Lube

Water-based lubricant, such as Durex Play Feel, is the best all-rounder — light, gentle on skin, easy to wash away and safe with condoms. Silicone-based lubes last longer between applications but take a little more washing off. If you're unsure, start with a water-based one; it suits almost everyone.

Water-based lubricant is condom-friendly and can actually reduce the chance of a condom splitting by cutting friction. What to avoid is anything oil-based — baby oil, body lotion, petroleum jelly — with latex condoms, because oils weaken the latex. Durex Play Feel is water-based, so it's safe with the condoms we stock.

Completely normal, at any age. Vaginal dryness is very common — around the menopause, after childbirth, while breastfeeding, or with some medicines such as antidepressants and the contraceptive pill — and plenty of people simply prefer sex with lubricant. Using one is a safe, simple fix and nothing to be embarrassed about.

If dryness bothers you day to day rather than just during sex, or you notice itching, soreness, unusual discharge or bleeding, speak to our pharmacist or your GP. There's often an easily treated cause, and longer-lasting vaginal moisturisers or other treatments may help more than lubricant alone.