The two staples of safe lovemaking are barrier protection and lubrication. Barrier protection forms a physical barrier that interrupts the transfer of seed and many viruses, helping prevent pregnancy and various partner-transmitted infections. Lubricant helps reduce friction when using a barrier, thereby reducing the chance that the sleeve will break. However, safe coupling entails more than picking up products at the pharmacy or grocery store; to truly be safe, additional considerations should be kept in mind. Proper barrier storage and application are essential, for example. It is also important to mind the ingredients used in the lubrication one buys; certain common ingredients can cause female organ and manhood irritation along with other problems. Proper male organ care, then, requires familiarity with ingredients to avoid in lubricants.

1) Glycerin

This ingredient is commonly added to water-based lubricants. While it contributes to the slipperiness of the stuff, it also creates a ripe environment for yeast, as it is similar to sugar. Men and women can pass yeast infections back and forth, leading to burning and itchiness.

2) Sorbitol

As with glycerin, sorbitol can promote yeast overgrowth.

3) Preservatives

Several preservatives may be found in lubes to prevent bacterial growth, including parabens, benzoic acid, sorbates and phenoxyethanol. These ingredients increase the risk of female organ infections.

While the science is still out on a potential link between parabens and cancer, these preservatives are believed to mimic female hormone in the body; for women exposed to them, this could translate to an increased risk of certain cancers. There are a few different parabens commonly found in lubes: butylparaben, methylparaben and propylparaben. Better safe than sorry.

4) Oils

While oil-based lubricants (such as baby oil and coconut oil) generally contain no preservatives or odd ingredients, they can cling to the skin, clogging pores and increasing the risk of bacterial infections. Partners prone to yeast infections in particular should avoid them. Another highly important consideration is that they can wear down latex and diaphragms, increasing the risk of pregnancy and social infections when using those types of barrier protection.

5) Petroleum

Petroleum-based lubes can be irritating to the female organ, causing inflammation. They may also increase the risk of bacterial infections. As with oil-based lubes, petroleum products cannot be used with latex barrier protection or diaphragms.

6) Chlorhexidine

This antibacterial agent can interfere with the natural flora within the female organ, increasing the risk of infections.

7) Scents/flavors

The ingredients used in scented and flavored lubes can be highly irritating to female organ and manhood skin. Unscented, unflavored products are better choices.

8) Nonoxynol-9

This seed killer may be added to lubes to boost anti-pregnancy protection, but it has been shown to damage female organ cells. It not only can lead to burning and irritation, but can increase the risk of contracting a deadly social disease, since damaged female organ tissue provides an open door for the virus.

When using lubricant, check the ingredients and make sure it will not cause damage to oneself or one’s partner. It’s particularly important for individuals who are prone to yeast infections to avoid certain ingredients above. In general, a “plain Jane” lube is a couple’s safest bet for avoiding irritation and infections. Go for preservative-free, scentless products.

Bedroom time isn’t the only time during which the male organ may benefit from extra moisture. Using a male organ health cream (health professionals recommend Man1 Man Oil) every day can keep the tool hydrated, soft and supple. Look for Shea butter and vitamin E on the ingredient 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 that a man can keep feeling sensations of pleasure.

Visit http://www.menshealthfirst.com for additional information on most common male organ health issues, tips on improving organ sensitivity and what to do to maintain a healthy member. John Dugan is a professional writer who specializes in men's health issues and is an ongoing contributing writer to numerous websites.