Lubricant: U.S. women agree it's not just for engines

When it comes to sex, it’s amazing how much we don’t know. For example, no one had ever asked U.S. women what they think about lube, or whether/how often/why they use it. Luckily, science has taken a step forward in learning about the sex lives of Americans. A new study from researchers at Indiana University asked over 1,500 women around the country just these types of questions about lube.

Most women have used lubricant

Two thirds of women had tried lube at least once, and 22% had used it in the last month. Women reported using it most often during penis-vagina sex or other sex play with partners. About a third reported using lube during masturbation.

They say it makes sex more fun and comfortable

The researchers asked women who had ever used lube their reasons for use. Among women under age 40, the most commonly reported reason was “for fun.” Other common answers were “make sex more comfortable,” “enhance foreplay,” and “curiosity.”

Women in the study were more likely to try using lube as they moved from their teens into adulthood. Over half of them thought using lube made sex feel better and made it it easier to feel aroused.

The perks don’t stop there. Previous research from Indiana University found that lube can make using condoms more pleasurable. Great sex + protection against STIs and unplanned pregnancy? That gets our engine running…