The Nu Guide: Everything you need to know about lube
Let’s talk about lubrication: why it matters, why it disappears, and how to bring it back (with a little help from your friends at Nu).
Lubrication isn’t just some “nice to have” bonus feature. It’s essential for comfort, pleasure, and for avoiding that awful sandpaper feeling that no one signed up for. Natural vaginal lubrication is like the body’s built-in slip-and-slide — magically appearing when we’re turned on, helping everything glide a little more smoothly, and feel a whole lot better.
However, like most things in life, lubrication doesn’t always show up exactly when we want it to. So let’s dive into why lubrication matters, what can interfere with it, and why it might be time to invest in a quality lubricant — especially an oil-based one. Trust us, your best bits will thank you!
What is vaginal lubrication?
Typically, during sexual arousal, blood flow increases to your pelvic area and the vaginal walls create a clear, slippery fluid through a process called ‘transudation’. It’s nature’s way of saying, “yes please, go ahead.” This fluid reduces friction, boosts pleasure and helps prevent small tears or irritation during penetrative sex.
Even when we’re not aroused, the vagina stays naturally moist thanks to secretions from the cervix and vaginal walls. It’s all part of keeping the area healthy, clean, and infection-free. Think of it as your vagina’s self-cleaning oven function, but way less boring!
When the slip stops sliding
Lubrication doesn’t always run on schedule. Here are a few things that can make your vagina a little dry and uncooperative:
Hormones: Estrogen is the MVP here. When levels drop (hello menopause, postpartum, breastfeeding, or some birth control) vaginal tissues can get drier than a toast rack in the Sahara.
Stress: If your brain is full of to-do lists or you’re exhausted, your body probably isn’t prioritising sexy-time fluids. Totally normal. Completely annoying.
Medications: Antidepressants, antihistamines, and even cancer treatments can all dry things up. Not ideal, but also not usually permanent.
Foreplay: Or more correctly: not enough of it. Let’s not sugarcoat this important step in personal intimacy: if the oven’s not preheated, don’t put anything in it.
Microbiome Mayhem: The vagina is full of friendly bacteria (mostly Lactobacillus) that keep things in balance. When that balance gets messed up (think, antibiotics, perfumed soap, or the worst offender - vaginal washes), dryness and irritation can creep in.
Your microbiome is the unsung hero of moisture
Your vagina is basically a mini ecosystem, and when it’s thriving, it keeps things juicy, comfy, and happy. Those good bacteria help maintain the right pH (slightly acidic), which fends off infections and supports natural lubrication. But when things like douching, sugar overload, or harsh cleansers disrupt the microbiome, you might notice dryness, itching, or just a general “off” feeling down there. Even many commercial water-based lubricants contain glycerol and parabens which can act as endocrine or microbiome disrupters.
Our pro tips: Be gentle, eat fermented foods, ditch the soap, and treat your vulva like the precious, self-regulating organ it is.
Why lube is not cheating, it’s self-care
Let’s drop the shame around lube, okay? You’re not “broken” if you need lube.
Oil-based lubes are your ride-or-die if you’re after long-lasting slip, maximum glide, and silky smooth fun. They’re especially amazing if you’re postmenopausal, prone to dryness, or just want to slow things down and savour the moment. BUT. Don’t use them with latex condoms (they can degrade the latex causing breakages… oops).
A natural oil-based option like Nu Balm can also nourish your vulva and vagina while making sex feel amazing. Plus moisturising and lubricating your vagina may also reduce the chances of a UTI. It’s like skincare for your bits, with lots of fringe benefits.
TL;DR
Lubrication is a big deal for sex, for vaginal health, and for not wincing halfway through. It can vanish for lots of very normal reasons, but you’ve got options. Support your hormones, love your microbiome, and don’t be afraid to reach for that lube — especially if it’s Nu Balm!
