Lubricants and spermicides
Lubricants aid the insertion of a penis, sex toy or fingers into a body opening; spermicides lubricate and have a chemical which destroys sperm.
Both latex and polyurethane condoms protect against STIs and pregnancy. GLYDE, Lixx and dental dams are made of latex and protect against STIs.
Choosing the right lubricant is important. Oils and fats rapidly deteriorate latex, making it weak. Read the product label and remember that:
- Water-based products are safe to use with latex condoms.
-
Oil-based
products are safe to use with polyurethane condoms, but should never be used with latex.
-
Silicone
lubes last longer than water-based ones and are safe to use with both latex and polyurethane. However, these must not be used with another silicone product, such as a vibrator.
- Foods used for sex play, particularly those high in sugar, can cause irritation and/or infections of the vagina, anus or rectum. But, foods on the 'safe' list won't damage latex if they come in contact with it.
What's latex-safe?
Yes!
-
Homemade whipped cream
-
Honey
- Ice cream
- Jelly
- Non-dairy whipped topping (such as Cool-Whip)
- Aqua Lube
- For Play
- Gynol II* / Koromex*
- K-Y Jelly
- PrePair*
-
Surgilube
*Contains nonoxynol-9 spermicide
No!
- Butter
- Canned whipped cream
- Liqueurs
-
Peanut butter
- Sauces and syrups
- Solid shortenings (such as Crisco)
- Vegetable or olive oil
-
Baby oil
- Hand lotion
- Mineral oil
-
Petroleum jelly (such as Vaseline)
