sexual health lubricant

Sexual Health: Lubricants

Lubricants can increase pleasure, comfort, and satisfaction for any body at any age. Using lubricant does not mean that there is something wrong with you or something you use only as a “last resort”. Here is some important information that can help you make the best lubricant decisions.

Water Based Lubricants

Pros: feel more natural, they are the most common, affordable, and compatible with silicone toys/devices and condoms

Cons: do dry out faster than oil or silicone-based lubricants, may be irritating to those who have skin sensitivities or those who have painful vulvar conditions - check the ingredient list prior to use

Water-based lubricants have pH levels that vary. pH levels range from 1-14 with 1 being very acidic and 14 being very basic. Mis-matched vaginal and lubricant acidity levels can lead to irritation, skin breakdown, stinging, and/or maybe more likely to contribute to infections (bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast, urinary tract infection (UTI), etc.)

When choosing a water-based lubricant brand, keep in mind that the acidity of your vagina changes with hormone fluctuations, and as we age, estrogen levels drop and your vaginal pH becomes less acidic and more basic (higher pH).

Vaginal pH:

  • Average 3.8-4.6

  • During pregnancy 4.0-4.5

  • Menopausal 4.5-7.5

Anal pH is closer to neutral, between 6-7, regardless of hormone fluctuations. Many water-based lubricants have a pH around 4-5, which may cause stinging or irritation if used rectally. Using a water-based lubricant with a pH closer to 6-7 or using a silicone or oil-based lubricant (no pH) may be best for this area.

Additionally, many water-based lubricants are hyperosmotic - they have a higher osmolality than that of the vaginal tissue lining. Hyperosmotic lubricants can dehydrate the body’s mucus and mucous membranes (not what we want) and can cause the tissue to be more irritated and more susceptible to infection.

Recommendations based on the pH levels, low osmolality, and ingredients: (indicates the pH value of the product)

Silicone Based Lubricants

Pros: safe to use with condoms, longest-lasting, few ingredients, no pH, no osmolality

Cons: many brands are not safe to use with most silicone sex toys, are non-moisturizing (not absorbed), and may not feel as “natural”

Silicone-based or oil-based lubricants may be the best option for those experiencing hormonal changes due to perimenopause, menopause, pregnancy, breastfeeding, hysterectomy, radiation, or chemotherapy because they are longer lasting. Most can be safe with silicone toys or devices and it is best to wash the toy/device after use to reduce impact to the surface of the toy/device. If in doubt, contact the device manufacturer before combining silicone-based lubricant with a silicone toy/device.

Recommendation:

Oil Based Lubricants

Pros: hydrates skin, improves skin elasticity, longer lasting, can be organic, and compatible with silicone toys/devices

Cons: not compatible with safe sex barriers, such as condoms, made from latex or polyisoprene; can be messy/staining; may not be the best option for those prone to bacterial vaginosis (BV), yeast, or urinary tract infections (UTIs)

Only certain types of oil-based products should be used. Some, such as petroleum-based oils (like Vaseline), can breed bacteria and increase the risk of an infection and should not be used.

Recommendations:

General Tips

✅Flavored lubricants should not be used for penetration as the sugar/sugar alcohol can increase risk of infection (yeast, BV, etc.)

✅Don’t use lubricants that have the following ingredients:

  • Glycerine, Sugars, Sugar Alcohol - glucose, honey, maltodextrin

  • Microbicides - Nonoxynol 9, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Carrageenan, Cellulose Sulfate, and Sodium Dodecyl Sulfate

  • Xenoestrogens - parabens, methylparaben, propylparaben

  • Petroleum Oils and Petrochemicals - Propylene Glycol (Propanediol), Benzene, Benzoic Acid

  • Polyquaternium-15

✅Many products from KY, Astroglide, Maximus, Gun Oil, Liquid Silk, and ID Glide have very high osmolality and should be avoided. Most products from KY and Astroglide also contain not-so-skin-friendly ingredients.

Please Note: These self-care suggestions are for general use only and are not intended to be used as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Refer to your medical provider for all questions and concerns regarding your care.

Do you need help with your sexual health and want to work with me? If you live in the greater Minneapolis, Minnesota area, my clinic is in Edina, MN - let’s work together! Contact me to learn more.