The massage is going very well. Clothes have become optional. Then someone reaches for a condom while both of you are still covered in oil. Lovely enthusiasm. Wrong combination if that condom is latex or polyisoprene.
Water-based and silicone-based personal lubricants are the straightforward choices for those condoms. Oil can weaken them. Sorting that out before sex is considerably more fun than sorting it out afterwards.
Water-based lube keeps the choice simple
Water-based lube works with latex and polyisoprene condoms and suits most sex toys too. That's useful when the evening includes a condom, a toy and a very reasonable wish not to hold a product meeting.
If it starts drying during sex, add more. You want comfortable movement, not a competition to see how far one tiny squirt can stretch.
Choose a feel you enjoy. A thicker gel stays where you put it more readily, while a thinner liquid spreads easily. Neither preference changes the need for a compatible pairing.
Silicone lube lasts differently
Silicone-based lube also works with latex and polyisoprene condoms. It doesn't dry out in the same way as water-based lube, which can appeal if you dislike frequent top-ups.
That doesn't automatically settle the question for a silicone toy. Some silicone lubricants can affect some silicone toy surfaces. Water-based lube is the simpler choice when you're using a silicone toy without a confirmed compatible silicone pairing.
Our water-based versus silicone lube comparison covers the difference in feel. Your condom and your dildo have separate material needs, even if they're sharing the evening.
Keep oil away from latex and polyisoprene
That includes coconut oil, baby oil, petroleum jelly and oily massage products. Being slippery, natural or already in the house doesn't make something suitable for a condom.
If oil has got onto a latex or polyisoprene condom, discard it. Remove oily residue from hands and the skin that will contact the next condom, then use a fresh one with compatible lube. Adding water-based lube on top doesn't undo the oil exposure.
If a condom breaks or slips during sex, stop and seek prompt advice about emergency contraception or STI care where relevant. Don't carry on and hope the packet's confidence will rub off.
Non-latex doesn't mean every lube is fine
Polyisoprene still needs the no-oil rule. Polyurethane condoms can allow oil-based lube, depending on the exact product. If using oil matters to you, choose a condom explicitly labelled for that combination.
Natural-membrane condoms aren't suitable for STI prevention, regardless of the lube. Our condom materials guide explains those distinctions without lumping every non-latex option together.
Put the right bottle beside the condoms
Keep compatible lube close enough to reach, and add more when movement starts feeling dry. Our guide to how much lube to use can help if you're forever rationing the stuff.
The massage oil can have its own place. Then you can get back to the good part without wondering whether the nearest bottle is about to fuck up your plans.