As a practitioner, you know that lube can be a game changer for a healthy, comfortable, and pleasurable sex life. The right lube can elevate sexual experiences, while the wrong one can sometimes cause discomfort.

Many pelvic floor therapists, urologists, and sex therapist suggest that their clients use a lubricant during sex play. Our team here at Lotus Blooms is very #prolube.  But, before sending your patients off to a drugstore to grab whatever lube has the prettiest bottle, read through our lowdown on lubes to make sure you are arming your clients with the most up-to-date info on what makes a good lube! 

Here at Lotus Blooms we are very particular about the ingredients in the lubricants that we carry.  We curate our collection of lubes to be as gentle as possible, avoiding commonly used irritants like propylene glycol, glycerin, and parabens.  

So what do you patients need to know?  

First, it's  understand the different types of lubes and how these lubes interact with bodies differently so that your clients will be well equipped to find the option that will work best for their goals.  

There are four main types of lubricants & each category has its unique pros and cons.  But what are the do's and don'ts when it comes to lube? Don’t worry, we're here to help

1. Water-based
2. Silicone-based
3. Hybrid
4. Oil-based

Water based lubricant is a very versatile option; it’s latex (condom) compatible, great for use with silicone, steel & glass toys, and comes in multiple thicknesses.

Silicone lube is wonderful for skin-to-skin touch and it *lasts* and *lasts* and *lasts*. 

Hybrid lubes are a mix of water-based lube and silicone lube. They are generally safe for use with silicone toys and give a little bit more lasting power than a standard water-based lube plus offer a a bit more thickness than most silicone lubes.

Finally Oil-based lubes- these have great lasting power but oil does break down latex and can sometimes get trapped in internal pores, leaving opportunities for infections. Many folx do love coconut oil though, and it can be a great option if it works for an individual's body chemistry.

Why are there so many different types of lubes? How does one choose?? 

Ultimately the best one for each person often comes down to personal preference. That's why we recommend finding a shop where you can compare different options—at Lotus Blooms, we offer testers so customers can feel, smell, and even taste before committing. There’s a huge variety out there, including warming, tingling, and flavored options, so there’s definitely something for everyone.

In addition to personal preference, there are also some guidelines we suggest to folks, to help narrow down the options.

• Thicker lubes (like a thick gel water based option) can be a great suggestion for those who need a bit more cushion to coat and protect sensitive tissues during sex play.  Maybe you feel the negative friction more than you want to during penetration? Try a thick lube!  
  
  Thick lubes are also great for anal play or rougher play- offering a little extra buffer for all that fast fun.
  
  
• Silicone lubes are not always compatible with silicone toys (liquid and solid silicone can bind together), so they aren't always suggested for use with sex toys, but they are amazing for body-to-body touch and play. The lasting power of silicone lube means you're less likely to have to re-apply as often. Plus, it doesn't wash away as easily as water-based lubes, so it's perfect for fun in the bath, shower, or hot tub. They are also extra slippery, and perfect for reducing drag feeling from penetration and friction.
  
  Increasingly, there are more and more silicone toys compatible with silicone lubes, so you still have options! 
  
  
• Lubes with Aloe can be awesome for calming and repairing tissues that become irritated from play, and adding moisture. However, some people are allergic to aloe internally (but fine if it's in hand lotion or something) so if you've ever tried a "natural lube" but had a burning reaction- it might be the aloe!
  
  
• Flavored Lubes: Double check the ingredients on flavored lubes. They can be super fun for oral play and really help to mask the flavor of latex if people are using condoms, but lots of flavored lubes can have sugar derivatives, which can contribute to yeast infections when used vaginally. Even if it's just 'left over" on the body after oral fun, if a sugar-based lube is still on a penis and is then inserted vaginally during penetrative intercourse- the risk is still there.  Our flavored lubes at Lotus Blooms are sweetened with sugar alternatives, so no sugar-derived yeast infections here!

In summary, not all lubes are created equal and neither are bodies! So sometimes it's helpful to talk through 'pain points' with a real person.

For those dealing with conditions like vaginal dryness, pain during intercourse, or sexual anxiety, using the right lube can improve comfort, reduce friction, and even alleviate discomfort, which can support both physical and emotional wellbeing during intimate moments. 

But remember, because every person is so different, and bodies and needs change over time, even lubricants with the same base can feel vastly different in terms of texture, cushion, and scent. So if someone hasn’t found their favorite lube yet, encourage them to keep experimenting. Their perfect match is out there and the Lotus Blooms team is here to help your patients swipe right on the right lube.