lube it up

Using lubricants with erectile dysfunction post-prostate cancer treatment

why use a lube

Lubricant is often branded by the media as a ‘replacer’ for wetness or for clinical examinations. Not very fun and sexy! It is rare that you see a TV series where somebody reaches for lubricant simply because they enjoy the added sensation.

However, lubricants that are body safe and designed for sexual pleasure (the ones we recommend) are intended to enhance an experience, regardless of wetness.

Sexual pleasure and sex education is a universal Human Right (ref: World Health Organisation). But the world is still catching up on implementing this at a societal level. Until then, we have to do a bit of work to demystify sexuality.

As an idea, you could watch comedy shows like ‘Grace and Frankie’ and ‘Sex Education’ (both on Netflix) for a positive outlook on sexuality and using sexual products for fun.

choosing a lube

Lube for Vacuum Devices:

If you’re using a pump with an opening or rings made from a silicone material (like the Vacurect), then you need to use a water-based lubricant with this product (not oil or silicone-based). We recommend Ansell Lifestyles Silky Smooth.

This is available at most chemists and supermarkets. Function is what matters most with this type of lubricant. This one is thick, stays put, and does the job of creating a good seal.

Lube for Silicone-Based Vibrators:

Sliquid Silk Hybrid or Sliquid water-based. These lubricants are body-safe and feel smooth to the touch. It is advised to only use water-based or a ‘hybrid’ formula (usually 12% silicone) lubricants with silicone products. This is because silicone lubricant can damage the integrity of silicone products.

Lube for Oral Sex:

It is usually deemed safe to ingest a small amount of (good quality) lubricant, just make sure you Google the brand you’ve chosen beforehand to double check. Whether you and your partner will enjoy the taste or not though is a matter of personal preference!

You may want to experiment with some flavoured lubricants instead, designed specifically for tastebuds. If you’re in Australia or New Zealand, we recommend this collection by Intimate Earth. If you’re in United States or Canada, the Sliquid flavoured collection is top notch.

Lube for anal sex/ prostate or anal massage:

The number one rule for anal play is to always use lubricant - and lots of it. The anus is not a self-lubricating part of the body so relies on you to apply lube for a pleasurable, rather than painful, time.

The lubes we highly recommend are Sassy by Sliquid for a water-based lubricant that’s thicker and longer-lasting (and you can use with silicone implements, such as the Aneros Prostate Massager). Or Pjur silicone-based lubricant when you’re just using fingers (top tip: buy a pack of black nylon gloves for easy clean-up)

By the way, did you know that you can enjoy and get benefits from a prostate massage without a prostate?

Watch this video interview with Lorraine Pentello where we discuss the benefits of p-spot massage post prostate surgery, and how to perform one for full-body orgasms.

lube rules

  1. Only use water-based lube with silicone-based products (or, a hybrid: 12% silicone formula).

  2. Do not use oil-based lube with latex condoms (or, use non-latex condoms: Skyn).

  3. All other lubricants (water-based, silicone-based, hybrid) are safe with condoms.

  4. Water-based lubricant is likely to ‘dry out’ as it is absorbed into the body. You can use saliva to ‘bring it out’ again.

  5. Check the ingredients. As a rule of thumb, choosing water-based lubricant free from Glycerine and Parabens is the easiest way to stay on the safe side. These ingredients can cause irritation to genitalia. Silicone-based lubricant that only contains silicone molecules is also body-safe.

  6. If you want to play in the shower, have silicone lubricant handy. The water will wash away natural wetness, and also water-based lubricants, but silicone-lubricant sticks around for a fun, frictionless time! Just make sure you wipe it off any floor tiles in case it spills as it’s very slippery and won’t wash away.