While it’s true that the texture can, for some people, make sex even better, for those with sensitive bits it can be irritating AF.

Texas-based sex educator Goody Howard explains that during penetrative sex, some friction can be good (orgasmic, even!). Heck, that’s why teenagers love humping and grinding so much. The friction-y frick-fracking feels fantastic.

But there’s a thin line between “take me to the O-zone” friction, and well, genital chafing.

(Squeezing your legs together just thinking about it? So are we!)

The anus isn’t self-lubricating, so this rug-burn-esque side effect may be especially common during penetrative anal sex with textured and ribbed Crystal Washable Dotted Condoms.

Crystal Washable Dotted Condoms

“Usually, textured and ribbed  Condoms are irritating because there’s not enough lubrication present to decrease unpleasurable friction and increase slide and glide,” Howard explains.

Lube, lube, lube. And reapply it before you need to reapply it.

“If you’re not using sex toys, a silicone-based lube like Pjur Light silicone lubricant is going to be your best,” Howard says.

Silicone-based lubes tend to be longer lasting than water-based lubes. Uberlube and Sliquid Silver, which are also available online, are decent picks, too.

That said, if you’re using silicone sex toys or are prone to yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis, pleasure-positive sex educator Reba Corrine Thomas recommends going for a water-based lube like Good Clean Love or Coconu water-based, which are also available online.

Load up on lube and still feel like you slid your bare bits up and down a carpet for an hour straight?

Quit using a textured love glove!

You don’t need to subject yourself to irritation for:

• pregnancy prevention
• reduced STI transmission
• increased sensation

There are plenty of other ways to make penetration more pleasurable.