How to Apply K‐Y Jelly

Using lubricant for the first time can seem tricky, but there’s no need to worry! K-Y Jelly is a water-based lubricant that can make sex and masturbation more comfortable, and the regular version is okay to use with condoms. If you’re using K-Y Jelly for sex or masturbation, put 1-2 drops directly onto your genitals or sex toy and add more as needed. To use K-Y Jelly Yours + Mine, use the blue lube for the penis and the purple lube for the vagina. While K-Y Jelly is generally safe, it can cause an allergic reaction or yeast infection.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Having Sex or Masturbating

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1
Squeeze 1-2 drops of K-Y Jelly directly onto your penis or toy. It’s best to apply the lubricant to the penis or toy because it will spread the lubricant into the vagina or anus when it’s inserted.^{[1]XResearch source}
- If it’s easier for you, put the K-Y Jelly onto your fingers and then apply it to your penis or toy. Just keep in mind that you’ll likely use more product this way.
- If you apply the lubricant to the vagina or anus, you might experience pain from too much friction when the penis or toy slides inside where there is no lubricant.
2
Apply the lubricant over the condom if you’re using one. You can use regular K-Y Jelly with condoms, and it’s best to put it on the outside of the condom itself. Position the bottle over the condom and squeeze out 1-2 drops.^{[2]XResearch source}
- You can use K-Y Jelly even if your condom is already lubricated. However, using too much lubricant may reduce your sensitivity during sex because it reduces the friction.
Tip: Put 1-2 drops of lubricant in the tip of the condom before putting it on to prevent the condom from rubbing the top of your penis.^{[3]XResearch source}
3
Use your fingers to smooth the K-Y Jelly into a thin layer. Work the lubricant into a thin, even layer across the surface of the penis or toy. Your hand should glide over the penis or toy when the lube is applied correctly. However, it shouldn’t feel slippery or messy.^{[4]XResearch source}
- If it feels slippery or messy, use a clean towel to pat away some of the excess lube. There’s no reason to be concerned about using too much because it’s fairly easy to clean up.
4
Add more K-Y Jelly as needed to cover the entire penis or toy. If your penis or toy still feels dry or isn’t sliding easily, put 1-2 more drops of lube onto it. Keep adding drops of lube until you feel like it slides comfortably.^{[5]XResearch source}
- How much lube you need will depend on the size of the penis or toy, as well as how much natural lubrication the vagina has that day.
Did You Know? Vaginal dryness has many causes, including hormones, stress, chemicals in personal care products, and medical treatments. It can vary from day-to-day, and it’s very common for women to have dry days.^{[6]XResearch source}
5
Keep your lube nearby so you can add more as needed. K-Y Jelly dries out quickly because it’s water-based. This means you might need to add more lube during intercourse or masturbation. Place your lube on your bedside table or closeby. Then, apply more if you start to feel too much friction.^{[7]XResearch source}
- You can also reactivate the lube by adding water, if you prefer.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Trying Yours + Mine

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1
Avoid using Yours + Mine with condoms, as it can damage them. While regular K-Y Jelly is okay to use with condoms, Yours + Mine may cause breakage or leakage. Don’t use Yours + Mine if you’re relying on condoms to protect against pregnancy and STDs.^{[8]XResearch source}
- Since Yours + Mine doesn’t protect against pregnancy, you’ll need to use another form of protection if you don’t want to get pregnant.
- If you’re concerned about your STD risk, it’s best to stick with condoms and skip the Yours + Mine.
2
Apply 1-2 drops of the blue (yours) lubricant to your penis. Hold the blue bottle over your penis, then squeeze out 1-2 drops. Use your fingers to slide the lube over the surface of your penis, creating a thin, even layer. Make sure your fingers slide easily over your penis.
- Add more lubricant if you feel like your penis isn’t evenly covered.
3
Smooth 1-2 drops of the purple (mine) lubricant onto your vagina. Put the lube onto your fingers or squeeze 1-2 drops directly over your vaginal opening. Then, use your fingers to coat the external part of your vagina with a thin, even layer of K-Y Jelly.
- It’s okay to apply more lube if you need it.
Tip: When the penis slides into the vagina, the lubricants will react with each other.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Using K-Y Jelly Safely

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1
Check with your doctor if you’re using topical genital medications. K-Y Jelly is a topical product, so it rarely interacts with the medications you’re taking. However, it can react with topical medications that you’re applying near your genital area. If you’re using one of these medications, talk to your doctor before using K-Y Jelly.^{[9]XResearch source}
- For instance, some treatments for genital warts are applied topically.^{[10]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}
2
Ask your doctor before using it with cuts, sores, or irritated skin. K-Y Jelly might cause pain and irritation if you have cuts, sores, or irritated skin on your genital area. Additionally, you might have an increased risk for a skin reaction. Talk to your doctor before you use K-Y Jelly on damaged skin to make sure it's okay.^{[11]XResearch source}
- Your doctor may recommend waiting until your skin heals.
3
Get immediate care if you have signs of an allergic reaction. While it’s not common, you may be allergic to K-Y Jelly. Your reaction may become serious, so it’s best to check with your doctor if you’re showing signs of an allergy. Consult your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms while using K-Y Jelly:^{[12]XResearch source}
- Burning
- Stinging
- Redness
- Irritation
- Trouble breathing
- Swelling of your face, lips, or eyes
- Hives
Tip: Wash the K-Y Jelly off of your skin before calling your doctor if it’s causing a skin reaction. This may help reduce the severity of your symptoms.
4
Stop using K-Y Jelly and switch lubricants if you get a yeast infection. While K-Y Jelly is generally safe, it contains an ingredient called glycerol that can cause yeast infections. If you develop a yeast infection, see your doctor to get treatment. During your appointment, ask your doctor which lubricant is safe for you to use.^{[13]XResearch source}
- Glycerol typically only affects women who are prone to getting yeast infection.
- Symptoms of a yeast infection include vaginal itching and irritation, pain during urination and intercourse, vaginal pain and soreness, vulva redness and swelling, vaginal rash, and vaginal discharge.^{[14]XTrustworthy SourceMayo ClinicEducational website from one of the world's leading hospitalsGo to source}

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Tips

If your K-Y jelly dries out while you’re using it, you can rewet it with water.^{[15]XResearch source}
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K-Y jelly doesn’t stain fabric.^{[16]XResearch source}
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While K-Y Jelly can relieve vaginal dryness during sex, you'll need to use a vaginal moisturizer for long-term treatment of vaginal dryness.^{[17]XResearch source}
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