Are lubricants a must for good sex?

Q. I am interested in what lubricants do? Are they important for sex?

A. During sexual arousal, the vagina becomes lubricated and the Bartholin's glands, located on each side of the vaginal opening produce the fluid that makes the vagina moist. The fluid gets into the vagina through ducts and the glands' ability to produce lubricant can be affected by medical and psychological factors.

Making sex more enjoyable may mean applying extra lubricant to make the vagina wetter during foreplay and sex. The anus is devoid of glands that produce lubrication therefore anal play becomes more tolerable, pleasurable and safer with the use of an appropriate lubricant.

There are some medical conditions that may make adding a lubricant to your sexual play strongly recommended to make sex more comfortable.

Vaginal dryness is not uncommon. When the vagina does not lubricate enough, this can lead to friction, pain and discomfort. Oestrogen levels have a direct impact and the levels drop naturally with menopause and the fluctuations during the menstrual cycle makes vaginal dryness common.

Dryness can be expected and happens during breastfeeding, during and after chemotherapy, in those who smoke, use antidepressants and in those using antihistamines and decongestants.

Issues that may arise with having a less-lubricated vagina include irritation, discomfort, itchiness or a burning sensation that can linger for hours or days. When these negative experiences continue, it may result in a reduced sex drive and it may be difficult getting aroused and reaching orgasm.

Silicone lubricants are hypoallergenic, long-lasting and need to be reapplied less often than water-based lubricants. These are great for post-menopausal women or those affected by chemotherapy.

Water-based lubes can be used in practically any sexual play and activity and are most versatile. Water-based lubes are also safe to use with latex and non-latex condoms. If you're using a latex condom, oil-based lube increases the chances of the condom tearing and making it less efficacious to protect from transmission of infections.

The vagina maintains the pH level of 3.5 to 4.5 and so the lube you choose should also be around the same level. Some people will get bacterial vaginosis or candida with certain lubricants, such as oil lubricants and those containing glycerin.

Sometimes people have a preference for more lubrication and not necessarily because there is something wrong with what their bodies provide. If you use finger cots, external or internal condoms or dental dams, lube can help reduce friction and make sex more pleasurable.

• Dr Tlaleng Mofokeng (MBChB), sexual and reproductive health practice, Disa Clinic, safersex.co.za.

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