Normally the vagina can self-lubricate when you are feeling sexually aroused however there can be occasions where women may find the natural lubricant to not be enough. Sexual intercourse without lubrication can become quite painful and increase incidences of urinary tract infections, thrush or bacterial vaginosis. Vaginal dryness can often occur during PMS or menopause, but women of any age can experience it. Low libido, lack of sexual stimulation, stress, anxiety and certain medications are another common cause. This can further result in avoiding sexual intercourse and self-consciousness which can affect a woman’s mental health and lead to a worsening of vaginal dryness. Artificial vaginal lubricants can be used as a safe alternative to reinvigorate sexual intimacy with your partner.
Who can use vaginal lubricants?
Women of all ages can use vaginal lubricants. It is commonly known that changes in hormonal levels can increase incidences of vaginal dryness. The hormones can fluctuate depending on several factors. Factors including lack of sexual arousal, use of chemicals such as fragranced soaps, over cleaning of the vagina, or medications, hysterectomy, chemotherapy and menopause. Some couples may also find it useful to use when the vagina does not product sufficient lubrication during a long session of sexual activity.
Types of vaginal lubricants
There are different types of lubricants couples can try. It is common for couples to try different lubricants until they find the right one that suits either one. Whether it’s your first time or looking to expand your collection there will be one that will suit you and/or your partner.
Many pharmacies and supermarkets stock various types of vaginal lubricants and can come in different flavours. The three types that are stocked commonly include water based lubricants, silicone based lubricants, and oil based lubricants.
Water Based Lubricants:
Water based lubricants are the most commonly used lubricants and provide short term relief from vaginal dryness. They are generally well priced and easy to use. They can also be applied to a condom. Some water based lubricants may contain glycerin however some women may experience vaginal irritation and may prefer to use glycerin free lubricants. Glycerin lubricants are often flavoured to help with oral sex or produce a warming sensation to increase sexual stimulation. However glycerin is a type of carbohydrate called a sugar alcohol or polyol. It is a orloss, has a mild, sweet taste with a syrup like consistency and therefore can dry up quicker and increase the risk of yeast infections.
Glycerin free lubricants can taste bitter. Both can be quite sticky over time.
Glycerin water based lubricants include: K-Y Jelly, Sylk (Both available through the NHS)
Glycerin free water based lubricants include: Astroglide Glycerin Free.
Silicone based lubricants:
Silicone based lubricants are longer lasting and can be used in patients who require regular lubrication, suffer with severe vaginal dryness or pain during sex. They can be used in the bath, shower, hot tub, swimming pool or even the sea. Silicone based lubricants are not recommending being used with silicone sex toys as they can destroy them over time. However, they can be used with latex condoms. Another pro for allergy prone couples is they are hypoallergenic. The downsides are that they are difficult to clean up and therefore require thorough cleaning and can stain some surfaces.
Silicone based lubricants include Replens, Durex Play.
Oil based lubricants.
Oil based lubricants come in two forms: Natural coconut oil or butter) and synthetic (Vaseline). Oil based lubricants don’t dissolve in water and ideal for water use. Avoid using oil-based lubricants on condoms as they can damage the condom and make it ineffective. Some patients have tried vegetable oils, or unscented massage oils such as sweet almond. These oils are great for genital massages and sexual play. However, oils can have a higher risk of irritating your skin so try it in an inconspicuous area before applying it everywhere. Natural based oil lubricants are also safe to eat.
Synthetic oil based lubricants are safe for external masturbation but avoid using in the vagina as it can increase risk of irritation and infection.
I would recommend you try water-based lubricants before opting to try oil based.
Oil based lubricants include: YES.
Lubricants to look out for or avoid
- Avoid Glycerin: if your suffering from vaginal dryness as they don’t last long and can increase the risk of yeast infections.
- Look out for lubricants that contain sperm friendly or fertility friendly on their packaging if you are looking to conceive.
- Avoid Oil based lubricants if your using condoms.
- Avoid silicone based lubricants if you want to use a sex toy.
- Look out for silicone based lubricants if you want to have steamy sex in a shower, hot tub, swimming pool or the sea.
- Look out for lubricants that contain hypoallergenic on their packaging to help reduce risk of irritation. Try limiting use of lubricants with flavour or fragrance as these can also increase risk of vaginal irritation.
- Avoid ingredients which may contain glycerin, parabens, nonoxynol-9, propylene glycol, chlorhexidine gluconate or petroleum based ingredients as they can all increase irritation, sensitivity and risk of infections.
Other Options
As a clinician if you are suffering from long term vaginal dryness and pain during sex due to PMS or menopause then I would recommend you consider estrogen creams which help replenish low estrogen levels. These are prescription only medicines and therefore do require a discussion with a healthcare professional.
Other respected websites that can help with selection:
17 Best Lubricants for Women Who Want to Dive Right In
Best lubricants for sex and masturbation
The best lubes for using with a partner or your favorite sex toy, tried and tested by us
Bottom Line.
An Indiana University study involving 2,453 women ages 18 to 68 found that lubricant use during sexual activity alone or with a partner contributed to higher ratings of pleasurable and satisfying sex. Women suffering from vaginal dryness can find sexual intercourse uncomfortable and painful increasing risk of infections, anxiety and poor libido. Contact your pharmacy and ask for some advice as there are plenty of vaginal lubricants to choose from which can make sexual play and intercourse comfortable and exciting again. For the men, Improve your sex life and masturbation by buying cheap sildenafil or cheap tadalafil.
