“The moon seems unaware
of night's dark hitting
on the damp warm rain
misguiding owl's spitting.
A thunder light of love
raising hearts beating
while weather learns more
from rain lovers meeting.”
― Munia Khan, author & poet
November does invoke memories of warm, damp rain. And “damp” creates feelings of moisture in a quite wonderful way.
There are many ways in which dampness, moisture, and wetness are a wonderful gift, especially with the state of drought that many parts of our world find themselves in.
But, in the realm of intimacy, why is it that wetter is better?
Wetter is Better
According to research by Indiana University, 70 percent of people use lubricants because they make sexual activities feel better.
"These data clearly show that use of the lubricants in our study was associated with higher ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction," said Debby Herbenick, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion.
Michael Reece, director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion and co-author of the study, said public health professionals have long recommended the use of lubricants as an important safer sex tool, particularly when used with latex condoms.
"These findings help us to reinforce to sexually active individuals that not only are lubricants important to safer sex but that they also contribute to the overall quality of one's sexual experiences," he said.
More than Just Comfort
According to Medical News Today, sexual activity is a common cause of minor vaginal tears or micro-tears. Vaginal tears often happen during sex when the vaginal canal isn’t wet enough.
Using intimate lubrication can provide a barrier during sex and sex toy use, allowing for a more comfortable experience—and help prevent tears and injuries.
This correlates with the #1 reason consumers use lubricants---which is to reduce friction during sex for more comfort and to lessen possibilities of injury. According to U.S. Census data and Simmons National Consumer Survey (NHCS), 49.92 million Americans were reported to be using personal lubricants in 2018.
Why Do You Need Lube?
Intimate lubrication fluctuates based on various factors. Here are common ones:
- Age
- Medication
- Hormonal Swings
- Arousal Levels
- Diet
- Emotional Reasons, including Stress & Anxiety
Additionally, allergy medication (antihistamines), birth control, anti-depressants, and overall dehydration can also affect natural lubrication.
But it’s important to know that lack of wetness does not mean a person is not turned on.
Natural lubrication is not a guaranteed indicator of arousal level. Bodily responses are unique and can be a bit confusing on occasion.
The important thing to pay attention to is what you want as a whole. If you desire sex and your mind is telling you, “Yes, yes, yes!”, but your body is dry in its responsiveness, this is the ideal time to incorporate intimate lube into your life.
Lubricants can help prepare your body for sex and can last longer than natural lubrication.
Everyone Uses Lube
A study published in The Journal of Sexual Medicine found 70% of men have used lubricant. While Indiana University’s Center for Sexual Health Promotion studies report that more than 65% of women in the U.S. regularly use a personal lubricant during sex.
It’s also key to keep in mind that lube is practically necessary with sex toys since they are unable to lubricate themselves.
Lubricants can also make solo sex play sessions much more comfortable.
Lube + Sex is GOOD
Sex has been found to reduce stress and anxiety. Lube has been found to increase the possibility of pleasure. Together, sex and lube can be good for you and your health.
Lube can even help with feelings of sexual stress by helping alleviate sexual pain and help those experiencing difficulty with climax reach orgasm. Lube can be a great place to start if a person is wondering how to make their sex life better.
Remember, choosing a lubricant can be a personal matter, especially since there are so many options and many lubricants are created to be used for specific types of sex play.