It is not abnormal to need lubricant to enjoy sex. According to a 2014 survey, 65% of women reported using lubricant at some point, and 20% reported using it within the last 30 days. Vaginal dryness is most commonly caused by menopause, but there are other conditions such as yeast infections, smoking and breastfeeding that can cause vaginal dryness and be further discussed with your Naturopathic doctor.  

Vaginal lubricants are a safe and effective therapy to reduce the discomfort caused by friction and vaginal dryness during sexual activity. They do not absorb into the skin or mucosa and are meant to be used just before sexual intercourse takes place. The lubricant section at the drugstore can be overwhelming as there are a plethora of options. Here are 3 things to consider when purchasing:

  1. Sensation and cleanup factor. Lubricants can be water, silicone, or oil-based. Silicone and oil-based lubricants last longer on the tissues compared to water-based products, but they can also stain sheets and be harder to clean up. Water-based lubricants are the easiest to clean up. Sensation is very personal. Some people prefer the feel of oil over water-based products, so it will likely require some trial and error before finding your preference. 
  2. Condom-compatibility. Oil-based lubricants can weaken condoms, while silicone and water-based are fine. Sex-toy compatibility can also be an issue, particularly with silicone-based lubes. Always read and follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the type of lubricant.
  3. Irritation to vaginal tissues. Water and silicone-based lubricants are generally less likely to cause irritation of the vaginal tissues than oil-based products. The World Health Organization (WHO) has set guidelines for water-based lubricants and recommends using a product with a pH of 3.5 – 4.5 (the same pH as the vagina) and an osmolarity of less than 380mOsm/kg. The consequence of using a lubricant with a high osmolarity is that it will further dry out the tissues by drawing water out of the vaginal mucosa. pH is important to consider as it can impact the risk for infection For example, high vaginal pH can lead to an increase in the risk of bacterial vaginosis. Note: pH and osmolarity recommendations do not apply to silicone and pure oil-based lubricants.

Before using the lubricant intravaginally, it is recommended to test for irritation by applying a small amount on a patch of skin 24 hours before use. If you have further questions about choosing a lube, please ask at your next appointment! Regular use of vaginal lubricants is a great way to increase pleasure and confidence in an important yet not often discussed aspect of women’s health. 

References:

(NAMS) TNAMS. The 2020 genitourinary syndrome of menopause position statement of The North American Menopause Society. Menopause. 2020;27(9):976-992. doi:10.1097/gme.0000000000001609

Organization WH. Use and procurement of additional lubricants for male and female condoms: WHO/UNFPA/FHI360. WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 advisory not. Published online 2012. http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/76580/WHO_RHR_12.3 3_eng.pdf;jsessionid=DAE524F3EADEC3541380A0F9E16263A1?seq uence=1Potter N, Panay N. Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers: a review into use, efficacy, and safety. Climacteric. 2020;24(1):1-6. doi:10.1080/13697137.2020.1820478


Disclaimer: The information provided on this blog is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making any changes to your health regimen. The content shared here is based on the author’s research and personal experiences, and individual results may vary. The author and blog are not responsible for any adverse effects or consequences resulting from the use of any suggestions, preparations, or procedures discussed on this site.