Stop Using Spit: How Lube Completely Changes Sex

Let’s be honest: in the heat of the moment, when things are getting steamy, and you realise you need a little extra glide, most people reach for the quickest, easiest option available. For a lot of us, that’s spit. It’s convenient, it’s free, and it’s right there.

But here’s the cold, hard truth: spit is a terrible lubricant. If you’ve been relying on saliva to get the job done, you aren't just missing out on better sensations—you might actually be doing more harm than good. Transitioning from "making do" with spit to using a dedicated, high-quality sexual lubricant is like switching from a tricycle to a Ferrari. It changes the entire landscape of your pleasure.

In this guide, we’re going to dive into why lubrication is the unsung hero of the bedroom, debunk some common myths, and explain how the right bottle can completely revolutionise your sex life.

The Friction Problem: Why Lubrication Matters

Sex is a physical act that involves a lot of skin-on-skin (or toy-on-skin) contact. While the human body is amazing at producing its own natural moisture, it isn't a machine. Stress, medications, hormonal cycles, or simply the length of a "marathon session" can cause natural lubrication to dry up.

When moisture disappears, friction takes over.

Friction isn't just a mood killer; it can lead to micro-tears in delicate tissues. These tiny scratches are often invisible to the eye but can cause stinging, irritation, and even make you more susceptible to infections or STIs. One of the primary benefits of lube is that it provides a consistent, slippery barrier that eliminates that "chafing" feeling, allowing you to focus entirely on the pleasure rather than the discomfort.

The Great Myth: "Spit is Just as Good as Lube"

We’ve all heard it, and most of us have done it. But let’s look at the science of why saliva fails the test every single time.

1. The Evaporation Issue

Saliva is mostly water. Because of its composition, it evaporates almost the second it hits the air. This means you have to keep reapplying it every couple of minutes. This constant interruption breaks the "flow" of sex and often leads to a sticky, tacky feeling rather than a smooth glide.

2. The Enzyme Problem

Saliva contains digestive enzymes (like amylase) designed to break down food. These enzymes are great for your mouth, but they are not meant for the sensitive pH balance of your nether regions. Using spit can lead to irritation or even contribute to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis (BV).

3. The Lack of "Cushion"

Commercial lubricants are engineered to have "viscosity"—that thick, plush feeling that stays between two surfaces. Spit is thin. It doesn't provide the structural cushion needed for more intense play or anal exploration.

Breaking Down the Types of Lubricant

Not all lubes are created equal. Depending on what you’re doing, the types of lubricant you choose can make or break the experience.

Water-Based: The Versatile All-Rounder

Water-based lubes are the most popular for a reason. They are easy to clean, condom-compatible, and safe for all sex toys.

• Pros: Non-staining, easy to find, and generally very safe for sensitive skin.

• Cons: They can dry out and may require a quick "refresh" with a splash of water or a second pump.

Silicone-Based: The Marathon Runner

Silicone lube is the gold standard for long-lasting play. It doesn’t evaporate, and it’s waterproof (hello, shower sex!).

• Pros: Extremely slippery, lasts forever, and feels silky rather than wet.

• Cons: It can be tricky to wash off (you’ll need soap) and cannot be used with silicone sex toys, as it will literally melt the surface of the toy.

Oil-Based: The "Natural" Specialist

While things like coconut oil are popular, you have to be careful. Oil-based lubes are great for external massages or manual play.

• Pros: Very thick and moisturising.

• Cons: Never use oil with latex condoms. Oil dissolves latex, which can lead to condom failure. It can also trap bacteria if not washed off thoroughly.

"It Was a Game Changer": Real Stories

Don’t just take the word of a writer. Here is what happened when real people ditched the spit and embraced the bottle:

"I used to think that needing lube meant there was something 'wrong' with me or that I wasn't turned on enough. Once my partner and I started using a water-based lube, the friction went away, and my orgasms actually became more intense because I wasn't distracted by that 'raw' feeling afterwards." - Sarah,29

"As a guy, I thought lube was only for the 'receiving' end. But using a warming water-based lube for manual play changed everything. It’s a totally different sensation that you just can't get any other way." - Marcus, 34

How to Choose: Tips for Improving Your Sexual Experience

Ready to buy your first (or fifth) bottle? Here is how to pick the right one for the job:

1. Check the Ingredients: Avoid lubes with "glycerin" or "parabens" if you are prone to infections. Look for pH-balanced formulas.

2. Match the Activity:

   • For Toys: Stick to water-based.

   • For the Shower: Go silicone-based (water-based will just wash away).

   • For Anal Play: Look for a "thick" or "max" formula water-based lube to provide extra cushion.

3. The "Back of the Hand" Test: When shopping, put a drop on the back of your hand. Rub it in. Does it feel sticky after 30 seconds? If so, skip it. You want something that stays slick.

4. Temperature Matters: If you want to spice things up, look for "tingling" or "warming" lubes, but always test them on a small patch of skin first!

Conclusion: Elevate Your Pleasure

At the end of the day, improving your sexual experience is about removing barriers to pleasure. Friction, irritation, and the constant need to "rewet" the situation are all barriers that can be solved with one simple bottle.

By moving past the lubrication myths—like the idea that spit is "more natural" or that lube is only for "older people"—you open the door to a world of comfort and heightened sensation. Whether you're playing solo, with a partner, or with your favourite toy, the right lube ensures that the only thing you're feeling is good.

Stop using spit. Your body (and your partner) will thank you.