Can Condoms and Lubricant Be Used Together?

Curiosity might have killed the cat, but it can really ramp up things in the bedroom (or wherever you like it). For a start: wondering if you can use condoms and lube together? Lube lovers and the condom crowd, right this way! Lots of people don't realise that you can actually use lube and condoms together, either with sex toys or a penis - but not all lubes are made equal. Read on to find out why oil-based lube and latex shouldn't mix, and answers to some of your most asked questions about sex, lubricant and condoms...

What the heck is lubricant, anyway?

Lubricants tend to be gel-like substances that are used to enhance sensations during sex. Lube is a simple way to reduce friction and discomfort which improves feelings of pleasure for everyone involved. Ignore the stereotypes. Lube isn't only for 'dried up old ladies' (thanks for perpetuating that myth, Superbad) or strictly if you're experiencing vaginal dryness. In fact, literally everyone on the planet should give it a try to discover the slippery, sexy benefits it can bring to solo fun or getting down to it with a partner.

Now you mention it, why DO some people experience discomfort during sex?

Vaginas naturally produce a natural lubricant when turned on. However, the amount of natural lube produced will vary depending on the person and their totally unique body. Everyone is different, and sometimes your level of wetness can be disconnected from your arousal level, which can be confusing. Vaginal dryness happens to many of us at some point in our lives for many reasons, including medications, health conditions, dehydration and beyond. If your vagina doesn't produce enough natural fluid to prevent friction when you're having sex, it can leave you feeling sore and irritated. Get into a gentle lubricant that’s kind to your and your partner's/s' bodies will improve the experience and make it more enjoyable for both of you. 

If I don’t experience discomfort during sex, can I still use lubricant?

A big, lubey, YES. Lubricant is great for minimising friction and it can also be used to increase arousal and enhance sensations during sex. It might not always be a necessity for vaginal sex, but it is essential for anal sex, because the anus doesn’t produce its own natural lubricant. Real talk: the anus is also a much tighter canal so you need to use plenty of lubricant to ensure both partners don’t experience friction or even tearing of the skin. 

Can I use lubricant with condoms?

As a 'barrier method; condoms are the most effective method of protecting yourself against STIs and pregnancy. To make you and your partner/s stay safe, it's really important to choose the right lubricant to use in combo with your condoms. The type of lube largely depends on the type of condom you’re using:

Latex condoms

Latex condoms are the most popular type of condoms, and because they’re made from natural rubber, you need to be especially careful about which type of lubricant you use with them. Avoid all oil-based lubricants when using latex condoms. This includes baby oil, coconut oil and Vaseline, as the oil can break down the latex causing it to split or break, increasing your risk of pregnancy and STIs.

Water-based lubricant is the safest option to use with latex condoms as it minimises the chance of the condom splitting. It’s also a lot easier to clean up afterwards, without losing any slippery vibes. We developed our own HANX Lubricant to be as close to vaginal pH as possible to avoid any of the irritation or Thrush infections caused by many of the glycerin-laden leading lubes on the market.

Non-latex condoms

If you’re using non-latex condoms, then check the back of the box to see what the condoms are made out of. If it’s polyisoprene, a synthetic rubber, you'll also want to avoid using oil-based lubricants as polyisoprene reacts with oil in the same way that natural latex does. Yes, like Team HANX listening to Red (Taylor's Version), it starts to break down. Make sure to use a water-based or silicone-based lubricant, instead.

If your chosen condom is made from polyurethane then it’s safe to use oil-based, water-based or silicone-based lubricants. Whilst silicone-based lubricants can last longer than water-based lubricants, they can be irritating for people with sensitive skin and big no-no: they damage silicone sex toys. Protect that vibe at all costs!

Which lubricant is safe to use with all condoms?

If you’re not sure what your condoms are made out of, always choose a water-based lubricant to be on the safe side. It’s compatible with all condoms and sex toys, and is generally kinder to the body. Water-based lubricant is also less likely to cause infections, unlike oil-based lubricants which can trap bacteria inside and around the genitalia. Go forth, add a few pumps to your next sex sesh - and let us know how you get along...