub cultures. Made from Polyethylene Oxide and Sucrose.
Oil Based - Mainly made from Petroleum, these lubricants should not be used internally or with condoms either. The petroleum can reduce the effectiveness of latex, thus reducing the effectiveness of condoms.
In addition, it can leave a coating within the anal lining, that can allow for bacterial growth, that could be dangerous. It is also difficult to properly removed, whether used internally or externally.
Plant Based Oil - Castrol Oil was the original oil used in Surgical Procedures, that led to the development of Personal Lubricant products. Other plant based oils such as Coconut Oil, Crisco and such are also considered viable lubes.
Crisco is specially noted for its durability, in remaining slippery during more intense penetration acts, such as fisting. Again, it should be noted, proper removal of all lubricants that do not easily dissolve is essential to prevent bacterial growth or other diseases.
Silicone Based - Popular form of lubrication due to the simple fact that it is not absorbed by the skin easily, thus allowing its slippery properties to remain longer than other 'based' lubricants.
However, it should be noted that use of a Silicone Lube with Silicone Coated Condoms, or Silicone Made Toys can have adverse reactions. It can degrade the silicone toy, condom. In the case of a toy, it can cause it to actually dissolve during use.
Many Condoms are coated with a Silicone Lubricants, and so it is important to insure that any additional lubrication being used, is compatible.
Specialty Types - These are chemically manufactured lubricants, that will help to improve circulation, or attract added blood flow. They generally create a 'warming' sensation that allows for the vessels to expand, improving the circulation and the associated erection.
Some are merely flavored to enhance the oral pleasures, however, some use active agents to improve circulation that can have side effects, such as facilitating herpes outbreaks.
Practice (Associated Acts): The more adventurous will never run out of Lubricant, as there are many household items that can be used to aid in sexual penetration or masturbation.
Saliva is naturally one, though basically water, it is used mainly in Masturbation. Like any water based lube, it dries quickly so is not ideal for anal intercourse.
Pie fillings, like Banana, Coconut Cream, etc as usable, though again, mainly water based. Cooking Oils, including Olive Oil are well used personal lubricants when the bottle of the fancy stuff runs out.
Personal creams, used for hand care, or skin care are also able to be used, but again, internal use can lead to health risks.
Mineral Oil is another, but remember, it is a laxative so be careful if you swallow it during oral use.
Butter, if fresh, is an ideal lubricant, but like any food stuff, care should be taken afterwards to properly clean any and all toys or insides. Residue can lead to bacterial growth, disease, and other nasty stuff.
Creams with medication can have adverse side effects if used as a lubricant, specially if in aid of penetration.
Noteworthy: Not all lubricants are compatible with the use of latex condoms, and can degrade the latex over any prolonged use, so any lubricant used in conjunction with condoms should be clearly labeled as being safe for such use.
Vaseline is one such lubricant that really shouldn't be used with condoms, and some Silicon Lubes are also not compatible with condom use.
Read all labels before use.
Some lubricants can have adverse reaction with those who have sensitive skin, or other topical ailments. Not all lubricants are made for internal use either, again READ ALL LABELS CAREFULLY BEFORE USE.
Similiar Terms
To reduce friction among moving parts, such as in automotive engines, pulleys, and other mechanical devices. It can also be used to remove annoying noises on door hinges, gates, etc.