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Dispatches from a College Sexpert: The Wetter the Better (Olympic Edition)

Summer brings to mind pools, beaches, and watching our favorite athletes go head to head for Olympic medals in massive aquatic facilities. While water (and swoon-worthy athletes) is great, it’s not the only reason why wetter can be better. So, in the Olympic spirit of striving for excellence, here are some tips I give to students about choosing and using lube.

1) Natural lubrication is different in each person and there’s nothing wrong with you—or your partner’s skills—if you need or want a little more lubrication. Also, lots of things—including some hormonal birth control—can make it harder to get sufficiently wet.

2) Lube also helps condoms stay intact during the act (that rhyme was unintentional but awesome IMHO) because it decreases friction, which can cause condoms to tear.

3) NEVER use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms. Oil-based lube can rip holes in latex, causing condoms to break. Oil-based lubes include massage oils, oil-based lubricant, Vaseline, baby oil, and many household items.

4) Always try warming lubes (or any other “Sensation” lubes) on your hand first before you put them anywhere else on your or your partner’s body. If it’s too hot (or cold or tingly) for your hand, it’s too hot for more sensitive parts. NOTE: When you put it on your hand, make sure to blow on it or rub it since many sensation lubes are friction induced.

5) A little goes a long way, so don’t think that you’re getting ripped off by the price of a small bottle. Most drug stores carry a selection of lube, but if you want a big selection (or a bigger bottle), check out your local sex shop. If you’re nervous about heading in, here are some tips.

Wetter sex is better sex—for both partners—so gear up, have fun, and be safe. I’ll be back next week talking about sex and consent.

“Despatie Alexandre and Ross Reuben of Canada” image by Charles McCain.

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Catherine Rivera is an intern for Bedsider. When she’s not counseling, teaching, researching or writing about sex and relationships, this Stanford University student can be found passing out condoms to her fellow students, mentoring middle school girls, indulging her sweet tooth , reading the news, or attempting to get inside the heads of her four younger brothers. Catherine doesn’t have a personal tumblr (yet), but you can follow her on twitter @cmrivera2013.