What to do when you've run out of your personal lubricant and say, your local pharmacy is closed, things are getting pretty steamy with your partner and you want to try anal sex for the first time? Well you're gonna have to get creative, but creative doesn't mean careless.
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Although perhaps it is not the best alternative for store-bought lubricants that are made for the bedroom, when the going gets tough, you reach for what you have. However, if you were going to look in your cupboard to reach for cooking oil, you must know that not all of them are made the same. For that reason, not all of them are safe to use if you're looking into performing penetrative sex.
What should you absolutely avoid?
Whatever you do, don't use any kind of refined or hydrogenated cooking oils, such as vegetable or canola oil, as these types of oils go through very heavy processing. From, heating, to bleaching or even chemical treatments, these are probably not the most sanitary things to be putting inside you or your partner's body.
Putting any of these types of oils could make for some very unpleasant experiences to arise for both you and your partner. Skin irritations, thrush, and some pretty nasty infections can definitely be the result of putting refined or hydrogenated cooking oils.
What about olive oil?
Olive oil, only in very specific cases, can be used as a lubricant for penetration. If you are not cautious in the way that you use it however, it could make for a very slippery slope (pun very much so intended).
If you are prepared to have sexual intercourse without the use of a latex condom or if you are just looking to engage in masturbation, then by all means go right ahead (just don't forget to wash off immediately after). The problem with olive oil is that, much like other oils, it can wear down latex condoms which, within minutes, could break it and potentially result in an unwanted pregnancy or an STI.
Instead, if you absolutely must use olive oil and still want to use protection opt for synthetic condoms, such as polyurethane condoms.
