In these times of abundant sexually transmitted infections (STIs) all of us need to step up our safer sex practices. Adding the use of lubricant to our safer sex arsenal is another step we can take to help reduce the spread of disease. Check out the tips below to learn how lubricant can help improve the effectiveness of condoms and other barriers in preventing STIs.

Lubricant Reduces Irritation
 The top layer of skin of the penis, vagina, and anus acts as a protector against many sexually acquired infections and diseases. Irritation and microscopic tears in the skin of these areas can be a route into the body for certain STIs, such as HIV. Using lubricant on these areas makes them slippery helping reduce irritation and tearing that can occur during sex. When you reduce irritation and tearing you are helping prevent potential routes into the body for many STIs.

Lubricant Saves Condoms
Using lubricant also helps keep condoms from breaking. Dry sex increases the friction and strain on condoms thus increasing the likelihood of condom breakage. Using a latex friendly lubricant (see “Choosing the Right Lubricant” for more information) on the inside and the outside of condoms helps keep condoms intact. An intact condom goes a long way in preventing numerous STIs.

Lubricant Increases His Sensation
“I add a drop or two of lube – just a little bit – to the inside of his condom and that really makes a big difference for him.”

Have you ever heard that having sex with a condom is like taking a shower while wearing a raincoat? Some men have an aversion to condoms because they miss the sensation of wetness while wearing one. Lubricant can go a long way in solving this dilemma. Before putting on your condom, add a few drops of latex friendly lubricant to the reservoir tip on the inside of the condom, then role the condom onto the penis as usual. The amount of lubricant men prefer varies, so experiment with more or less lubricant until you find what feels best to you.

Lubricant Keeps Dental Dams in Place
A dental dam is a small square of latex that helps prevent the transmission of STIs when performing cunniligus or anilingus (oral sex on the vulva or anus). Plastic wrap (non-microwavable is best) can be used for the same purposes; plus it’s cheaper, and covers a larger area. The tricky thing about using dental dams and plastic wrap is that they might not stay in place, they might bunch up, or they might accidently flip over exposing the oral sex performer to the very STI s/he is trying to avoid. Lubricant can go a long way in solving this harrowing problem. Simply coat the entire pubic and vulva area or the anal area with lubricant and place the plastic wrap (or dental dam) on top. The lubricant will cause the plastic wrap to stick to the area thus helping keep it in place.
Note: If you are using latex dental dams be sure to use latex friendly lubricant such as a silicone or water-based lubricant. 

Make Safer Sex Happier Sex
Adding the use of lubricant to your safer sex practices is easy and inexpensive. Lubricant helps increase the effectiveness of condoms and dental dams in preventing infection and helps make condoms more pleasurable to use. So make your safer sex happier sex and pick up a bottle of sex lubricants today!

Angela Towne, Sexuality Educator