Water base lube/condom.

[rexyrex]

I have see on sites that packers/stp/and some dildos you need to use water base lube/condom?  Where can I find these in uk stores? Can't find one anywhere.

What is the different and why use water base?

I'm just confused on why it called water base.

[FTMDiaries]

Now here's a subject I know more about than perhaps I should.

There are three main types of personal lubricant: oil-based, water-based and silicone-based. You can get these from Boots, many supermarkets, Ann Summers, and my own personal favourite - LoveHoney.

Water-based lubes are the most common type, and include such brands as KY Jelly. They contain mostly water along with a few ingredients to make them into a gel. They're suitable for use with most toys and condoms, however they do tend to dry out and become sticky. If this happens, you can just apply a bit more. They're safe for use with pretty much all toys and condoms. Boots (and plenty of other places) do generic versions that work as well as KY but are cheaper. Look in the family planning section.

Silicone lubes last longer than water-based lubes and don't dry out as easily. They're based on silicone and some other ingredients and they don't generally contain water. Some of them are safe for use with toys or condoms, but some aren't because their formulation may interfere with the surface of the device, making it porous or sticky. It's best to check with both the manufacturer of the lube, and the manufacturer of the device you're using, before using a silicone-based lube.

Oil-based lubes are generally stuff like Vaseline or Baby Oil. They are not recommended for use with toys or condoms because they can damage the surface and can even make condoms porous. Oil-based lubes are really only suitable for situations where you won't be using toys or condoms.

There are other types of lubes out there too, such as ones that are specifically formulated for anal use; or ones with anti-bacterial properties; or ones that give you a bit of a tingle. But as a rule of thumb: if you're using toys or condoms, stick to a simple, water-based lube like KY Jelly (or a generic equivalent) and you'll be fine. Just remember to reapply it as required.

As for condoms? It can be a good idea to use these with toys just as a way to keep them clean, particularly if you're using them for anal. The type you buy depends on your preference (and on whether anyone has any allergies to latex). It's also a good idea to buy some anti-microbial toy cleaner to keep everything nice & germ-free. Ann Summers sells Buzz Fresh as handy wipes in individual sachets, or as a spray in a bottle (both of which are pretty good), and Love Honey has a range of excellent toy cleaners too.

[billiejane]

i use lovehoney lube for most my stuff, comes in an unmarked (pretty much)box and i find it really, well lubricating aha. its fairly cheap too

as for the rest FTMdiaries has pretty much covered it all

[FTMDiaries]

i use lovehoney lube for most my stuff, comes in an unmarked (pretty much)box and i find it really, well lubricating aha. its fairly cheap too

Yes, they're great aren't they? And you can get a 10% discount on your orders if you can hold your nerve.

[rexyrex]

That's a great replay there ftmdiaries, thank you for putting in all your effort to write all that up. 

That makes more sense now. P.s the condom is there water base ones? Sorry if you have mention it but you have said water base is safe to use on the toy and condom but I nocited with most condom they already have lube on them not sure what it is it like waxy feeling. And sometimes there a big chunk sitting at the end bit. 

So there are some in store, I'm lazy having to look up at all the information on the bottle. I may turn to lovehoney then, used them before and they are brilliant!

[Nygeel]

Most condoms that are pre lubricated have water based lube. I think they have to indicate silicone on the wrapper.

[FTMDiaries]

Lubricated condoms tend to be covered with a lubricant that's safe for the material they're made from (sounds obvious), and as Nygeel says, that's usually a water-based formulation. Condoms are usually made from latex, but you can also buy ones made from various types of plastic if you happen to have an allergy. The lube that comes with the condom is helpful for vaginal penetration, but it's never enough for anal penetration so that's worth bearing in mind.

Most latex condoms are safe with water-based lubricants unless is says otherwise on the pack. For non-latex condoms, make sure you check the pack first.

In the non-latex department, Trojan Supra Bareskin is made from polyurethane and comes pre-lubricated, with a notice saying that you shouldn't use any additional lubes with them. Durex Latex Free and Mates Skyn (both of which smell awful, by the way) are made from polyisoprene and can be used with water-based lubes, but not silicone or oil. The same is true for Durex Real Feel, although that seems to smell better than the other two for some reason. I have found that most non-latex condoms tear easily so I refuse to use them when there's any risk of contracting an STI. I'd rather have a bit of discomfort from my latex allergy than suffer a life-changing illness. 

On that subject... all British condoms have to protect against both pregnancy and STIs, but would you believe that there are American condoms that don't protect against STIs, but do prevent pregnancies? I find that astonishing. Who on Earth says "I don't fancy any unplanned rugrats, but an STI is just fine with me!"? So if you're buying one of the foreign brands on LoveHoney, make sure they meet your requirements.

[Nygeel]

Yeah, lambskin condoms are the ones that only prevent pregnancy.

Plus sides: not latex, biodegradable, transfers heat better, can use oil based lube, supposedly feels better

[FTMDiaries]

Yeah, lambskin condoms are the ones that only prevent pregnancy.

Yes, they're on sale in the UK via a couple of online sellers - but their existence came as a bit of a surprise to me. Ah well, that's what I get for growing up and being educated in the HIV capital of the world, I suppose - where condoms are a lifesaver.

I can see a market for them (preventing pregnancy within a marriage, for example).

[aleon515]

On that subject... all British condoms have to protect against both pregnancy and STIs, but would you believe that there are American condoms that don't protect against STIs, but do prevent pregnancies? I find that astonishing. Who on Earth says "I don't fancy any unplanned rugrats, but an STI is just fine with me!"? So if you're buying one of the foreign brands on LoveHoney, make sure they meet your requirements.

The ones which don't do this, afaik, must label that they don't. However, I think that "skins" have been traditionally used. Skin is actually animal skin (usually lamb). It is a bit on the porous side. And are legal in the US. They have some fans, and as long as they are used in a monogamous relationship... They are very expensive don't think anybody would be mistaking them.


--Jay

[rexyrex]

Thanks for the warning that's an other things I didn't know. Yikes. But I stick to the ones I know I normally buy the Durex type Condoms.

[FTMDiaries]

Thanks for the warning that's an other things I didn't know. Yikes. But I stick to the ones I know I normally buy the Durex type Condoms.

Yes, all the popular Durex-type condoms will be safe to use with the toys and packers you mention - and almost all of them are safe with water-based lubes.

[Alexthecat]

Wow I never knew this was such a complicated thing.

[FTMDiaries]

Wow I never knew this was such a complicated thing.

Yep, and I've only covered the basics to try to keep this thread family-friendly.

[Nygeel]

Ah well, that's what I get for growing up and being educated in the HIV capital of the world, I suppose - where condoms are a lifesaver.

Early 80s NYC?

Side note: HIV isn't that much of a killer if you can get medication and use it as prescribed. Lots of people are dying of heart attacks before they're anywhere close to AIDS related death. There's also medication to prevent transmission.

[aleon515]

Thanks for the warning that's an other things I didn't know. Yikes. But I stick to the ones I know I normally buy the Durex type Condoms.

I wouldn't say it's much of a warning, for the lambskin ones.  Compared to Durex, etc. they are very pricey. They are supposed to be ultra sensitive, so they can charge a lot of money for them. I believe you would know what you were getting. You wouldn't be picking these up by accident at the LGBT center or something.

--Jay

[FTMDiaries]

Early 80s NYC?

Side note: HIV isn't that much of a killer if you can get medication and use it as prescribed. Lots of people are dying of heart attacks before they're anywhere close to AIDS related death. There's also medication to prevent transmission.

Yes, I'm lucky to now live in the UK where I have access to all those lovely meds if I ever need them... but I grew up in Johannesburg, South Africa. South Africa has the highest HIV infection rate in the world, mostly amongst the poorer members of society. Access to anti-retrovirals is patchy at best - and you can pretty much forget about preventative drugs - so yes, I'm sad to say condoms really are a lifesaver there.

Which is why I feel so strongly about condom use and was stunned to find that there are ones that don't protect against STIs. I guess my thinking has been coloured by having grown up during the height of the AIDS epidemic in a place where it would be downright dangerous to have such things for sale.