They are great for use by both men and women at any age and stage, but are especially useful post-menopause when the vaginal wall may thin and lubrication not so readily found. Used sensitively they can add a sense of play and affection to love making.

Things to look for in a lubricant:

• Water-based lubricants are the “gold standard” when it comes to personal products. That means irritation will be reduced, they won’t affect the latex on condoms, and they will not leave you open to infection like oil based ones can.  They generally come in two types – with or without glycerine, a sweet tasting additive which should be avoided if you are prone to vaginal yeast infections as sugar can encourage yeast growth. Brands containing glycerine include KY Jelly, Sylk, Astroglide, Probe, and Aqualube. Liquid Silk and Play are two brands of water-based lubricant that do not contain glycerine.

• Even if your lubricant is water based, check for other chemical ingredients.

Being water based may not be enough.  Check also that it is free of propylene glycol, chlorhexidine, or other parabens, which apart from wider concerns can cause some women irritation. The more natural the product, the less chance of a reaction. Good Clean Love is one recommended brand which uses organic ingredients and has a good consistency.

• Oil based lubricants include baby oils, mineral oils, vegetable oils like olive oil, Vitamin E oil, and hand creams. Suitable for masturbation, but not to be placed in the vagina, as the oil residue increases the risk of bacterial infections. Typically best for men, not for use in the vagina. If you are considering using Vitamin E oil check with your partner first as some people are allergic to it. Oil based lubricants are safe to use with polyurethane condoms but not latex ones. Mineral oil, which is found in many hand lotions, can reduce latex condom strength by as much as 90 percent.

• Silicone-based lubricants are good for action around water – in the shower or bath. However they can be difficult to rinse off, as the silicone doesn’t break down in water and some women note vaginal irritation if they don’t wash away silicone products directly after intercourse. Silicone lube brands include Wet Platinum, Eros, and ID Millennium. Some brands – like Woman Bodyglide and Überlube double as sensual massage oils. Silicone-based lubricants are harder to wash off bedding and clothing and are more expensive than water-based ones.

• Speciality lubricants – His N Hers, Warming or Flavoured Lubes

Mostly these are marketing exercises. The warming lubes are best used on the outside of a condom, and can add a sensation during sex, but you can definitely get too much of a good thing. A dime sized application is plenty for most women, whose genitals are more sensitive than men’s

His N Hers packs won’t do anything for you that a standard one can’t but may add a sense of anticipation.  As for flavoured lubes, they may add a frisson of naughtiness, but check the flavour before use (some taste pretty terrible) and if you a diabetic steer clear as many contain sugar.