First Time Using Lube? A Simple, No-Embarrassment Guide
What to buy, how much to use, and the small habits that make it feel natural from the very first time.
Start with a water-based lube: it’s safe with condoms and toys and washes off with water. Use a few drops, add more whenever you need to, and keep it within reach. Slyd’s 50ml costs KES 850, or try the Slyd Bundle (a 50ml plus two travel sachets) for KES 1,100.
Lubricant is one of the simplest ways to make intimacy more comfortable, yet many people put off trying it because they’re not sure what to buy or how much to use. Using lube is normal, for any couple and any age. Here’s the short version.
Step 1: choose water-based first
Water-based lube is the easy all-rounder. It works with every type of condom and toy, feels natural, and cleans up with water. Silicone lasts longer but can damage silicone toys, and oil-based products can weaken latex condoms. Slyd is water-based with a pH of 4.0 and is non-sticky.
Step 2: how much lube to use
- Start small. A few drops is enough to begin with.
- Warm it up. Rub it between your fingers for a second before applying.
- Reapply freely. Water-based lube can dry as you go. That’s normal; just add a little more.
Step 3: make it feel natural
- Keep it close. On the bedside table, not in a drawer across the room, so it’s never a pause.
- Talk about it simply. “I’d like things to feel more comfortable for both of us” is all it takes.
- Store it well. Close the cap and keep it somewhere cool and dry, away from direct sunlight.
An easy way to start
If you’re trying lube for the first time, the Slyd Bundle gives you a 50ml for home and two travel sachets, so you can find what works for you without guessing.
When to see a professional
If you have ongoing dryness, pain or irritation, speak to a doctor or pharmacist. Lube helps with comfort, but persistent symptoms deserve a proper check. Read more in our guide to dryness and friction.
Frequently asked questions
Is it normal to use lube?
Yes. Many couples use lube to make intimacy more comfortable. Needing or wanting lube isn’t a sign that anything is wrong.
Is lube safe with condoms?
Water-based lube like Slyd is safe with latex and non-latex condoms. Avoid oil-based products such as petroleum jelly or baby oil with latex condoms.
How much lube should I use?
Start with a few drops and add more whenever you need to. A little more is better than too little.
Can I buy lube discreetly in Nairobi?
Yes. Order at slydlube.com and pay with M-Pesa. Orders placed by 6 pm arrive the same day across Nairobi in plain outer packaging.
Keep reading
The easy first step: one bottle for home, two sachets for the road.
Start with the bundle