A number of women have confided in me that their enjoyment of intercourse became rather greatly reduced after menopause. One factor is that for many of them, natural lubrication doesn't occur or if it does, it isn't enough to be useful. The result is that things don't feel the same. In fact, sex can be absolutely painful if a partner is not aware of or is insensitive to the problem.

Many of these women were unaware of the many commercial lubricants that are now available. Some of them who had heard of the products thought that such things were only available through stores of the sort they would prefer not to frequent. Or else they didn't want to risk getting on some sort of strange mailing list if they ordered through a website.

Now, before I continue, I don't want you to think that it is only women who don't know very much about these things. There are plenty of men who have never experimented with artificial lubricants for the purpose of sexual enjoyment.

The good news is that lubricants are available in a number of stores now. In the States, Spencer's Gifts has a good supply of the scented and yes, even flavored lubes. Many pharmacies in the US and elsewhere carry some very effective, albeit less colorful, lubricants. A relatively new product that is now available in the USA is one made under the long trusted brand, K-Y. Now it is in a viscuous, clear liquid form. A second type of the K-Y lube has an added capacity for generating the sensation of heat.

Nearly all lubricants sold for this purpose - even the ones that are tinted - will not stain clothing or sheets. The majority of them consist of little more than glycerin and water both of which are easily washed away with standard detergents.

I would say to women everywhere that even if you are not expericencing problems with lubrication, you really should consider giving these lubricants a try. The "warming" solutions can make things especially pleasant for you - with or without a partner. Any of the lubes can be very nice; but if you have a partner, please be sure to share!

In most instances you really don't need but just a dab to to the job for vaginal lubrication. However, dildos should be given a good coating. And folks, if rear entry is your thing, for goodness sakes use plenty of lubricant. Those tissues can tear so easily.