Let’s be honest: Sometimes, a guy just wants to get it on. It doesn’t matter if the situation has enough lubrication involved. Two adventurous souls might choose to get down and dirty without any lubrication at all, or a guy might take matters into his own hand and keep things dry until the very end. But while that lack of lubrication might indicate something hot and spontaneous, the truth is that going without adequate lubrication runs contrary to everything a guy ever learns about good penis care.

However, there are times when additional lubrication can be problematic, such as when a guy is dealing with an allergic reaction to an ingredient in the lube, or when the only lube on hand is one that doesn’t work well with latex condoms. Here’s how to handle those situations, and much more.

If a guy can’t handle the lube…

Some lubricants have added ingredients that can lead to skin irritation, dryness and even pain. For instance, ‘warming’ lubes often contain ingredients that lead to a sense of warmth and heat to the skin. For some guys, that can be just a little too much excitement for their sensitive penis skin.

And in other cases, even the most common lubricants might actually trigger an allergic reaction. This often results in a rashy, red penis that might feel warm to the touch. Severe cases can lead to even more severe symptoms.

The good news is that there are so many lubes out there, a guy can experiment with quite a few until he finds one that works well for him. And when he’s looking at using lubes with condoms, keep in mind that oil-based lubes are not good for use with protections, as they will hasten the deterioration of the condom - and every guy knows that’s not good. Go for water-based or silicone-based lubes instead.

Using lubrication properly

When a man is with an eager partner, he might find that her body produces enough lubrication for both of them. But in many cases, a little extra is necessary for the comfort of everyone involved. Therefore, a man should always keep a good lube on hand just in case he needs it. Choose one that is specifically designed for use on sensitive private areas.

What a man should never, ever do is turn to "lubricants" that were never designed for that function. Grabbing for a bottle of lotion, shampoo, conditioner or even baby oil are all frowned upon, as they can lead to serious dryness and skin reactions that definitely take the fun out of a guy’s escapades. And of course, no one knows for sure what these products will do to the efficacy of a condom, but it’s a safe bet that the outcome might not be good.

Finally, a guy should remember to clean up thoroughly after using lube. Even the gentlest lubes can leave residue behind, and that can lead to penis itch, rash and redness. A quick wash with warm water in the sink might be enough, but for heavy-duty lubes, a full-on shower might be necessary to get all of it away from the skin.

In between sex sessions, it pays to use a top-notch penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin). Not only will luxurious ingredients like Shea butter and vitamin E alleviate the dry skin that can result from using lubrication, a guy can look for vitamins A, C, D and B5, all known for their skin-soothing properties. And for better action, a guy can look to L-arginine, which is known for enhancing blood flow through the penis, leading to firmer erections and a potentially better time.