Sore Penis? An “Alternative” Lubricant May Be to Blame

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.

- 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.

Itchy Penis: Was it the Lubricant or the Latex?

Sometimes a man suddenly finds himself with an itchy penis without any idea of what is causing it. Other times, he has a fairly good idea. For example, if he develops a really itchy penis after using a condom, and this happens consistently, it’s reasonable to assume that this particular penis care issue is related to the protection he is using. But before he goes shopping for a new kind of condom to use, it’s worth asking, "What is really causing this itchy penis? Is it the latex? Or is it the lubricant?"

A good question

It’s a question well worth asking. Many condoms come pre-lubricated now, and many guys who use unlubricated latex barriers will add some lubricant to make things proceed more smoothly. Heck, some guys even add lubricant to a condom that already is pre-lubed. So if a guy has an allergic reaction after using the condom, it may be due to a latex allergy, or it may be due to the lubricant involved.

Real allergy?

Some people seem incredulous that a guy could be allergic to latex or to lubricants. But the fact is that it’s possible to develop an allergy to just about anything - and quite a few people do have reactions to latex and/or lubricant.

In terms of the penis, sometimes it manifests as itchiness, but it can also have visible symptoms as well - most often a reddening of the penis or the appearance of rashes or bumps. Sometimes it can cause swelling (not the kind associated with a normal erection) and tenderness. The exact allergic reaction will depend upon the individual.

Test

So how does a person find out if the reaction is to the latex or the lubricant - especially if the condom is pre-lubricated and the specific lubricant used is not known?

One way is to take a condom (unused) and cut it in two. Take one half and soak it in soapy water for an hour or so, then rinse it thoroughly. Use paper towels to soak up excess water, then let it hang to dry. Then take the two halves - one of which has been washed and one of which has not - and place one on one arm and one on the other for 10 minutes. Remove, and wait to see if there are any signs of a reaction. If a reaction shows up on the one which is lubricated, it is most likely the lubricant. If both arms show a reaction, it is more likely to be the latex. (This method is not 100% accurate, but it gives a generally good idea of the cause.)

Alternatively, if the lubricant is self-applied, a test can simply be done applying the lubricant to the body and seeing if there is a reaction or not.

When the source is determined, a guy can then proceed to either (a) purchase non-latex condoms, (b) buy unlubricated condoms, or (c) change the lubricant he is currently using to one which is hopefully more suited to his skin.

A lubricant or latex allergy is only one potential cause of an itchy penis, of course. When dry skin is a cause, regular application of a first rate penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man 1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is urged. Penis skin can dry out for many reasons, resulting in flaky skin which is prone to itching. Keeping the penis skin moisturized with agents like vitamin E and shea butter can stave off many an itchy situation. It also helps to use a crème that contains L-carnitine; serious itching can damage penis sensitivity, and the neuroprotective properties of L-carnitine can help maintain penis sensation at an appropriate level.

Avoid Penis Pain by Using the Right Lubricant

Into every life a little pain must fall - but most men hope to avoid penis pain whenever possible. Certainly taking steps to ensure superb penis health is one way to keep penis pain at bay - and that includes making sure lubricant is used when engaging in sex. But these days, there are several different kinds (and scores of different brands) of lubricants readily available. How is a guy to know which ones to use?

Forget the taste
 
First, simply knock flavored lubricants off the list if we’re talking sex with a woman here. Some may ask why? After all, if foreplay is going to include some oral activity, why shouldn’t the experience be extra tasty for the one on the giving end of that oral activity?

Well, if the activity is going to be limited to oral sex, go right ahead. But if vaginal penetration is on the menu, it’s better to avoid the flavored lubricants. Not because they don’t work, but because they contain sugar. The sugar is great for flavor, but it also greatly increases the possibility of a vaginal yeast infection - and that’s no fun for either partner.

Water, silicone or oil?
 
The most popular lubricants come in three kinds, categorized by their base: water, silicone and oil. There are pros and cons to each.

Water
 
Water-based lubricants are usually the cheapest to buy - but their lower price does not imply lower quality. It simply means the water-based is more economical to produce. Water-based lubricants tend to work with almost all condoms (but not all; it’s best to check to see if a specific condom does not advise using water-based lubes). Those who are into sex toys most often need to use a water-based product, as they are most compatible with typical sex toy materials.

The biggest drawback with water lubricant is that it tends to come off more quickly than other lubricants - and that means a man sometimes has to stop in the middle of the action to reapply it. However, as a bonus, it also is easier to wash out of bedding and clothing.

Silicone
 
Guys who like shower sex definitely should consider a silicone-based lubricant. It’s waterproof, so it’s a natural for a little bathtub playtime. Most condoms are also tolerant of silicone (although again, it’s good to check in advance).

Silicone has an advantage over water in the lubricant department because it stays on the skin much longer and doesn’t need frequent reapplication. However, it shouldn’t be used on sex toys made of silicone, as it will cause them to break down quickly.

Oil
 
Don’t even think about using oil-based lubricants on latex condoms. They can cause breakages, which can have disastrous consequences. Those who are in relationships in which condoms are not used may prefer oil lubes because of their long-lasting ability. They are, however, messy to clean up.
Using a lubricant can ease penetrative issues and reduce or eliminate penis pain from tight insertions. However, it’s best to use actual lubricants as opposed to "improvised" ones (such as baby oil, body lotions, etc.). Products not intended for sexual lubrication may include ingredients that can cause a reaction.

Lubrication is certainly one way to reduce potential penis pain; so is keeping that penis in prime condition by regular application of a top drawer penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) . Frequent or rough sex, pleasurable as it may be in the moment, can lead to a diminishment of sensation in the penis. Using a crème with neuroprotective L carnitine can help address this loss of penis sensitivity. A crème with L-arginine is also recommended, as this amino acid plays a key role in the process by which penile blood vessels are kept open and receptive to increased blood flow.

Penis Skin and Lubricants: Some Helpful Tips

Sexually active men - whether active with a partner or with themselves - often benefit from employing some form of lubricant on the penis skin. Since every guy is different, the choice of lubricant is highly individual. But to maintain best penis health, it’s a good idea to spend a little time considering what is right for the penis. The following tips can be helpful in making that decision.

- Sometimes with a partner; always when masturbating. One of the first decisions to make is when a man needs to use lubricant. For many men, a little lubricant makes the initial penetration of partner sex smoother. Others, however, rarely opt for lubricant with a partner. Either natural lubrication from themselves and their partners is sufficient, or the condom they use contains some lubricant that does the trick.

However, when masturbating, lubricant of some kind is almost always necessary. The friction created by rubbing the penis vigorously with the hand over an extended period of time can result in rubbing the penis skin raw unless lubricant is involved. While some men find that they get by with a mixture of the natural lubricant from the penis and their own saliva, others find the use of a lubricant product is necessary.

- When about washing? Another factor for a man to consider is his post-sex routine. Some men keep the penis unwashed after partner sex or masturbation. They may go to sleep happily letting the lingering scent of sex accompany them to dreamland. Others take time to wash and dry the penis soon after sexual activity is complete.

Why does this matter in terms of lubricant? Because some lubricants may not be good for penis skin if left on after sex. This especially applies to some water-based lubricants; remnants of the lubricant dry into a powder. If the powder remains on the penis for an extended period of time, it can dry out the skin.

- How long is the sex likely to last? Different lubricants tend to stay on the penis for different lengths of time - especially during masturbation. Water-based lubricants in general get "worn off" the quickest and may need to be reapplied every 5 or 10 minutes. Oil-based and silicone lubes tend to stay on the penis skin for longer periods of time. Continuing to engage in vigorous sex after the lubricant has diminished can lead to severe skin irritation.

- How sensitive is the penis skin? Men with penis skin prone to dryness or rashing may need to take special care when selecting lubricant. A general rule of thumb is that lubricants with fewer ingredients tend to be less harsh. Also, silicone lubricants, as a class, tend to be easier on the skin.
While this does not relate to the health of the penis skin, when using a latex condom, remember that oil-based lubricants should be avoided, as they can cause the condom to deteriorate. Also, silicone lubricants are not good for use with silicone sex toys.

Used correctly, a lubricant can help maintain the health of the penis skin while providing great pleasure during sex. But lubrication alone is not enough; regular application of a superior penis health crème (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil, which is clinically proven mild and safe for skin) is beneficial in terms of keeping the penis skin in good overall health and maintaining the general health of the manhood itself. Because moisturization of the penis skin is essential, using a crème with potent hydrating qualities is key. Look for one that contains a combination of moisturizers, such as Shea butter (an exceptional high end emollient) and vitamin E (one of nature’s finest hydrators). Moisturization alone is not enough; penis skin also needs to be protected from the oxidative stress associated with free radicals. A crème containing alpha lipoic acid, a powerful antioxidant, is ideal for this job.