When it comes to ~natural~ products, you may be a lil skeptical . I mean, do natural deodorants really keep your pits dry? Can natural retinol serums really iron out those forehead wrinkles? No matter how I may feel about other natural alternatives, there is one ~au naturale~ product I can stand behind, and that’s natural lube. Made without perfumes, parabens, petrochemicals, or any other non-plant-based ingredients, natural lubricants are good for both you and the planet, and they can work just as well as those with artificial enhancements (think: synthetic flavoring, sketchy grades of glycerin, silicones, etc.).
Hey, gorgeous humans! Today, we’re diving headfirst into the deep end of the love pool – yes, I’m talking about intimacy with multiple partners. Before you clutch your pearls or raise an eyebrow, remember: Love is vast, varied, and as unique as your favorite Sliquid formula. And as your go-to wellness guru, I promise to keep things as informative as they are entertaining. So, buckle up for a ride through the ins and outs (pun totally intended) of polyamorous paradise, with a little help from our friends at Sliquid.
The Heart (and Other Parts) of the Matter
Navigating the waters of multiple partnerships isn’t just about juggling schedules or remembering names (though, a handy notebook wouldn’t hurt). It’s about communication, consent, and, most importantly, care – for yourself and for your partners. But let’s not forget the fun part, because, in the end, this is about pleasure, connection, and those toe-curling moments that make you go, “Ohhhh, yes!”
Communication: The Ultimate Foreplay
Before we get to the steamy stuff, let’s talk about the sexiest thing of all: communication. I know, I know, you were hoping I’d start with something more… titillating. But trust me, when it comes to intimacy with multiple partners, a good chat is the appetizer that makes the main course mind-blowing.
Openness: Be clear about your desires, boundaries, and expectations. This isn’t the time for coy hints or reading between the lines. Lay it all out there, like a buffet of your deepest desires.
Honesty: The truth might not always be sexy, but it’s essential. Keeping things transparent avoids confusion and hurt feelings down the line.
Listening: Yes, your partners have voices too! Hear them out, understand their needs, and respect their boundaries. It’s a two-way street, or sometimes a roundabout, depending on how many hearts are in the mix.
Consent: The Golden Rule
Consent isn’t just sexy; it’s mandatory. Every touch, every kiss, every anything should be enthusiastically agreed upon by all parties involved. And remember, consent can be withdrawn at any time, so stay tuned in and responsive to your partners’ cues.
Self-Care: Your Intimacy Toolbox
Now, for the part you’ve been waiting for: what to have on hand to ensure every encounter is as safe and pleasurable as possible. This is where Sliquid slides in (see what I did there?) with their range of intimate care products designed for the modern lover.
Lubricants: A must-have in any pleasure-seeker’s arsenal. Sliquid offers a range of options, from water-based to silicone, ensuring there’s something for every preference and toy. Remember, the right lube can turn a good time into a great time.
Barrier Methods: Condoms, dental dams, you name it. When juggling multiple partners, safety is paramount. Not only do they protect against STIs, but they also keep things clean and tidy, because who has time for laundry?
Aftercare Products: Intimacy isn’t just about the heat of the moment; it’s also about the tender afterglow. Sliquid’s nourishing, pH-balanced bubble bath, Soak, can be a godsend for feeling fresh and cared for. For sexy, hydrated skin, try Sliquid Soul, our topical organic coconut moisturizer.
Communication Aids: Not a physical product, but having a way to facilitate open discussions about desires, boundaries, and health status is crucial. Whether it’s a shared via a text chain, or a good old-fashioned sit down, make sure you have a system in place.
The Emotional Toolkit
Beyond the physical, there’s the emotional aspect of multiple intimacies. It’s not all rainbows and butterflies; sometimes, it’s about managing jealousy, ensuring everyone feels valued, and keeping the lines of communication wide open.
Check-ins: Regularly touch base with all your partners. This isn’t just about physical health but emotional well-being too.
Time Management: Love may know no bounds, but your calendar does. Ensure you’re giving enough attention to each connection to keep it thriving.
Self-reflection: Take time to understand your own emotions and needs. This journey is as much about self-discovery as it is about multiple partners.
Navigating the Highs and Lows
Like any adventurous journey, the path of multiple intimacies comes with its ups and downs. The highs? They’re stratospheric, filled with unparalleled connections, diverse experiences, and a deep understanding of your own desires and boundaries. The lows? Well, they’re part of the package, but with the right mindset and toolkit (courtesy of your wit, wisdom, and a little help from Sliquid), you’ll navigate them with confidence.
Written by Alessandra Isabella on Friday, February 23, 2024.
In a pelvic exam, your health care provider inserts two gloved fingers inside your vagina. Pressing down on your abdomen at the same time, your provider can examine your uterus, ovaries and other organs.
To treat genitourinary syndrome of menopause, your doctor may first recommend over-the-counter treatment options.
You’ve explored a bajillion guides to sex toys and shopped the best online boutiques (so much more discreet than heading into your neighborhood adult boutique). You’ve even brushed up on all the definitions of the latest pleasure gizmos. But while you may have an opinion on the best rabbit vibrator or c-ring, have you taken the time to explore the side salad in this veritable sexual feast? Consider, if you will, the humble bottle of lube. Recent years have seen new formulations flood the market, full of active ingredients, unique textures and other surprises. We spoke with OB/GYN Maria Sophocles for some help sorting through the plethora of options. Here’s our look at the best lube for women.
Whether you’re enjoying a sex toy, or a partner (or both), having a good lube on hand is essential. We’re breaking down the best water-based lube options for you, from the best picks for sensitive skin to aesthetically pleasing ones that look great on your bedside table.
But first, why do you need lube? For some people, it helps manage vaginal dryness. For others, it just makes for a smoother, more pleasurable experience during sex or masturbation. It’s also essential for any type of anal play since the body doesn’t produce any natural lubrication from the anus.
This probably isn’t news to you at this point, but bothyour body and your vulva change throughout every stage of your reproductive health, including menopause. With that, there may be some additional changes in your sex life. If you’ve already reached menopause (meaning you haven’t had your period in over a year), then you probably already understand where we’re going with this. While yes, it sucks to know that physically, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as vaginal dryness during sex, also know that it doesn’t mean the end of intimacy, at all.
Let’s be honest—in the middle of winter, it’s hard enough to strip down for a shower. Between winter blues and the general discomfort of freezing your extremities off (rock-hard nips are only fun to a point), your sex life might take a pounding in the winter, and not in a good way.
It might be freezing out there, but the frigid cold doesn’t have to get between your sheets. We’ve collected 12 top-rated heated sex toys and accessories to keep things toasty warm until the frost thaws off your bedroom window.
Let’s be real: There is no better form of self-care than self-pleasure. Yes, I’m talking about masturbation. After all, in addition to releasing those feel-good endorphins during orgasm, masturbation has been shown to lower stress, provide relaxation, and aid with sleep. Win-win!
Whether you’re using the original sex toy (ahem, your hands) or your favorite vibrator, remember that incorporating a good lube into your “me time” sesh can reduce friction and make the whole experience more enjoyable.
Lube is to anal sex what communication is to a healthy relationship: vital. Without lubrication, anal sex isn’t just less pleasurable, but often painful — and anal shouldn’t painful, says Jordan Soper, PsyD, an AASECT-certified sex therapist. But with lube and a little patience, anal play can be downright orgasmic.
When choosing the best anal lube, the slicker, the better. ‘Silicone-based lubricants are considered top-tier for anal play because they stay on for longer periods of time compared to water-based lubricants, which are more easily absorbed into the body,’ Soper explains. That said, if you’re adding silicone toys into the mix, avoid silicone-based lube—it can cause deterioration, which can both ruin your toys and create a perfect environment for bacteria to grow.
This probably isn’t news to you at this point, but both your body and your vulva change throughout every stage of your reproductive health, including menopause. With that, there may be some additional changes in your sex life after menopause.
If you’ve already reached menopause (meaning you haven’t had your period in over a year), then you probably already understand where we’re going with this. While yes, it sucks to know that physically, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as vaginal dryness during sex after menopause, also know that it doesn’t mean the end of intimacy, at all.