23 Facts You Probably Didn’t Know about Lube

Lube can get you in and out of some slippery situations. But did you know that it matters what kind of lube that you use? We’re sharing all the facts you never knew about lube. Hold on tight, some of these facts are wild!

Fact #1 – There are three types of lube available on the market  

The three types of lube are water based, silicone based and oil based. 

Fact #2 – Water Based Lubes are safe to use with condoms

Water based lube are safe to use with condoms and typically do not stain the sheets. 

This type of lube can typically be found with or without glycerine. Glycerine gives a sweet taste to the lube but can cause vaginal irritation for some women. Your body absorbs water based lube quickly and dries rapidly, meaning you will have to reapply during longer sessions. 

Fact #3 – Silicon Based Lubes are waterproof

Silicone- based lubricants are safe to use with latex condoms. Silicone is also waterproof – you can even use silicone based lubes in the shower or under water! Silicone lube also lasts longer than water based lubes, however you will need to scrub with soap and water to get silicone based lube off. It is recommended to NOT use silicone based lubricants with silicone sex toys. Silicone lubes can also stain your sheets.

Fact #4 – Oil Based Lubes are natural oil-based or synthetic oil-based

You can find oil based lubricants that are natural oil-based or synthetic oil-based. All natural oil based lubricants, like Coconu, are great for massages and ALL types of sexual play, but these do stain your sheets. Natural oil based lubes are safe for the vagina and to eat. On the Get Your Marriage On! Podcast, we recently heard from Sarah Belzer, President of Coconu, who explained to us that we should never use a lube that is not safe to eat. 

Fact #5 – Oil based lubricants (both natural and synthetic) can break down and destroy latex condoms. 

If you’re using a latex condom, then you should stick with silicone or water-based lubes. 

Fact #6 – Vaseline was the first unofficial lube

In 1872 Robert Cheesebrough patented the first petroleum jelly called “Vaseline”. Although it was not intended for sex, Vaseline quickly became a popular choice in lube. These days, using Vaseline as lube is highly discouraged, as it can lead to bacterial infections in the vagina. 

Fact #7 – K-Y Jelly was first sold as a surgical aid. 

In 1904 K-Y Jelly was first sold as a surgical aid but consumers quickly discovered it’s usefulness in the bedroom. A non-sterile version was later sold. These were marketed as surgical lubricants. 

Fact #8 – In 1917 K-Y Jelly was finally marketed and sold as a personal lubricant. 

This was the first time K-Y Jelly was marketed as personal lubricant and not a surgical aid. 

Fact #9 – Lube required a prescription 

Until the year 1980 a prescription was required to purchase lube. Here’s an interesting fact – until 1917 you could purchase cocaine over-the-counter, but not lube!

Fact #10 – Saliva is a natural lubricant

Saliva will not last as long as store-bought lubricants, but it’ll get the “job” done when you’re in a tight spot. 

Fact #11 – Our bodies create a natural lubricant

The substance in the natural lubrication in our bodies neutralizes PH levels and urine, making it so that more sperm can survive the journey. Our vagina’s natural lubricant is a combination of secretions from sweat glands and oil glands.

Fact #12 – There are lubes that cause tingling sensations or are hot/cold

These types of lubes can be fun by adding some new sensations. Be careful, they can also cause allergic reactions for some people.

Fact #13 –  Most lubricants can cause sperm mobility problems

When this happens, it can make it difficult for a couple to conceive. 

Fact #14 – There are “sperm friendly” lubes out there

You can keep those swimmers alive with these special lubes! If you’re trying to conceive, make sure to find and use a sperm-friendly lubricant. 

Fact #15 – Lube can help prevent tissue damage

Dryness can cause friction and therefore increases the chance of tissue damage. 

Fact #16 – Coconu was the first USDA certified organic lubricant

Sarah Belzer explained to us that Coconu was the first company to produce a coconut oil-based lubricant that is USDA certified organic. 

Fact #17 – Most lube has a shelf life of a year

Make sure to check those expiration dates! Once your lube has expired, it runs the risk of causing infections or reactions. 

Fact #18 – Some flavored lubes contain sugars

While these may taste good, they probably will not cause the vagina to feel good. And isn’t that the point? Sugary lubes can disrupt the vagina’s natural flora which can lead to yeast infections or reactions. 

Fact #19 – Before lube people used Crisco

Crisco, vaseline and olive oil were all popular forms of lubricant before the real stuff could be purchased over the counter. 

Fact #20 – Astroglide was one of the first personal lubricants made

Astroglide was actually originally made to help the space shuttle re-enter Earth’s atmosphere by transferring heat in the cooling system. Let’s just say we got a completely different out of this world experience with re-entry than the original intention. 

Fact #21 – Don’t put any lube in your vagina that you wouldn’t put in your mouth

In our sexpert interview with Sarah, she spoke about the importance of having good, solid ingredients in lube. Coconu is 100% natural, hypoallergenic, 100% cruelty-free and 100% USDA certified organic. Good lube should be good for your body, no matter where you put it.

Fact #22 – Some lubes can feel sticky

Some lubes can feel sticky and leave you with a mess to clean up. This is another reason why we’re such huge fans of Coconu! Coconu is more moisturizing, less sticky and more lubricity than other lubricants. Because Coconu is made with coconut oil, your body is able to naturally absorb it, leaving you with no staining and less or a mess to clean up!

Fact #23 – Lube leads to better sex

Don’t believe us? Just try it. 

Lube is pretty exciting stuff, no pun intended! With so many options out there, there is a lube for every need. If you haven’t yet, make sure to check out Get Your Marriage On’s most recent podcast with Sarah Belzer where we discussed all things lube! 

Interested in trying Coconu? Shop their website and use the promo code INTIMACY for 10% off of your purchase. 

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<h3>Jaina Thurston</h3>

Jaina Thurston

Hi there, my name is Jaina (pronounced like Jay-Nuh) and I am so happy to be here! I am an outdoor enthusiast and love doing everything with my hubby and 3 dogs. I focus a lot on fertility in my own life and am learning to help other couple's on their intimacy journeys while struggling with infertility. I have a degree in psychology and absolutely LOVE helping others discover their greatness!

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