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Currently, lubricating gel is used a lot to reduce friction and create a feeling of gliding during sexual activities, and lubricating gel during sex has many different flavors such as green apple, cherry, vanilla... These sound like drink flavors, and make them feel like they're edible. However, flavored or unflavored, all lubricants you use must be edible, because a lubricant that is not safe when taken by mouth is not safe to put near or in the vagina. your vagina or anus. In this article we will provide useful information to know more about why, you should make sure that your favorite lube is actually edible.
1. What is a lubricant during sex?
Personal lubricants (commonly known as lubricating gels) are used to protect against dryness and friction during sex or during certain medical procedures such as during ultrasound or when using rectal or vaginal suppositories.
Personal lubricants come in two main forms, water-based and silicone-based, with a less common one, oil-based.
Water-based lubricants are quite common and contain some extra ingredients such as:
Preservatives and antibacterial agents (methylparaben). Because water is a nutrient for microorganisms, the use of preservatives and antibacterial agents helps inhibit their growth and prevent product spoilage. Humectant: A humectant is to prevent water from evaporating too quickly. The two most common humectants commonly used are glycerin and propylene glycol. Thickener: Generally this is a kind of substance based on the properties of cellulose and is not toxic to the human body.
Silicone-based lubricants are generally benign if used correctly or if small amounts are swallowed because silicones are not absorbed into the body.
Oil-based lubricants can be made from a variety of oils and can also be marketed as liniment. They are less common because they are not easy to wash off after each use and are not compatible with some condoms, increasing the risk of condom tearing and unintended pregnancy in couples who are trying. practice family planning or increase the risk of other sexually transmitted diseases.
In addition, all lubricants whether water-based, oil-based or silicone-based contain a multitude of additional ingredients in varying amounts depending on the manufacturer's intent. For example, add menthol, caffeine, capsaicin (a chemical compound found in chili peppers) or niacin to create a tingling effect, or add anesthetics like lidocaine or benzocaine to numb or add more different flavors.
2. Safety and side effects of lubricating gel during sex
Side effects from personal lubricants depend on the specific ingredients, their concentrations, their concentrations, and the way in which the ingredients come into contact with the body. When used according to the manufacturer's recommendations - whether applied vaginally, penis or anal - personal lubricants are generally safe and well-tolerated. Some ingredients can cause irritation or sensitization reactions in some people, but these are not too strong reactions that can affect the user's life.Several studies have raised two concerns in the use of personal lubricants:
The first is related to glycerin and propylene glycol in personal lubricants. Glycerin and propylene glycol contribute to the permeability (certain concentration relative to water) of the product. If the permeability is high, the lubricant can pull water from the cells (for example, the cells that make up the lining of the vaginal wall), causing the cells to contract, and this can lead to irritation. . Irritation of vaginal or anal tissue can increase your chances of getting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Further studies are needed to fully understand the severity of this effect (because the Food and Drug Administration does not list personal lubricants for drug use and studies have not yet been performed). seriously practiced in humans) as well as the risk must be weighed against the risk of tissue damage from insufficient lubrication, which can also increase the risk of sexually transmitted diseases. The second concern is the pH of the product. The known neutral pH is 7. The lower the pH, the more acidic the product. The higher the pH, the more alkaline it is. The vaginal pH of a healthy woman ranges between 3.8-4.5. There is a concern that if the pH of a personal lubricant does not match this, the lubricant could upset the balance of healthy vaginal flora leading to an imbalance in the flora, The good bacteria are destroyed and cause harmful bacteria to grow, causing vaginal infections. The ingestion of small and unintentional amounts of personal lubricant is not likely to cause anything dangerous to health except that some people may experience mild stomach upset. However, it is important to note that each product is different in terms of its composition, and the amount swallowed determines the occurrence of symptoms, if any. For example, there would be toxicity concerns if a personal lubricant containing lidocaine or benzocaine is abused or ingested.
If swallowed, oil-based lubricants may cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. If one of them enters the airways (inhalation) it can cause choking, coughing and other breathing problems.
To prevent side effects or poisoning from personal lubricants, follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper use - including how to use as well as how to store the product after use . Discontinue use and consult a primary care physician if irritation occurs after use. Keep lubricants out of reach of children or pets and keep them in their original containers.
Personal lubricants have been widely used in a wide variety of human activities, from medical procedures to combating dryness and friction during sex. Personal lubricants come in many varieties and are generally safe if used correctly. The most common side effect of lubricating gel is mild irritation. Lubricant gel toxicity is highly unlikely and depends on the specific ingredients, activity, concentration, quantity and route of exposure. To prevent side effects from lubricating gels, follow the manufacturer's instructions printed on the product's packaging.
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References: healthline.com, poison.org
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