Lubricants, Condoms, and Accessories

Lubricants, condoms, and other sex accessories are a great way to add comfort and pleasure to your sex life.

Why use a personal lubricant?

Intimate lubricant, also known as lube or personal lubricant, can play an important role in your sex life. It helps to reduce friction and add moisture during masturbation and sexual intercourse, which can make sensations more pleasurable as well as helping to prevent chafing or tearing.

What kind of lube should I buy?

There are pros and cons of every type of lubricant. However, the best lube for all-purpose use is usually a water-based lube.

Water-based lubricant can be used anally, orally, and vaginally. It's safe for use with any type of condom or sex toy and rinses off easily from skin and sheets. Water-based lubes are often available in glycerine-free, flavoured, and warming formulas. However, they evaporate over time and can leave users feeling a little sticky without reapplication.

For a longer-lasting experience, try a silicone lube, silicone hybrid lube, or oil-based lubricant.

Silicone lubricants and hybrid lubes are plush and slick. They're favoured for their thick texture but can stain and can't be used with silicone sex toys.

Natural, oil-based lubes are another great option. They're safe to use internally and externally as well as with any type of sex toy, but are not safe for use with latex or polyurethane condoms.

What is a condom?

Condoms are a form of barrier protection. Used as both a contraceptive and a way to reduce your risk of transmitting or contracting a sexually transmitted infection, Canadians of any age and gender can buy condoms when they need them.

When using a condom, make sure to open the package carefully, put the condom on before any sexual contact occurs, and never reverse or re-use a condom. Only use one condom at a time and store your condoms in a cool, dry place.

The penile condom, also known as a male condom, is 98 percent effective in preventing pregnancy and STI transmission when used perfectly.The internal condom, also known as the female condom, is 95 percent effective when used perfectly.

What are condoms made from?

Condoms are usually made from latex, which is stretchy, thin, and durable. Latex condoms are more reliable than any other type, and most users find that they're the most comfortable to use.

If you or your partner have a latex allergy, you can also find condoms made from polyurethane, polyisoprene, and nitrile. Lambskin condoms are occasionally also available, but don't provide STI protection.

Do comfortable condoms exist?

Yes! There's no one best condom for everyone, but comfortable condoms do exist. Condoms come in many different materials, lengths, and widths, so don't be afraid to shop around and try different styles and brands for the best possible fit.