Personal lubricants can help reduce pain during sexual encounters and vaginal dryness, as well as increase solo and partnered pleasure.
But not all lubes are created equally; many supermarket lubes contain chemicals and additives which may cause irritation, as well as imbalance the vulva microbiome. For optimal performance, choose natural-based lubes containing few ingredients.
Vaginal dryness
Vaginal dryness can make it more challenging to become aroused and have satisfying sexual encounters, leading to painful intercourse as well as increasing your risk for urinary tract infections, genital warts and other conditions.
Selecting a personal lubricant suitable for your vaginal ecosystem will help prevent thrush, irritation and other complications. When making your selection, look out for supermarket brands containing ingredients like glycerin, propylene glycol or spermicides as these could pose threats.
Water-based lubricants offer an organic feel. These products don’t stain or damage toys and condoms, and are even safe for latex condoms and diaphragms.
Increased wetness
Vaginal discharge consists of water, salts like phosphate and sodium chloride, organic compounds including lipids and amino acids, antibodies that help lower infection risk, as well as old cells from the lining of both the uterus and cervix. Certain medications, including birth control with progestin (a synthetic form of estrogen) can alter its consistency or quantity causing thicker cervical fluid.
Sexual stimulation stimulates glands near the vaginal opening to produce more fluid for lubrication purposes, leading to sensations of “squirting” when engaging in sexual encounters.
Wetness may also be a telltale sign of infection, particularly yeast infections that result in thick cottage cheese-like discharge that’s itchy and painful to the touch. Treatment options available over-the-counter antifungal medicines.
Increased pleasure
Use of personal lubricant during sexual activity is perfectly normal and can enhance both partners’ enjoyment. A quality lubricant should feel natural without causing irritation and should be easy to clean up afterward.
Water-based lubricants like Aloe Cadabra can reduce friction safely in both anal and vaginal use, without disrupting your natural biome, according to Helen Being, educational consultant from Eugene Oregon-based As You Like It sex-toy store.
Oil-based lubricants tend to last longer, but may interfere with vaginal bacteria or damage silicone toys, leaving some users irritated or distressed. Some oils may stain sheets and clothing; so choose non-staining formulas if possible. Lubricants with an osmolality higher than that of body cells could potentially lead to tissue damage; the best products should have equal osmolality across cells in vagina and rectum area for maximum comfort.
Healthy intimate areas
Vaginal health can be significantly enhanced through daily habits that promote its wellbeing, such as forgoing douches (whether using products or just water) to avoid infections and other issues. Your vulva is designed to self-clean itself; using harsh chemicals, prepackaged wipes or douching disrupt this natural balance and could potentially cause infections and other issues to develop.
Applying an emollient like olive, coconut or vegetable oil prior to bathing can provide your intimate area with protection from irritation. Be wary of rubbing or scratching as this could thicken skin layers and increase itching.
As with other parts of your body, the genital area should only be washed once daily in a gentle manner using an appropriate cleanser for the vulva to minimize irritation and sensitivity. Overwashing can also increase irritation while making bacteria more active; to minimize these potential adverse reactions it’s also wise not to rub or touch this sensitive area during sexual activity and use lubricant when necessary for added comfort and performance.
Stronger relationships
Personal lubricants designed to reduce friction during intimate activities can help prevent abrasions and tears to vaginal and anal tissues during intimate activities, helping reduce infections that lead to bacterial vaginosis (BV). They should also be used with condoms in order to lower breakage risk – which in turn increases chances of HIV/AIDS infection.
Studies have demonstrated that most people support lubricant use. Most reported it made their sex feel better, making foreplay easier and more fun.
Toys in Babeland is an obscure store located on New York’s Lower East Side that’s famed for its extensive selection of sexual aids. Though its front doesn’t scream “sex shop”, Toys in Babeland stands out as an exceptional spot to find water-based lubricants, which are safer and longer-acting alternatives to K-Y jelly commonly seen elsewhere.
