The Best Lubes for Sex (And Which You Should Skip)

The Best Lubes (And What You Should Avoid)

Whether you’re exploring new sexual experiences, dealing with vaginal dryness, or just want smoother intimacy, choosing the right lubricant can make a huge difference. Lubrication enhances comfort, pleasure, and connection, but with so many options on the market, it can be overwhelming to know which lube is best, and which to avoid.

As a certified sex therapist, I often hear from clients asking about lubrication: what works, what’s safe, and how to make sexual experiences more enjoyable. Here’s a guide to help you navigate the world of lubes so your intimate moments are safe, pleasurable, and worry-free.

Why Lubrication Matters

Lubrication plays a key role in sexual health and comfort. Common reasons to use lube include:

• Reducing friction and discomfort: Vaginal or anal dryness can make penetration painful or irritating.

• Enhancing pleasure: Lubes can increase sensitivity and make sex more enjoyable for everyone.

• Supporting intimacy: Less friction means less tension, allowing you to focus on connection and arousal.

• During menopause or perimenopause: Hormonal changes can reduce natural lubrication, making lube essential for comfort.

Even if you don’t typically experience dryness, lubes can enhance sexual experiences for both solo play and partnered activity.

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Types of Lubricants

Lubricants are generally categorized by their base ingredients, each with pros and cons. Understanding the differences helps you pick the right one for your body and sexual preferences.

Water-Based Lubes

Water-based lubes are the most common and versatile. They are safe to use with condoms, sex toys, and are easy to clean.

Pros:

• Non-staining

• Condom- and toy-safe

• Easy to wash off

• Often enriched with natural soothing ingredients

Cons:

• Can dry out faster, requiring reapplication

• May become sticky if overused

Tips: Look for products with minimal additives if you have sensitive skin. Examples include Sliquid Organics, Good Clean Love, and Slippery Stuff.

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Silicone-Based Lubes

Silicone lubes are silky and long-lasting, making them ideal for water play or longer sessions.

Pros:

• Very slippery and long-lasting

• Waterproof, so great for shower or bath play

• Less frequent reapplication needed

Cons:

• Not compatible with silicone sex toys (can degrade the material)

• Harder to wash off than water-based lubes

Tips: Use silicone lubes for anal sex or long sessions, but avoid using with silicone toys unless specified as safe. Popular options include Uberlube or Replens Silky Smooth.

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Oil-Based Lubes

Oil-based lubes include natural oils like coconut oil, almond oil, or commercial products. They can be moisturizing and feel luxurious.

Pros:

• Natural and often chemical-free

• Long-lasting

• Can double as massage oil

Cons:

• Not safe with latex condoms (can cause breakage)

• Harder to clean

• Can increase risk of yeast infections in some people

Tips: If using oil-based lube, opt for non-latex protection or non-barrier sexual activity. Coconut oil is a popular natural choice but keep in mind it may stain fabrics.

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Hybrid Lubricants

Hybrid lubes combine water and silicone for a long-lasting feel that’s easier to clean than pure silicone lubes.

Pros:

• Long-lasting without sticky residue

• Safe with most condoms and some toys

Cons:

• May still not be compatible with all silicone toys

• Slightly harder to wash off than pure water-based lubes

Tips: Great middle-ground for people who want the smoothness of silicone with the ease of water-based lube. Good Clean Love makes a solid hybrid lube.

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Ingredients to Avoid

Not all lubes are created equal, and some can irritate sensitive areas or disrupt natural flora. Here’s what to watch out for:

• Glycerin: While moisturizing for some, glycerin can increase yeast infection risk in susceptible individuals.

• Parabens and synthetic preservatives: Can irritate sensitive skin or mucous membranes.

• Flavored or warming additives with sugar or strong chemicals: Can cause irritation or allergic reactions.

• Petroleum-based products: Safe for solo play but can break down latex condoms and may cause irritation.

Tip: Always patch test a new lube on a small area of skin before full use, especially if you have sensitive skin or a history of reactions.

Lube for Specific Needs

Different sexual situations and bodies may benefit from tailored lubes:

• Vaginal dryness: Water-based lubes with soothing ingredients like aloe or hyaluronic acid are ideal.

• Anal play: Silicone lubes are highly recommended due to durability and extra slipperiness.

• Condom use: Stick to water-based or hybrid lubes to avoid breakage.

• Sensitive skin: Choose free-from lubes, fragrance-free, and minimal additives.

Tips for Using Lube Effectively

1. Start with a small amount: You can always add more, but too much can feel messy.

2. Reapply as needed: Especially with water-based lubes, friction can make them dry out.

3. Combine with intimacy: Lube is not just for penetration—use it during masturbation, foreplay, or even massage to increase pleasure.

4. Store properly: Keep lubes in a cool, dry place to preserve their formula.

Common Myths About Lubes

• “Lubricants are only for older people.”
  False. Anyone can benefit from lube, whether it’s to reduce friction, increase pleasure, or experiment with different sensations.

• “If it’s slippery, it’s safe.”
  Not always. Check the ingredients and condom/toy compatibility. Some slippery products may contain irritants or degrade latex.

• “More lube is always better.”
  Not necessarily. Using too much can reduce friction to the point where stimulation decreases, or make cleanup difficult.

When to Seek Professional Guidance

If you experience persistent dryness, irritation, pain during sex, or discomfort even with lubricants, a Chicago sex therapist or healthcare provider can help identify underlying issues. Sometimes sexual discomfort is related to:

• Hormonal changes (perimenopause, menopause)

• Pelvic floor tension or dysfunction

• Low libido or arousal issues

• Anxiety or relationship concerns

Working with a professional ensures you’re not just masking the symptoms but addressing the root cause.

TLDR

Lubricants are more than just a convenience; they can transform sexual experiences, enhance pleasure, and support intimacy. Choosing the right type of lube, understanding ingredients to avoid, and using it effectively can make a huge difference in comfort and enjoyment.

Whether you’re exploring new sexual experiences, managing vaginal dryness, or looking to make intimacy more enjoyable, a high-quality lube is a simple but powerful tool. And if you ever feel unsure or encounter discomfort, consulting a sex therapist at Embrace Sexual Wellness can help you navigate your sexual health safely and confidently.

Is Sexual Fantasy Healthy? How to Use Fantasies to Boost Desire and Intimacy

As a Chicago sex therapist, one of the most common questions I hear is: “Is it okay to fantasize?” This question often comes with a mix of curiosity, shame, and worry. For some people, fantasies come easily. For others, fantasizing feels foreign, awkward, or even off-limits.

The reality is that sexual fantasy is a completely normal and healthy part of sexuality. Whether you’re single, in a long-term relationship, or exploring intimacy after a change in life stage, fantasy can play an important role in reconnecting with desire and pleasure.

In this article, we’ll explore why sexual fantasies matter, how they can benefit your intimacy, and practical ways to start fantasizing if it doesn’t come naturally to you.

What Is a Sexual Fantasy?

A sexual fantasy is simply a thought, image, or scenario that creates erotic excitement. Fantasies can range from imagining a romantic, sensual moment with a partner to envisioning scenarios that you would never act out in real life.

Importantly, fantasies are not the same as real-life desires. Many people fantasize about situations they would never want to pursue outside of their imagination. This is one reason why fantasies can be so freeing: they’re a mental space to play, without consequences.

Why Do People Fantasize?

Research shows that nearly everyone has sexual fantasies, regardless of gender, age, or relationship status. Fantasies serve many purposes, including:

• Stimulating arousal: Fantasies can help the body respond when desire feels low.

• Reducing anxiety: Focusing on an erotic image or story can quiet distracting thoughts that interfere with sexual pleasure.

• Exploring identity: Fantasies allow people to try on different roles or explore aspects of themselves in a safe way.

• Enhancing partnered intimacy: When shared (with consent and comfort), fantasies can spark new conversations and closeness in relationships.

The Benefits of Fantasy for Your Sexual Health

For many of our clients, fantasy becomes a tool for healing and growth. Here are some of the benefits we often explore in sex therapy:

Reducing Performance Pressure

If you struggle with anxiety during sex, fantasies can help you shift focus away from “Am I doing this right?” toward erotic imagery that feels exciting. This mental shift can make it easier to stay present and experience pleasure.

Boosting Sexual Desire

Fantasies can reignite interest when desire feels flat. They work like a spark for your erotic imagination, offering new ideas and sensations that the body can respond to. This can be especially helpful for couples navigating loss of intimacy or low libido.

Enhancing Partner Connection

While not all fantasies need to be shared, some couples find that talking about them creates intimacy and trust. Even if you never act out the fantasy, sharing it can help you and your partner better understand each other’s inner worlds.

Healing from Shame and Dysfunction

For those dealing with sexual dysfunction, trauma, or shame, fantasy can be a safe entry point into sexual exploration. Imagining a pleasurable scenario provides a sense of control that real-life intimacy sometimes lacks.

How to Start Fantasizing

Not everyone finds fantasizing easy. Some people worry they “don’t have an imagination,” while others feel blocked by shame or religious or cultural beliefs. If that’s you, here are some steps to begin experimenting with fantasy:

1. Start with Memory

Think back to a time when you felt desired, attractive, or deeply connected. Replay that memory in your mind and allow it to expand into a new imagined scenario.

2. Use Your Senses

Fantasies don’t need to be cinematic. Start by imagining touch, sound, or smell that excites you. For example, the warmth of skin, the sound of breath, or the scent of your partner’s cologne.

3. Try Erotic Media

Erotic short stories, romance novels, or audio erotica can help spark ideas when your own imagination feels blank. Reading or listening can lower the pressure of “making up” something yourself.

4. Focus on Themes, Not Scripts

Instead of creating a detailed storyline, think about a theme that excites you, like adventure, seduction, or tenderness. Let the details fill themselves in naturally.

5. Release Judgment

Fantasies often don’t align with real-life desires, values, or behaviors. That doesn’t make them wrong. Your imagination is a safe place to explore, with no rules.

Common Questions About Fantasy

Is it normal to fantasize about things I don’t want in real life?

Yes. Most people fantasize about scenarios they wouldn’t act on. Fantasy is symbolic and exploratory, not a blueprint for your actual choices.

What if I can’t fantasize at all?

This is more common than you think. Sometimes, anxiety, depression, or trauma makes fantasizing difficult. Working with a sex therapist can help you explore these blocks in a supportive way.

Will sharing fantasies with my partner hurt our relationship?

It depends on how you share them. Approach the conversation with curiosity, not pressure. If your partner isn’t interested in hearing or acting on a fantasy, that’s okay. Talking about fantasies is about connection, not performance.

When to Seek Support

If fantasizing brings up guilt, shame, or confusion, or if you find yourself unable to access fantasies at all, therapy may be a helpful step. At Embrace Sexual Wellness, we help individuals and couples explore fantasies, reconnect with intimacy, and work through concerns like low libido, sexual dysfunction, and loss of desire. You can read more about our work with erectile dysfunction and loss of intimacy, both of which can benefit from integrating fantasy as part of treatment.

TLDR

Sexual fantasy is a natural, healthy part of human sexuality. It can reduce anxiety, boost desire, and bring new energy into your intimate life. Whether you’re imagining something tender or something bold, fantasies offer a private, safe space for pleasure and exploration.

If you’re ready to explore your erotic imagination but aren’t sure where to begin, remember: fantasy is a skill you can practice. And if you need support along the way, our team of Chicago sex therapists at Embrace Sexual Wellness is here to help and are licensed to practice in Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Idaho and Louisiana.

How Guided Imagery Can Improve Your Sex Life

When it comes to enhancing your sex life, most people think about communication, hormones, or maybe even positions. But what if a powerful and underutilized mental tool could help you reconnect with your body, enhance arousal, and reduce performance anxiety? That’s where guided imagery comes in.

As trusted relationship and sex therapists, we often integrate guided imagery into treatment plans to help individuals and couples strengthen intimacy, feel more confident in their bodies, and safely explore desire. Whether you're experiencing low libido, sexual trauma, or disconnection from your partner, guided imagery can be a powerful pathway to healing and pleasure.

What Is Guided Imagery?

Guided imagery is a mind-body technique that uses mental visualization to promote physical, emotional, and psychological well-being. Typically practiced with a therapist or through self-guided exercises, this method involves imagining scenarios designed to elicit calm, pleasure, or healing.

In sex therapy, guided imagery focuses on cultivating arousal, reducing anxiety, healing from past trauma, and deepening emotional connection. By tapping into the imagination, people can safely explore their sensuality and rewire unhelpful thoughts about intimacy.

The Science Behind Guided Imagery and Sexual Wellbeing

Guided imagery is not just creative daydreaming—it’s backed by science. Neuroimaging studies show that the brain responds to imagined experiences in ways similar to real ones. When used regularly, guided imagery activates neural pathways related to relaxation, pleasure, and even motor function, making it a powerful tool for addressing sexual issues. A systematic review of the literature suggests mindfulness-based interventions can improve sexual desire and arousal in women with low libido.

A 2023 study found that guided imagery interventions significantly reduced anxiety symptoms and improved the quality of life in patients with anxiety disorders. This suggests that guided imagery can be an effective tool for managing anxiety, which is often linked to sexual dysfunction.

How Guided Imagery Can Help Your Sex Life

Reduces Performance Anxiety

Performance anxiety can affect people of all genders and orientations. Whether you're concerned about reaching orgasm, maintaining an erection, or meeting a partner’s expectations, anxiety disrupts the natural rhythm of intimacy.

Guided imagery promotes relaxation and self-trust by allowing the brain to "practice" scenarios in a safe, low-pressure environment. Visualization exercises that focus on confidence, touch, and pleasure can help desensitize the nervous system and break the cycle of fear.

A 2024 study in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion demonstrated that music-guided imagery can improve sexual dysfunction for women. The intervention led to enhanced desire, arousal, and orgasm, indicating that guided imagery can effectively reduce performance anxiety and improve sexual functioning.

Builds Body Confidence

Many individuals struggle with body image issues that interfere with sexual satisfaction. Negative self-perception can lead to avoidance, self-consciousness, or disconnection during intimate moments.

Guided imagery can challenge those beliefs. By visualizing your body as strong, sensual, and worthy of pleasure, you begin to shift your inner dialogue.

A 2023 pilot study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that a virtual, group-based mindfulness intervention for midlife and older women with low libido led to significant reductions in sexual distress. While the study focused on mindfulness, it highlights the importance of mental practices in enhancing sexual well-being, which can be complemented by guided imagery techniques.

Reconnects You to Desire

Life stressors, medical issues, parenting, and relational tension can all dull desire. When arousal feels out of reach, guided imagery offers a way to reconnect with what turns you on without pressure or expectation.

Imagining sensual experiences that evoke warmth, curiosity, or eroticism can reignite the internal spark many clients report losing over time. In fact, guided imagery is one of the most empowering tools we offer in sex therapy when clients seek support for low libido or desire discrepancy in their relationships.

Research suggests that using sexual imagery strategies with a long-term partner may increase desire and infatuation. This indicates that guided sexual imagery can be a helpful strategy for couples to enhance their sexual connection and desire.

Heals Sexual Trauma

Survivors of sexual trauma may struggle with dissociation, fear, or discomfort during intimacy. Guided imagery creates a safe internal space where individuals can explore sensations and touch on their own terms, with full control over the experience.

Through consistent practice, guided imagery can help build new neural associations between sex and safety, reclaiming pleasure as a choice rather than a threat. While more research is needed, guided imagery has shown to be helpful for many health conditions including stress, fatigue, chronic illness, depression and anxiety.

Improves Emotional and Erotic Connection

Couples can also benefit from guided imagery, whether practicing it together or individually. Visualizing emotional closeness, intimacy rituals, or even shared fantasies can reignite erotic energy and deepen connection.

Mindfulness-based therapy practices, including guided imagery, can significantly enhance sexual experiences by helping individuals stay present and focused during sexual activity. Techniques like using positive mental images can influence individuals’ emotional experience, enhance self-awareness, and improve sexual arousal and desire. Accessing imagination and fantasy through guided imagery may increase pleasure and promote positive attitudes about sex.

In sex therapy sessions, we encourage partners to use imagery as a bridge to more open conversations about desire, boundaries, and pleasure. Even just five minutes a day can shift the emotional tone in a relationship.

How to Practice Guided Imagery at Home

Exploring guided imagery doesn’t have to be complicated. In fact, practicing at home can enhance your results when combined with therapy or serve as a great standalone practice.

Here’s how to begin:

Step-by-Step: Solo Guided Imagery for Sensual Connection

• Set the Space. Choose a quiet, comfortable environment where you won’t be interrupted. Use soft lighting or calming music if it helps.

• Focus on Breath. Sit or lie down, close your eyes, and take a few deep, slow breaths. Let your body settle.

• Create Your Scene. Picture yourself in a place that feels sensual, safe, and peaceful—a beach at sunset, a luxurious bath, a soft bed.

• Engage Your Senses. What do you see, hear, smell, feel? Imagine your body relaxed, warm, and open to sensation.

• Add Gentle Touch (Optional). Lightly touch your arm, neck, or chest in a way that feels comforting or arousing. Breathe into the sensation.

• Invite Desire. Think of an erotic or intimate scenario that brings pleasure. Let it unfold slowly. You’re not performing—you’re exploring.

• Return Gently. When you're ready, slowly bring yourself back to the present. Reflect on what you felt and learned.

Practice this a few times per week to start building new pathways between your imagination, body, and arousal response.

Guided Imagery Apps and Tools

If you prefer structured guidance, several apps and recordings can support your practice:

• Insight Timer – Free meditations, including sensual and body-based imagery

• Sexual Mindfulness by Dr. Lori Brotto – Evidence-based resources for sexual healing

• Calm – Though not specifically erotic, many sessions focus on embodiment and self-connection

• Headspace — Free guided meditations and techniques

These tools can help you establish a regular practice and deepen your connection to your body and desires.

Ready to Explore Guided Imagery in Therapy?

Guided imagery is just one of the many tools available to help you live a fuller, more connected sex life. Whether you’re facing challenges around desire, trauma, or relationship dynamics, working with a trained sex therapist can make a profound difference.