Lube-Why Women Over Forty Absolutely Must Use It

It's a physical fact of life: after forty a woman's estrogen level starts to decline in preparation for menopause. Along with it the body's ability to produce its own natural lubricant decreases, too. If you also take anti-histamines, anti-depressants or antibiotics, it can make it that much worse. Women over forty need to use lube (short for lubricant) every time they have sex or use sex toys. Without lube microscopic tears can happen in the vagina and on the clitoris (which is the most sensitive skin in the entire female body). The bottom line is that vaginal dryness makes for painful sex. Where there's pain, there's avoidance. Top that off with a decreased libido due to the hormonal imbalance, and that makes for an unhappy situation. Fortunately lube is readily available. With all the lube choices available, here are a few guidelines on how to choose the best lube.

• Always test for allergic reactions.

  Spread some lube on the skin of the inner thigh or inner part of the upper arm. Finding out about an allergic reaction after spreading it around the vulva is painfully late.

• Use only water-based or silicone lubes.

  They are specifically designed to use for sexual activity. Any oils or petroleum products are difficult to wash off and can cause infections.

• Look for a lube that's slippery.

  Put some lube between your thumb and forefinger, rub them together and pull them apart. If it feels sticky or tacky, pass on it.

• Taste the lube.

  All lubes are edible whether or not they are flavored. Give it a taste test. It's easy to accidentally get lube in the mouth and a distasteful one can ruin an intimate moment, so it's better to find out beforehand.

Lubes can help to keep the sexual desire burning when your body runs low on it's own supply of lube.

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