Vaginal lubricants: What you need to know

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted with Specialist Doctor I Truong Nghia Binh - Specialist in Obstetrics - Obstetrics and Gynecology - Vinmec Da Nang International General Hospital.
Vaginal lubricants can help enhance arousal, increase sexual pleasure, keep the vagina soft and most importantly, reduce friction during penile penetration.

1. Who needs to use a vaginal lubricant?

Anyone can use a vaginal lubricant, regardless of whether their body produces enough of it naturally or not.
Especially for women who suffer from vaginal dryness, lubricants will be especially helpful during sex. Using a lubricant before sexual activity can help prevent itching, burning, scratches, and other discomforts.

2. Types of vaginal lubricants

There are many different types of vaginal lubricants to suit different audiences.
2.1 Water-based vaginal lubricant Water-based vaginal lubricant is the most common type of lubricant. This form has two types:
With glycerin with a slightly sweet taste: Astroglide, KY Jelly,.... Without glycerin: Isabel Fay, Carrageenan,... Advantages of water-based lubricants are:
Both water-based lubricants are cost-effective, easy to find, and safe to use condoms. Lubricants without glycerin are less irritating to the vagina and last longer. The disadvantages of water-based vaginal lubricants are:
Flavored or warming lubricants often contain glycerin. These products often dry quickly, due to their sugar content. They also contribute to yeast infections. Vaginal lubricants that do not contain glycerin may taste bitter. It is therefore not the best choice if you want to switch between oral sex and normal penetrative sex. Both water-based lubricants can become tacky over time.

2.2 Silicone-based vaginal lubricants Silicone-based vaginal lubricants are odorless, tasteless, slippery and smooth.
The silicone-based vaginal lubricant has the following advantages:
The longest use time among lubricants. No need to reapply frequently during sex like water-based lubricants. Safe to use with latex condoms. Hypoallergenic silicone based lubricant. Disadvantages of silicone based lubricants include:
Harder to wash off than other types, need to use soap to remove excess lubricant. Silicone-based lubricants are not recommended for use on silicone sex toys because they can break. 2.3 Oil-based vaginal lubricants There are two types of oil-based lubricants:
Natural type: Synthetic type: Oil-based vaginal lubricant has the following advantages:
Natural oil-based lubricant such as butter , coconut, olive oil, ... are very good for genital massage, safe for the vagina and also when having oral sex. Synthetic oil-based lubricants are great for outdoor masturbation. Oil-based vaginal lubricants have the following disadvantages:
Oil-based vaginal lubricants can destroy latex condoms, causing condom damage. Oil-based synthetic lubricants can irritate the vagina and make it harder to get out of the body, which can cause vaginal infections.

2.4 Natural Vaginal Lubricant Natural lubricants are not the only natural product on the market. Manufacturers have created lubricants that are organic or purely plant-based or with eco-friendly ingredients.
The advantages of this lubricant are:
Most do not contain parabens - a preservative commonly used in health products. Using natural ingredients is better for the environment and safe for the vagina. Disadvantages of natural lubricants include:
Has a short shelf life. More expensive than other lubricants.

3. Things to consider when choosing a vaginal lubricant

Not all vaginal lubricants are created equal. Some brands will make products that work better, and it depends on your needs.
If you need to deal with vaginal dryness, moisturizers may not help as they contain glycerin and can dry quickly. Silicone lubricant would be the best choice in this case. If you are prone to yeast infections, stay away from lubricants with glycerin. Compounds can irritate the vagina and kill beneficial bacteria, which in turn cause infections. If you're trying to conceive, use a sperm-friendly lubricant. Research shows that certain lubricants can have a negative effect on sperm motility. If you are using condoms, avoid oil-based lubricants, as they can destroy the condom faster. If you are using a sex toy, choose a water-based lubricant. If you're having sex in the bathroom, use a silicone-based lubricant, as water-based lubricants will wash off easily when you're in the shower.

4. Things to avoid when using vaginal lubricants

While oil-based lubricants are safe to use, they make most condoms ineffective and can irritate the vagina.
You should limit the use of scented or fragranced lubricants because these chemicals can cause irritation.
Some ingredients in lubricants are more likely to cause inflammation or irritation that sensitive people should avoid, such ingredients include:
Glycerin Nonoxynol-9 Propylene glycol Chlorhexidine gluconate

5. How to Use Vaginal Lubricant Effectively

There's actually no one correct way to use it, but there are a few things you can do when using a lubricant to make sex easier:
Line a towel underneath to keep it warm. avoid staining. Warm the lubricant in your hand before use. Using lubricants as part of foreplay increases excitement. Use lubricant just before penetration. Use flexibly so that the vulva and vagina have enough moisture. Use either penis lubricant or sex toys.

6. Possible side effects when using vaginal lubricants

Most vaginal lubricants are free of side effects. However, you may have some allergic reaction to an ingredient in the lubricant.
You need to see a doctor right away if you notice any of the following symptoms while using lubricants:
Difficulty breathing Swelling anywhere, especially in the tongue, throat or eyes Rash Itching Vaginal You also See your doctor if you get yeast infections more often since using lubricants as part of sex.
When choosing a vaginal lubricant, you need to put comfort and safety first. How much you use and how long the lubricant lasts will determine whether your sex will go smoothly or not.

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Reference sources: healthline.com, webmd.com