Lubricant - meaning and definition
Alsolubepersonal lubricantlubeslubricationwater-based lubesilicone lube
Not yet reviewed by a clinician. This health entry was written from the public-health sources listed below and is general information only. It is not medical advice.
Definition
A lubricant is a gel or liquid used to reduce friction and dryness during sex or medical examinations, making touch more comfortable and lowering the risk of condoms breaking or skin tearing.
At a glance
- Lubricant reduces friction and dryness during sex or medical examinations.
- Lubricants are usually water-based, silicone-based or oil-based.
- Oil-based products weaken latex and can make condoms fail.
- Silicone lubricants can damage some silicone toys.
- Needing lubricant is common and not a sign of low interest.
In detail
Lubricants are usually water-based, silicone-based or oil-based. Water- and silicone-based products are safe with latex condoms; oil-based ones, including many household oils and lotions, weaken latex and can make condoms fail. Silicone lubricants can damage some silicone toys.
Needing lubricant is common and not a sign of low interest. Dryness can come from hormonal changes such as menopause or breastfeeding, some medications, or simply the type of activity. Choosing products without strong fragrances or warming additives can help people with sensitive skin.
In a sentence
- The clinic gave out free condoms and water-based lubricant.
- Her doctor suggested a fragrance-free lubricant for dryness after menopause.
Where the word comes from
From Latin lubricare, to make slippery, from lubricus, slippery.
Common questions
Which lubricants are safe with condoms?
Water-based and silicone-based lubricants are safe with latex condoms. Oil-based products, including many household oils and lotions, weaken latex and can make condoms break.
Does needing lube mean something is wrong?
No. Using lubricant is common and does not mean low interest. Dryness can come from hormonal changes such as menopause or breastfeeding, some medications, or simply the type of activity. Persistent dryness or pain can be discussed with a doctor.
Related terms
Sources
- ACOGWhen Sex Is Painful
- Planned ParenthoodSex and Pleasure