Using lubricant is a great idea for most sexual activity, but for couples trying to conceive (TTC), it can be especially useful. Being TTC often means reducing sex to a routine experience on a regular schedule. This can bring down the usual mood, resulting in vaginal dryness. Additionally, some medications meant to boost fertility can cause vaginal dryness as a side effect. All this can add to the stress and pressure of trying to conceive.

The Ingredient List: Certain lube ingredients are known to cause vaginal irritation and/or infections—including glycerin, nonoxynol-9, and propylene glycol—so these are best avoided. You’ll also want to stay away from parabens (i.e. any ingredient with a name ending in -paraben), which have been shown to disrupt the endocrine system. Finally, steer clear of any lube containing sugar or sucralose, unless you want a hell of a yeast infection.Smith KW, et al. (2013). Urinary paraben concentrations and ovarian aging among women from a fertility center. WOO’s More Play Coconut Oil lube has a really impressive ingredient list full of natural components like organic coconut oil, vanilla flavor, and beeswax. This coconut oil-based lube is long-lasting and great for combating severe dryness. While it can’t be used with latex condoms, it’s great for those engaging in solo play or who aren’t using a condom for partner sex. When connecting with your partner or yourself sexually during pregnancy, lube can help ease any friction-related discomfort and make for a more pleasurable experience. The water base behind the Good Clean Love Almost Naked Organic Personal Lubricant will leave you feeling, well, almost naked. It’s highly recommended by gynecologists and is free from parabens and glycerin. Plus, it’s made with organic aloe leaf juice which helps moisturize and extend the water-based lube’s effectiveness. A 2012 study even concluded that this lube is one of the safest out there, which is especially important during pregnancy. Unfortunately, since it is silicone-based, it isn’t compatible with silicone sex toys; it can cause them to deteriorate over time. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, we recommend our best water-based lube, LOLA’s Personal Lubricant. The formula is long-lasting, moisturizing, and easy to clean up. You won’t have to worry about it leaving behind any bothersome stains because of its water base. It’s infused with light lemon and vanilla scents without irritating chemical additives making it ideal for anyone with sensitive skin. Plus, it’s safe for silicone toys and latex condoms.

A savvy lube shopper understands that choosing the right lubricant goes far beyond sexy advertising, a pretty box, or a low price. A lubricant’s base formula, how it supports natural vaginal pH levels, and how it supports your natural moisture are things you definitely want to be educated about. (Pro Tip! Get to know the word osmolality.) Shop Smarter & Feel Better

LOLA’s Personal Lubricant is a relatively affordably priced option that is free from potentially harmful ingredients like parabens, glycerin, and fragrances. LOLA considers it to be hypoallergenic, meaning the risk of an allergic reaction is low compared to other similar products (however, it’s worth noting that the FDA doesn’t really regulate these claims).

Lube makes pretty much every type of sex better, end of story. It's crucial for anal sex, as the rectum isn't self-lubricating, and it enhances vaginal sex as well. There are a few things to keep in mind when shopping for lube. It's wise to avoid glycerin, parabens, and sugars, as they can lead to yeast and bacterial infections for people with vulvas. Numbing agents are also a no-no: You want to feel more, not less, and pain is an important signal that you could be going too hard or fast. Oils are also not the best choice for vulvas since they've been known to lead to irritation, and they're also not latex-friendly and could even break a condom. Silicone-based varieties are great since they're long-lasting and fantastic for butt stuff, but they don't mix well with silicone toys — liquid silicone can degrade solid silicone. Never fear, intrepid lube user, there are a plethora of water-based options available for your next pegging session. For penetrative sex without a condom, we recommend WOO’s More Play Coconut Oil Lube because it has a subtle vanilla flavor and is safe to swallow. For penetrative sex with a condom, we recommend Lube Life’s Water-Based Personal Lubricant. Aside from the lube’s base (explained in detail above), here are a few key criteria to keep in mind when shopping for lube: Here's how to use a lube, says Dr. Streicher: “The time to apply lubricant is before you attempt intercourse. You squeeze it on your fingers, and if there’s a penis involved, you apply it liberally to the penis, and to the opening of the vagina [or anus].” It’s important to warm the lube first, she adds: “If you put cold lube on an erection, he might lose it.” Uberlube’s Luxury Lubricant is silicone-based, meaning you only need a little bit to get you through a session, and it can be used for water play as well. It has these long-lasting lubricating benefits while being free from potentially harmful or irritating ingredients like parabens, glycerin, scents, and flavors. In fact, it has only four ingredients in total. The addition of vitamin E helps provide moisturization and softness.Yes. In fact, more lubricant can help the condom do its job even better. Additional lubricant can reduce friction even further to minimize the chance of the condom breaking. It can also reduce the chance of irritation of delicate tissues which can lead to infection. Experience the deep hydrating benefits of hyaluronic acid - long trusted for skin care and now in its most intimate form as a long-lasting, premium personal lubricant. Liquid feels natural, with a silky-smooth glide that enhances sex and reduces irritation. Liquid is water-based, fully compatible with toys and most condoms, and it's doctor-recommended. It's pH-balanced so it won't disrupt your body's natural chemistry. And Liquid is iso-osmolar, meaning it won't over hydrate your sensitive tissues to the point of causing irritation or cause dryness by robbing your body of its natural moisture. Learn more..

Dr. Karyn Eilber, a urogynecologist who practices at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and co-founder of Glissant Intimate Wellness , which makes all-natural lubricants. Her practice focuses on women's pelvic health, including sexual wellness. She is also the editor and co-author of the newly released book, A Woman’s Guide to Her Pelvic Floor.For oral sex, flavored lubes can mask the latex flavor of a condom and add novelty. We recommend Sliquid Naturals’ Swirl because it is free from potentially harmful ingredients like glycerin, parabens, and propylene glycol. It is vegan and hypoallergenic as well.