The Best Lubes for Sex (And Which You Should Skip)

The Best Lubes (And What You Should Avoid)

Whether you’re exploring new sexual experiences, dealing with vaginal dryness, or just want smoother intimacy, choosing the right lubricant can make a huge difference. Lubrication enhances comfort, pleasure, and connection, but with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which lube is best, and which to avoid.

As a certified sex therapist, I often hear from clients asking about lubrication: what works, what’s safe, and how to make sexual experiences more enjoyable. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the world of lubes so your intimate moments are safe, pleasurable, and worry-free.

Why Lubrication Matters

Lubrication plays a key role in sexual health and comfort. Common reasons to use lube include:

• Reducing friction and discomfort: Vaginal or anal dryness can make penetration painful or irritating.

• Enhancing pleasure: Lubes can increase sensitivity and make sex more enjoyable for everyone.

• Supporting intimacy: Less friction means less tension, allowing you to focus on connection and arousal.

• During menopause or perimenopause: Hormonal changes can reduce natural lubrication, making lube essential for comfort.

Even if you don’t typically experience dryness, lubes can enhance sexual experiences for both solo play and partnered activity.

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Types of Lubricants

Lubricants are generally categorized by their base ingredients, each with pros and cons. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right one for your body and sexual preferences.

Water-Based Lubes

Water-based lubes are the most common and versatile. They are safe to use with condoms, sex toys, and are easy to clean.

Pros:

• Non-staining

• Condom- and toy-safe

• Easy to wash off

• Often enriched with natural soothing ingredients

Cons:

• Can dry out faster, requiring reapplication

• May become sticky if overused

Tips: Look for products with minimal additives if you have sensitive skin. Examples include Sliquid Organics, Good Clean Love, and Slippery Stuff.

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Silicone-Based Lubes

Silicone lubes are silky and long-lasting, making them ideal for water play or longer sessions.

Pros:

• Very slippery and long-lasting

• Waterproof, so great for shower or bath play

• Less frequent reapplication needed

Cons:

• Not compatible with silicone sex toys (can degrade the material)

• Harder to wash off than water-based lubes

Tips: Use silicone lubes for anal sex or long sessions, but avoid using with silicone toys unless specified as safe. Popular options include Uberlube or Replens Silky Smooth.

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Oil-Based Lubes

Oil-based lubes include natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, or commercial products. They can be moisturizing and feel luxurious.

Pros:

• Natural and often chemical-free

• Long-lasting

• Can double as massage oil

Cons:

• Not safe with latex condoms (can cause breakage)

• Harder to clean

• Can increase risk of yeast infections in some people

Tips: If using oil-based lube, opt for non-latex protection or non-barrier sexual activity. Coconut oil is a popular natural choice but keep in mind it may stain fabrics.

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Hybrid Lubricants

Hybrid lubes combine water and silicone for a long-lasting feel that’s easier to clean than pure silicone lubes.

Pros:

• Long-lasting without sticky residue

• Safe with most condoms and some toys

Cons:

• May still not be compatible with all silicone toys

• Slightly harder to wash off than pure water-based lubes

Tips: Great middle-ground for people who want the smoothness of silicone with the ease of water-based lube. Good Clean Love makes a solid hybrid lube.

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Ingredients to Avoid

Not all lubes are created equal, and some can irritate sensitive areas or disrupt natural flora. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Glycerin: While moisturizing for some, glycerin can increase yeast infection risk in susceptible individuals.

• Parabens and synthetic preservatives: Can irritate sensitive skin or mucous membranes.

• Flavored or warming additives with sugar or strong chemicals: Can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

• Petroleum-based products: Safe for solo play but can break down latex condoms and may cause irritation.

Tip: Always patch test a new lube on a small area of skin before full use, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of reactions.

Lube for Specific Needs

Different sexual situations and bodies may benefit from tailored lubes:

• Vaginal dryness: Water-based lubes with soothing ingredients like aloe or hyaluronic acid are ideal.

• Anal play: Silicone lubes are highly recommended due to durability and extra slipperiness.

• Condom use: Stick to water-based or hybrid lubes to avoid breakage.

• Sensitive skin: Choose free-from lubes, fragrance-free, and minimal additives.

Tips for Using Lube Effectively

1. Start with a small amount: You can always add more, but too much can feel messy.

2. Reapply as needed: Especially with water-based lubes, friction can make them dry out.

3. Combine with intimacy: Lube is not just for penetration—use it during masturbation, foreplay, or even massage to increase pleasure.

4. Store properly: Keep lubes in a cool, dry place to preserve their formula.

Common Myths About Lubes

• “Lubricants are only for older people.”
  False. Anyone can benefit from lube, whether it’s to reduce friction, increase pleasure, or experiment with different sensations.

• “If it’s slippery, it’s safe.”
  Not always. Check the ingredients and condom/toy compatibility. Some slippery products may contain irritants or degrade latex.

• “More lube is always better.”
  Not necessarily. Using too much can reduce friction to the point where stimulation decreases, or make cleanup difficult.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

If you experience persistent dryness, irritation, pain during sex, or discomfort even with lubricants, a Chicago sex therapist or healthcare provider can help identify underlying issues. Sometimes sexual discomfort is related to:

• Hormonal changes (perimenopause, menopause)

• Pelvic floor tension or dysfunction

• Low libido or arousal issues

• Anxiety or relationship concerns

Working with a professional ensures you’re not just masking the symptoms but addressing the root cause.

TLDR

Lubricants are more than just a convenience; they can transform sexual experiences, enhance pleasure, and support intimacy. Choosing the right type of lube, understanding ingredients to avoid, and using it effectively can make a huge difference in comfort and enjoyment.

Whether you’re exploring new sexual experiences, managing vaginal dryness, or looking to make intimacy more enjoyable, a high-quality lube is a simple but powerful tool. And if you ever feel unsure or encounter discomfort, consulting a sex therapist at Embrace Sexual Wellness can help you navigate your sexual health safely and confidently.

Can Therapy Really Help with Sexual Performance Anxiety?

Sex is supposed to be pleasurable, right?

But for many people, sex doesn’t feel free, confident, or connected; it feels pressured, stressful, and full of second-guessing. If you've ever found yourself overthinking your performance in the bedroom, worrying about how your body is responding, or feeling frozen in moments that are supposed to feel intimate, you’re not alone.

Sexual performance anxiety is incredibly common, but it’s rarely talked about even in therapy spaces. And unfortunately, the silence often makes things worse. The good news? Therapy can help, and not just in a surface-level way. It can address the deeper emotional and relational patterns that keep performance anxiety in place and help you (and your partner) move toward real, connected intimacy.

Let’s break it down.

What Is Sexual Performance Anxiety?

Sexual performance anxiety is a form of anxiety that shows up in sexual situations whether you're about to have sex, thinking about sex, or trying to be intimate with a partner. It can affect people of all genders, sexual orientations, and relationship types.

It often sounds like this:

• “What if I can’t keep it up?”

• “What if I don’t finish?”

• “What if I don’t feel anything?”

• “What if they think I’m bad in bed?”

• “What if my body doesn’t respond the way it’s supposed to?”

• “What if I disappoint them?”

For some, performance anxiety leads to avoidance (e.g., avoiding sex, closeness, or even conversations about intimacy). For others, it shows up during sex as intrusive thoughts, tension, or a sense of being disconnected from your body. This can be frustrating, isolating, and, let’s be honest, deeply painful, especially if it’s affecting your relationship.

Common Causes of Sexual Performance Anxiety

Sexual performance anxiety rarely shows up out of nowhere. It's often connected to one or more of the following:

1. Cultural or religious shame about sex

Messages you received growing up about sex being "bad," "dirty," or only for reproduction can linger in the body and mind, even years later. These messages about sex can lead us to think we are ‘wrong’ for wanting to be intimate or thinking about engaging in sex with our partners.

2. High pressure to perform

Especially for men, there's often pressure to “initiate,” “stay hard,” “last long,” or “satisfy your partner” all while being relaxed and confident. That's a lot of pressure for something that's supposed to be mutually enjoyable.

3. Body image concerns

If you're worried about how your body looks or functions during sex, it's hard to be present.

4. Past sexual trauma or negative experiences

Unresolved trauma or even one awkward, painful, or embarrassing sexual encounter can shape how you feel about intimacy moving forward.

5. Relationship issues

Ongoing conflict, lack of trust, or emotional disconnection can make sex feel like a performance instead of a shared experience.

6. Stress, anxiety, and mental health

Generalized anxiety, depression, and chronic stress (especially from work, parenting, or caregiving roles) can impact desire, arousal, and confidence.

So, Can Therapy Really Help?

Yes, and here’s how. At Embrace Sexual Wellness, we work with individuals and couples who are dealing with the emotional, relational, and physical challenges of sexual performance anxiety.

Therapy can help you:

1. Understand what’s really going on

Performance anxiety is rarely just about what’s happening in the moment. Therapy helps uncover what’s fueling the anxiety, whether it’s past experiences, shame, fear of failure, or relational dynamics. You get to explore your story in a safe, supportive space.

2. Interrupt the anxiety-thought cycle

In therapy, you’ll learn how to identify and challenge anxious thoughts before they spiral into shutdown or panic. This might involve CBT techniques, mindfulness practices, or somatic awareness, all aimed at helping you stay present and grounded during intimacy.

3. Reconnect with your body

Performance anxiety pulls you out of your body and into your head. Therapy helps you rebuild a relationship with your body that feels safe, attuned, and responsive, not judgmental or critical. This can be especially healing for people who’ve experienced dissociation or discomfort during sex.

4. Communicate with your partner more openly

If you're in a relationship, therapy can support both of you in having honest, shame-free conversations about sex. You’ll learn to express needs, set boundaries, and understand each other’s triggers so sex becomes a space of trust, not pressure.

5. Heal from past experiences

Whether you’ve been through trauma, rejection, or simply years of sexual avoidance, therapy offers a chance to heal. You don’t have to carry the weight of old experiences into every intimate moment.

6. Create a new sexual narrative

Instead of sex being about performance, pressure, or expectation, therapy helps you define what you want sex to mean. Perhaps it’s connection, pleasure, playfulness or safety or a combination. You get to rewrite the script.

What to Expect in Sex Therapy

You don’t have to show up with all the answers. You don’t need to be in crisis. You just need to be willing to be curious and honest with yourself and your therapist.

We’ll create a space that’s affirming, nonjudgmental, and tailored to you. Some clients come for individual therapy; others come as a couple. Either way, therapy is always consent-based, collaborative, and deeply respectful of where you are in your journey.

We often hear clients say things like:

“I wish I’d started this sooner.”

“I am so relieved I found you to help us.”

“I thought I was broken, but I just needed someone to help me understand what was really going on.”

You’re not broken. You’re human. And you don’t have to figure this out alone.

Sex Therapy in Chicago

At Embrace Sexual Wellness, we offer specialized comprehensive care in sex therapy that targets your goals. While we are based in Chicago, Illinois, we’re also licensed to support clients in Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, and Louisiana. Whether you're local or working with us virtually, you’ll receive compassionate, expert care grounded in science and rooted in human connection.

TLDR

Sexual performance anxiety can make intimacy feel like a test you’re always failing, but it doesn’t have to stay that way. Therapy can help you understand your anxiety, shift your mindset, reconnect with your body, and build a sex life that actually feels good for you and your partner. You don’t need to power through, shut down, or pretend everything’s fine. You can talk about it. You can work on it and find new strategies to approach intimacy with more ease.

16 Ways Shame Shows Up During Sex and How It Can Impact Your Relationship

Shameful messages about sex often stem from societal, cultural, religious, and familial beliefs that label certain sexual behaviors, desires, or identities as "wrong," "dirty," or "immoral." These messages can deeply affect how people perceive themselves and their sexuality. Here are some common shameful messages about sex:

1. Sex is Only for Reproduction

• Message: "Sex is only acceptable if it's for having children or in a committed marriage."

• Impact: This message shames people who engage in sex for pleasure or outside of traditional marriage, reinforcing the idea that sexuality is only valuable when linked to reproduction or procreation.

2. Sex is "Dirty" or "Wrong"

• Message: "Sex is inherently dirty or sinful, and people who enjoy it are morally flawed."

• Impact: This leads to feelings of guilt or shame about sexual desire or activity, even within consensual, healthy relationships. It may also foster a sense of "uncleanliness" after sex, making it harder to embrace sexual expression as a natural part of life.

3. Women's Sexuality is Shameful

• Message: "Women should not express desire or pleasure in sex; they should be passive, chaste, or only interested in sex for their partner's sake."

• Impact: This message can lead to women feeling ashamed of their sexual desires, fantasies, or pleasure, and might cause them to suppress or ignore their own needs. It can also reinforce the idea that women’s sexual pleasure isn’t as valid as men’s.

4. Sexual Fantasies are Wrong

• Message: "Having sexual fantasies, especially about taboo subjects, makes you a bad or immoral person."

• Impact: This message induces guilt about natural fantasies, which are a normal part of human sexuality. People may feel embarrassed or ashamed about their thoughts, even though fantasies are private and don't necessarily reflect real-life desires.

5. Sex Outside of Heterosexual Marriage is Bad

• Message: "Sex is only acceptable within a heterosexual, monogamous marriage."

• Impact: This message stigmatizes LGBTQ+ people, those who practice polyamory, or people who have casual sex. It can foster shame about one's sexual orientation, relationship structure, or sexual choices.

6. Sexual Repression is Virtuous

• Message: "People should remain sexually abstinent or 'pure' until marriage."

• Impact: This can create shame for anyone who has sex outside of marriage, leading to feelings of self-judgment, fear of rejection, or fear of being perceived as "loose" or immoral.

7. Sex is Only About Physical Performance

• Message: "Sex is all about physical performance and pleasing your partner; if you fail to meet certain standards, you’re a failure."

• Impact: This message pressures individuals to view sex solely through the lens of performance and appearance, which can lead to body shame, anxiety, and a fear of not measuring up in bed.

8. Pleasure for Women is Less Important

• Message: "It doesn’t matter if women orgasm or enjoy sex; their role is to satisfy the man."

• Impact: This creates shame for women who experience difficulty with orgasm or feel their pleasure isn't as important as their partner's. It can also lead to feelings of inadequacy and emotional disconnection in sexual relationships.

9. Men Should Always Want Sex

• Message: "Men are always sexually ready and should be the initiators of sex."

• Impact: This puts pressure on men to constantly desire sex, making it difficult for them to express discomfort, fatigue, or disinterest in sex without feeling inadequate or "less manly." It can also ignore the complexity of men’s emotional and physical needs.

10. Masturbation is Wrong

• Message: "Masturbating is sinful, shameful, or unnatural."

• Impact: This message creates guilt around self-pleasure, making it difficult for people to embrace their own bodies and sexual needs. It can also foster shame in exploring one's own sexual desires.

11. Sexual Abuse is the SURVIVOR’S Fault

• Message: "If you were sexually assaulted or harassed, you must have done something to provoke it."

• Impact: This harmful narrative places blame on survivors of sexual violence, leading to shame, guilt, and a reluctance to seek support or speak out. It can also discourage survivors from seeing themselves as worthy of respect, consent and pleasure.

12. Sexual Diversity is Unnatural

• Message: "Anything other than heterosexual sex between a man and a woman is unnatural, sinful, or perverted."

• Impact: This message stigmatizes LGBTQ+ individuals, making them feel that their sexual identity and orientation are wrong. It can cause significant emotional distress and contribute to feelings of isolation and shame.

13. Sex is Only for Young People

• Message: "Sex is for the young and desirable, and older people or those with disabilities shouldn’t have sex."

• Impact: This can create shame around aging or physical limitations, making people feel that they are no longer sexually valuable or worthy of intimacy once they get older or experience changes in their bodies.

14. Sex is Always Supposed to Be Spontaneous

• Message: "Sex should always feel spontaneous, passionate, and effortless."

• Impact: This can make people feel ashamed of their need to plan for sex or incorporate communication and effort into their sexual lives, as it assumes that sex should just "happen" naturally. It ignores the reality that sexual relationships often require communication, care, and intentionality.

15. Consent Doesn't Matter if You're in a Relationship

• Message: "If you're in a relationship, you don’t need to communicate or ask for consent because sex is an assumed part of the relationship."

• Impact: This can lead to the invalidation of a person's right to say "no" or set boundaries, fostering a sense of shame if they ever feel uncomfortable saying "no" to sex or questioning consent.

16. Shame Around "Virginity"

• Message: "Your worth or purity is tied to being a 'virgin.' Losing your virginity makes you less valuable or 'dirty.'"

• Impact: This creates intense shame for individuals who haven’t had sex, or for those who have lost their virginity in ways that don't align with cultural expectations, such as without love or in casual situations.

These messages often lead people to feel alienated, confused, or guilty about their sexuality. It can take time and effort to unlearn them and replace them with healthier, more open views of sex and sexuality. Cultivating sexual self-acceptance and seeking supportive, non-judgmental spaces for exploring sexuality can help challenge these shameful messages and promote a healthier relationship with one's sexual self.