Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsBenefitsTypesConsiderationsHow to UseOther Treatments
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Benefits
Types
Considerations
How to Use
Other Treatments
Vaginal lubricantsare used to reduce friction and make sexual intercourse more pleasurable, especially in people withvaginal drynessor who havepain with sex. Even so, there are pros and cons to the different lubricants available online and in stores.
For instance, certain lubricants containingnonoxynol-9can help prevent pregnancy but end up causing vaginal irritation. Similarly, oil-based lubricants may increase lubrication but can break down alatex condom.
This article describes the different types of vaginal lubricants, including when they should and should not be used. It also explains how to use vaginal lubricants and other treatments for vaginal dryness or pain.
Guido Mieth / Getty Images
Who Needs Vaginal Lubricant?
During sexual arousal, theBartholin glandsandSkene glandssituated near the opening of thehymennaturally produce lubrication in preparation for sex.However, the amount produced is not always adequate for sexual intercourse, making vaginal lubricants all the more important.
This becomes even more of an imperative as females age. The decline inestrogennot only reduces natural lubrication but also leads to the thinning of vaginal tissues, leading to pain with intercourse (dyspareunia).
Vaginal dryness may be due to natural declines in estrogen as you age, but there are other causes:
Even if vaginal dryness and pain are not an issue, vaginal lubrication can help reduce friction that can cause condoms to break during intercourse. Moreover, vaginal lubricants can make sex feel better with formulations that feel silky or additives that create a warm, tingly sensation.
Types of Vaginal Lubricant
Water-Based Vaginal Lubricant
The one drawback to water-based lubricants is that they aren’t as slick as other lubricants and often need re-application to keep them from dying out.
Even so, studies suggest that sexual partners generally prefer water-based lubricants—particularly those without color, taste, or smell that more closely replicate natural vaginal lubrication.
Silicone-Based Vaginal Lubricant
Silicone-based lubricants provide long-lasting slickness that can be maintained even while you are in water, such as in the shower or a pool. Some studies have shown that females with vaginal dryness prefer them over water-based lubricants due to their long-lasting effects.
Silicone-based lubricants are also safe to use with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms but can degrade and damage silicone sex toys. Moreover, the one factor that makes them attractive—their slickness—also makes them difficult to clean up after use.
Watch for GlycerinMany water- and silicone-based lubricants have glycerin as an active ingredient. Glycerin, a type of sugar alcohol, can promote the growth of yeast, leading tovaginal candidiasis(a yeast infection).
Watch for Glycerin
Many water- and silicone-based lubricants have glycerin as an active ingredient. Glycerin, a type of sugar alcohol, can promote the growth of yeast, leading tovaginal candidiasis(a yeast infection).
Oil-Based Vaginal Lubricant
Oil-based lubricants are attractive to many couples as they are just as slick as silicone-based lubricants and last just as long.
On the downside, they cannot used with latex condoms as they can degrade latex and cause condoms to burst, sometimes within one minute. Moreover, they are known to damage polyisoprene condoms.
Many oil-based lubricants are made with petroleum-based oils, while others are made of natural oils like coconut or almond oil. Irrespective of whether the oils are synthetic or natural, they should never be paired with latex or polyisoprene condoms.
The one type of condom that oil-based lubricants can be paired with, made from polyurethane, tends to be more expensive and also more prone to breakage and slippage.
Another concern with natural and synthetic oil-based lubricants is that they can increase the risk ofbacterial vaginosis (BV)and yeast infections.
Vaginal Lubricant and Condoms or Other Barriers
The choice of vaginal lubricants can vary based on different factors, including:
To make the right choice, consider the following:
How to Use Vaginal Lubricants
Vaginal lubricant can be applied to the vagina just before sex as well as to the penis or sex toys. Depending on the type you plan to use, you may need one application or many.
To make applications easier:
Lubricants are long-lasting, but they don’t last forever. Check the expiration date, and dispose of any that have expired.
Other Treatments for Vaginal Dryness
If you are prone to vaginal dryness for whatever reason, there are treatments that can help. These over-the-counter (OTC) and prescription products are not intended for use as lubricants but can help improve vaginal moisture for females with chronic vaginal dryness.
Vaginal Moisturizers
Vaginal moisturizers are topical creams and lotions that are matched to your vaginal pH. These OTC non-hormonal products are readily absorbed and help rehydrate vaginal tissues to keep them moist and supple.
Vaginal moisturizers can be applied at any time but are meant to be used consistently if you have chronic vaginal dryness. They are not intended for use as vaginal lubricant but, with consistent use, may reduce the need or amount of lubricant needed for sex.
Estrogen Cream
Summary
There are water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based lubricants. Water- and silicone-based lubricants can be used with all condoms, while oil-based lubricants are only safe with polyurethane condoms. Oil-based lubricants may also increase the risk of bacterial and yeast infections.
Vaginal moisturizers and estrogen creams are not used for sex but can help ease dryness and reduce the need for vaginal lubricants during sex.
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