Into every life a little pain must fall - but most men hope to avoid penis pain whenever possible. Certainly taking steps to ensure superb penis health is one way to keep penis pain at bay - and that includes making sure lubricant is used when engaging in sex. But these days, there are several different kinds (and scores of different brands) of lubricants readily available. How is a guy to know which ones to use?

Forget the taste

First, simply knock flavored lubricants off the list if we’re talking sex with a woman here. Some may ask why? After all, if foreplay is going to include some oral activity, why shouldn’t the experience be extra tasty for the one on the giving end of that oral activity?

Well, if the activity is going to be limited to oral sex, go right ahead. But if vaginal penetration is on the menu, it’s better to avoid the flavored lubricants. Not because they don’t work, but because they contain sugar. The sugar is great for flavor, but it also greatly increases the possibility of a vaginal yeast infection - and that’s no fun for either partner.

Water, silicone or oil?

The most popular lubricants come in three kinds, categorized by their base: water, silicone and oil. There are pros and cons to each.

Water

Water-based lubricants are usually the cheapest to buy - but their lower price does not imply lower quality. It simply means the water-based is more economical to produce. Water-based lubricants tend to work with almost all condoms (but not all; it’s best to check to see if a specific condom does not advise using water-based lubes). Those who are into sex toys most often need to use a water-based product, as they are most compatible with typical sex toy materials.

The biggest drawback with water lubricant is that it tends to come off more quickly than other lubricants - and that means a man sometimes has to stop in the middle of the action to reapply it. However, as a bonus, it also is easier to wash out of bedding and clothing.

Silicone

Guys who like shower sex definitely should consider a silicone-based lubricant. It’s waterproof, so it’s a natural for a little bathtub playtime. Most condoms are also tolerant of silicone (although again, it’s good to check in advance).

Silicone has an advantage over water in the lubricant department because it stays on the skin much longer and doesn’t need frequent reapplication. However, it shouldn’t be used on sex toys made of silicone, as it will cause them to break down quickly.

Oil

Don’t even think about using oil-based lubricants on latex condoms. They can cause breakages, which can have disastrous consequences. Those who are in relationships in which condoms are not used may prefer oil lubes because of their long-lasting ability. They are, however, messy to clean up.

Using a lubricant can ease penetrative issues and reduce or eliminate penis pain from tight insertions. However, it’s best to use actual lubricants as opposed to "improvised" ones (such as baby oil, body lotions, etc.). Products not intended for sexual lubrication may include ingredients that can cause a reaction.

Lubrication is certainly one way to reduce potential penis pain; so is keeping that penis in prime condition by regular application of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Frequent or rough sex, pleasurable as it may be in the moment, can lead to a diminishment of sensation in the penis. Using a crème with neuroprotective L carnitine can help address this loss of penis sensitivity. A crème with L-arginine is also recommended, as this amino acid plays a key role in the process by which penile blood vessels are kept open and receptive to increased blood flow.