Sexual lubricant

A sexual lubricant (or masturbation lubricant) is a lubricant used to increase pleasure or reduce pain during sexual activity.

Warning: not all lubricants are compatible with latex condoms. Oil-based lubricants such as Vaseline (TM) should never be used with latex condoms, since they may reduce the effectiveness of latex condoms as a contraceptive and protection against disease like AIDS. Water-based lubricants may be used with latex condoms, but oil-based lubricants must be avoided since they weaken the latex. Polyurethane is a non-latex alternative for condoms. If the woman's vagina is at all dry, water-based lubricant should be used to reduce the abrasion on the condom. Water-based lubricants are, however, incompatible with underwater sex as they can be dissolved or dispersed in water.

Silicone-based sexual lubricants are incompatible with, and may cause damage to, silicone-based sex toys.

Lubricants intended for sexual purposes include:

• vaginal lubicrant
• K-Y jelly™ water-based
• Wet™ silicone-based

Other substances improvised as sexual lubricants:

• moisturizing body lotion
• saliva
• Vaseline™
• cooking oils
• fruit pulp and other foods

Males and females masturbate differently. While males do produce a lubricating fluid (Cowper's fluid), the informal name for this fluid, "precum", already indicates that this may often be released only relatively shortly before orgasm or after intense mental stimulation. Moreover, the circumcised penis lacks the little amount of extra lubrication produced by the foreskin and may be less sensitive, often making artificical lubrication necessary for starting masturbation. For uncircumcised males, lubrication is usually desirable mainly for extra stimulation and to allow more intense stroking of the penis. A lubricant may be used to facilitate the use of certain sex toys, or with females as part of prolonged clitoral stimulation.