Lubricants can enhance sexual pleasure, minimize friction, or address vaginal dryness. But with the variety out there, how can you discern the best from the rest? In this article, we delve into factors to consider when selecting the ideal lubricants.
Why should I use lube?
There are various reasons individuals opt for lubricants during intimate moments.
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy, post-delivery, and throughout breastfeeding or pumping can lead to dryness, even when one feels emotionally ready for intimacy. While vaginal dryness is relatively common, painful intercourse isn’t and might indicate the need for an assessment by a pelvic floor therapist.
Menopause-induced hormonal changes can also result in vaginal dryness. Apart from hormonal imbalances, there are several reasons for this dryness. Applying lubricant not only counters this dryness but also minimizes tissue irritation and the risk of minor tears, elevating the overall pleasure of the experience.
Breastfeeding requires high prolactin levels, which subsequently lowers estrogen levels, potentially causing vaginal dryness. Besides breastfeeding, low estrogen can be linked to childbirth, menopause, autoimmune diseases, and certain cancer treatments.
If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness, it’s essential to keep hydrated, benefiting your overall health and ensuring adequate tissue lubrication. Moreover, it’s advisable to abstain from damaging substances like tobacco and excessive alcohol and to maintain regular physical activity when possible.
How do I know which kind to use?
The vast array of lubricants available can make the selection process seem daunting. Remember, each lube varies in formulation, so it’s worthwhile to explore different kinds to discover the perfect fit for your requirements. Continue reading to uncover the ones I personally vouch for.
Who would benefit from using lubricant?
- Individuals navigating menopause
- Anyone engaging in anal intimacy
- Postpartum women facing vaginal dryness (or anyone dealing with such dryness)
- Individuals with vulvodynia (persistent discomfort or pain around the vaginal area)
- Those using toys or dilators for enhanced intimacy
- Individuals undergoing cancer treatments
- Anyone who believes it would heighten their sexual enjoyment
- Those seeking to prolong their intimate sessions
- Individuals with autoimmune conditions
Can I use lube when TTC?
If you’re on the journey to conceive (best wishes!), you might reconsider using lubricants. Research suggests that certain lubes can hinder sperm from reaching the egg. Greater sperm mobility to the egg equates to increased fertilization chances. Hence, refraining from lubrication during this period might boost your success rate.
Always feel free to consult your OBGYN, midwife, or another healthcare professional about safe practices. (Quick note! For holistic preparation for pregnancy, delivery, and postpartum, consider joining the V-hive community!)
How does lube come into play with certain cancers?
People undergoing cancer treatments, especially those related to breast cancer and others that involve hormone therapy, might find lubricants beneficial. Such treatments can lead to a variety of pelvic floor complications, including incontinence, vaginal dryness, constipation, and painful intimacy.
What should I look for in a lubricant?
For daily hydration, consider applying vitamin E oil or coconut oil. When it comes to intimacy, a water-based lubricant is advisable. It’s essential to note that when using coconut oil or other oil-based lubricants, there’s an increased risk of condom breakage, compromising their effectiveness.
Opt for a lubricant designed to align with your vagina’s pH to prevent irritation during or after sexual activity. Additionally, always select a lubricant that’s safe to use with condoms.
What should I avoid in a lubricant?
A good lubricant should be free from parabens, glycerin, petroleum, and artificial fragrances. It should be pH balanced, have low osmolality, and should never cause discomfort or a burning sensation. While flavored lubricants might seem enticing, they often don’t offer any tangible benefits. If you’re inclined towards flavored options, go for those with natural and organic flavorings, such as lemon or vanilla. Avoid any product that glitters, has a strong fragrance, or induces tingling sensations – these aren’t suitable for vaginal application!
The different types of tube
The world of lubricants offers a vast array of choices, which can be daunting for beginners. Lubricants can be categorized as water-based, silicone-based, aloe-based, oil-based, or CBD-based. Let’s delve into the advantages and disadvantages of each.
Water-Based:
Pros: Ideal for those with sensitive skin, water-based lubes are compatible with both latex condoms and silicone toys.
Cons: Their consistency might dry out, requiring more frequent reapplication.
Silicone:
Pros: Offers prolonged lubrication, minimizing the need for reapplication.
Cons: Can degrade silicone toys over time. Being synthetic, those looking for natural options might avoid it. Additionally, it might be trickier to clean up.
Aloe:
Pros: Aloe lubricants are condom and toy-friendly, offer more extended moisture retention than water-based alternatives, and provide the soothing properties of aloe for the skin.
Cons: Some individuals might be allergic to aloe, so it’s wise to spot-test it on a less sensitive part of your body, like the inner elbow, before more intimate use.
Oil:
Pros: Renowned for their long-lasting properties, oil-based lubricants can also be utilized for daily hydration.
Cons: Some users might encounter infections post-use. They can also compromise the integrity of condoms.
CBD Lube (including CBD suppositories):
Pros: Particularly beneficial for those with pelvic floor tension. CBD interacts directly with pelvic muscles and tissues, promoting relaxation while ensuring lubrication.
Cons: The CBD market currently lacks robust regulation, emphasizing the importance of sourcing from credible suppliers. Most CBD lubricants are oil-based, so condom compatibility is a concern.
Which lubricants do you recommend?
Here are my top picks for lubricants across various categories:
Best Water-Based Lube: KY Jelly Lubricant is a choice we often lean towards in the clinic. It’s water-soluble, comprises minimal ingredients, is odor-free, and is accessible on Amazon.
Runner Up: Ah! Yes Water Based Organic Lubricant stands out with its organic aloe vera, organic flax extract, and the added citric acid for pH balance. It’s hypoallergenic to boot.
Best Aloe-Based Lube: Maude Shine Organic is a naturally moisturizing aloe-based product. It boasts an organic formulation, is pH-balanced, and excludes parabens and glycerin. It’s marketed as TTC-safe, but always consult your healthcare provider.
Best Aloe/Water Hybrid Lube: Good Clean Love Almost Naked is crafted with organic ingredients, blending water with aloe. Its formulation includes aloe vera, lemon, and vanilla.
Runner Up: Sliquid Organic Lubricating Gel stands out with its aloe vera base and water-solubility. It’s vegan-friendly, 95% organic, non-toxic, hypoallergenic, and pH-balanced.
Best Silicone Lube: Uberlube is minimalistic in its ingredients, enhanced with vitamin E for skin smoothening. It’s friendly for both condoms and aquatic environments, and it easily dissipates post-use.
Best CBD Lube: KUSH Queen Water Based CBD Lube got our nod as it’s among the few water-based CBD lubes—making it suitable for both condoms and toys and gentle for those with sensitive skin.
Bonus: Foria Awaken Arousal Oil with CBD is ideal for pre-intimacy application. Being oil-based, it’s not condom-compatible. It’s touted to amplify tactile sensations while reducing tension, dryness, and discomfort. Foria’s range also includes commendable CBD suppositories and other products targeting pelvic discomfort.
Find what works for you!
The key takeaway from this article is to avoid lubricants that induce tingling sensations, have glittery additives, or contain questionable ingredients such as glycerin and petroleum. Opt for fragrance-free lubricants, and similarly, if you’re using additional items like condoms or toys, ensure they’re free of strong scents.
While the mentioned products are excellent choices, everyone is unique. If you find they’re not ideal for you, or if you face any discomfort during intimacy, it’s wise to consult your physician and a pelvic health specialist.
Experiencing pain during sex is, unfortunately, a widespread issue, but it’s essential to understand that it’s not a standard aspect of the experience. Should you encounter any discomfort during intimacy, please approach a trusted healthcare professional. If you ever feel your concerns aren’t taken seriously, remember you always have the right to seek additional opinions. It’s vital to address any issues promptly for a fulfilling and pleasurable intimate life.
