The two basic elements of safe sex are condoms and lubrication. Condoms form a physical barrier that interrupts the transfer of semen and many viruses, helping to prevent pregnancy and various sexually transmitted infections. Lubricant helps reduce friction when wearing a condom, reducing the chance of the barrier breaking. However, safe sex involves more than buying a couple of products at the drugstore or supermarket; to be truly sure, additional considerations must be taken into account. Proper condom storage and application are essential, for example. It is also important to consider the ingredients used in the lubrication that you purchase; Certain common ingredients can cause vaginal and penile irritation along with other problems. Proper penile care, then, requires familiarity with the ingredients to avoid in lubricants.

1) Glycerin

This ingredient is commonly added to water-based lubricants. While it makes the material slippery, it also creates a ripe environment for yeast, as it is similar to sugar. Men and women can pass yeast infections back and forth, causing burning and itching in the genitals.

2) sorbitol

As with glycerin, sorbitol can promote yeast overgrowth.

3) Condoms

Various preservatives can be found in lubricants to prevent bacterial growth, including parabens, benzoic acid, sorbates, and phenoxyethanol. These ingredients increase the risk of vaginal infections.

While science has yet to determine a potential link between parabens and cancer, these preservatives are believed to mimic estrogen in the body; for women exposed to them, this could translate into an increased risk of certain types of cancer. There are a few different parabens that are commonly found in lubricants: butylparaben, methylparaben, and propylparaben. Better safe than sorry.

4) Oils

While oil-based lubricants (like baby oil and coconut oil) usually don’t contain preservatives or foreign ingredients, they can stick to the skin, clogging pores and increasing the risk of bacterial infections. Couples prone to yeast infections in particular should avoid them. Another very important consideration is that they can wear down latex and diaphragms, increasing the risk of pregnancy and STIs when using these types of condoms.

5) Oil

Petroleum-based lubricants can irritate the vagina and cause inflammation. They can also increase the risk of bacterial infections. As with oil-based lubricants, petroleum products cannot be used with latex condoms or diaphragms.

6) Chlorhexidine

This antibacterial agent can interfere with the natural flora inside the vagina, increasing the risk of infections.

7) Aromas/flavors

The ingredients used in scented and flavored lubricants can be very irritating to the skin of the vagina and penis. Unscented and unflavored products are better options.

8) nonoxynol-9

This spermicide can be added to lubricants to increase protection against pregnancy, but it has been shown to damage vaginal cells. Not only can it cause burning and irritation, but it can also increase your risk of contracting HIV, as damaged vaginal tissue provides an open door for the virus.

When using lube, check the ingredients and make sure it won’t cause harm to yourself or your partner. It is particularly important that people who are prone to yeast infections avoid certain ingredients listed above. In general, a “plain Jane” lubricant is a couple’s safest bet to avoid irritation and infection. Choose condom-free and scent-free products.

Sexy time isn’t the only time during which the penis can benefit from extra moisture. Using a penis health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) Every day you can keep the tool hydrated, soft and flexible. Look for shea butter and vitamin E on the ingredients list. A man can get the best bang for his buck by choosing a cream that also contains L-arginine, a blood flow promoter, and acetyl L-carnitine, which supports nerve health so a man can continue to feel feelings of pleasure.