Men who are sexually active, whether with other partners or with their own hands, know that using lubricant is one way to help avoid a sore penis. Proper penis care enables a man to keep his sexual equipment in good shape and therefore to make use of it more frequently – something that is difficult to do when a sore penis strikes. But will any old lubricant do when having sex? What about an alternative lubricant, something that isn’t marketed specifically for that purpose?

The answer is: it depends on just what alternative one is using.

Lubricants

In general, there are three kinds of lubricant that are created specifically for sexual encounters: water-based, oil-based and silicone. There are pros and cons with each type, as shall be discussed later – but first we will look at some alternative lubricants that men often use.

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• Saliva. Most frequently used when masturbating and much more rarely used during intercourse, saliva is a “better than nothing” option – but pretty much a last resort. Spitting into or licking the palm of the hand does provide some temporary “slickness” which can be beneficial. But it doesn’t last very long at all, making constant reapplication a necessity. Prolonged use of saliva by itself may result in a sore penis.

• Hand lotion. Though not designed for sexual use, hand lotions have an oil-water mix which make them a decent choice – but sensitive skin may react negatively to them. Also, some lotions have tiny pieces of grit in them which can cause irritation. And scented lotions have chemicals which can irritate delicate penis skin.

• Shampoo. Better than spit, many shampoos have a viscosity that make them effective, especially for masturbation. But they can dry out the skin and may also have scents which can cause irritation.

• Toothpaste. Although some men have used toothpaste, it should be avoided, both for intercourse and masturbation. Many brands contain chemicals which cause stinging and burning.

• Sunscreen and tanning lotion. Also not recommended. Although they tend to be mineral oil based and are for use on skin, the delicacy of penis and vaginal skin may react with a burning sensation.

• Petroleum jelly. Generally a good bet for masturbation, although its thick “gloppiness” may lead to overapplication. Some vaginas experience an irritation, and it can erode condoms, so avoid using for intercourse. 

Using lubricants designed for sex is a much better idea – although even here, it’s important to know which kind to choose. Water-based lubricants are safe to use with condoms and have the added benefit of not staining. They do require frequent reapplication, however. Oil-based lubricants last much longer, but can destroy condoms and make a mess of fabrics. Silicone lubricants tend to last a very long time and are safe to use with condoms. However, they can’t be used with silicon sex toys and sometimes they require extensive washing to remove from the penis after use. They also tend to be more expensive.

Men may find that they need to experiment with different lubricants to find the one that is best for them. If using alternative lubricants, they need to understand that there may be significant drawbacks in terms of effectiveness and safety.

Not every man needs to use a lubricant to avoid a sore penis, but when they do experience a sore penis due to overuse or misuse, often the application of a first class  penis health creme (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) can come in handy. The sore penis needs to be massaged with moisturizing agents, so a crème that is rich in high end emollients (such as shea butter) and natural hydrators (such as vitamin E) is just the ticket. Also important in a crème is the presence of alpha lipoic acid. By helping to eliminate free radicals, this powerful antioxidant strengthens the skin by fighting oxidative stress.