We include products nosotros call up are useful for our readers. If you buy through links on this page, we may earn a small commission. Here's our process.

The vagina naturally produces lubrication that helps facilitate sexual activeness. If natural lubrication is not enough, people can employ artificial lubricant, or lube, to make sexual activity more comfy.

When a person becomes sexually aroused, their vagina produces extra lubrication. This lubrication reduces friction in the vagina, increasing comfort during sexual practice and minimizing any feelings of soreness or irritation. However, vaginal dryness is a very mutual sexual result.

Bogus lubricants reduce vaginal dryness. Lubes are bachelor in many dissimilar textures, flavors, and materials to suit a person's needs and preferences.

In this article, we explain natural vaginal lubrication and discuss the types, benefits, and possible side furnishings of artificial lubrication.

two woman getting aroused and experiencing Vaginal lubrication Share on Pinterest
Natural vaginal lubrication may occur when a person is experiencing arousal.

Vaginal tissue is naturally moist.

Fluid from the neck and secretions from the Bartholin glands — two pea sized glands at the entrance to the vagina — help keep the vagina lubricated. During arousal, the Bartholin glands secrete extra fluid to reduce friction.

Occasional vaginal dryness is mutual, but chronic vaginal dryness can betoken either menopause or a medical issue, such equally vaginal atrophy. People who routinely struggle with vaginal dryness should talk to a healthcare professional.

Equally a person ages, the tissue of the vagina thins. During and after menopause, the body produces less estrogen, which leads to fewer moisturizing secretions and can make the vagina feel dry.

In one case the vaginal tissues become thinner, the private may need more than lubrication than they previously did to feel comfortable during sexual practice.

It is mutual, even amidst good for you people, for the vagina to produce insufficient lubrication. Artificial lubricant replaces the natural vaginal secretions, making the vagina feel more moist and reducing whatever discomfort resulting from vaginal dryness.

A person might choose to use synthetic lubricant when:

  • they experience vaginal dryness due to medication
  • changes in hormone levels during pregnancy or after childbirth crusade temporary vaginal dryness
  • menopause causes vaginal dryness
  • their vagina does non produce sufficient lubrication — for example, if they "run out" of lubrication afterwards a long session of sexual activity or find that their natural lubricant is bereft to reduce the friction of sex
  • they experience pain or itching in their vagina, which can happen when sensitive vaginal tissue is very dry

A person who wants to try artificial lubricant has several options, including those below:

Vaginal lubricants

Share on Pinterest
There are a number of vaginal lubricants available in pharmacies and online.

Drugstores stock dozens of vaginal lubricants, which come in different flavors depending on a person's preference.

These products provide short term moisture for various forms of vaginal contact, including sexual activities and vaginal health examinations.

They comprise varying substances with different benefits:

  • Water based lubricants containing glycerin are popular. Nevertheless, glycerin gratis options may be more suitable for people who get frequent yeast infections.
  • Silicone based lubricants terminal longer than water based lubricants, making them a good selection for people with severe vaginal dryness or a history of pain during sex. They are not condom to use with silicone sexual activity toys, though, and they tin can be greasy.
  • Oil based lubricants include many readily available products, such as kitchen oils. They are ordinarily edible and are rubber for the vagina, but they can be messy. Synthetic oil based lubricants, such as mineral oil and petroleum jelly, tin can work well but may also irritate the vulva.

Read more about using Vaseline or olive oil as a sexual lubricant.

Silicone and water based lubricants are safety to use with latex condoms. However, oil based lubricants may destroy latex condoms.

Some lubricants may touch sperm function, potentially decreasing the chances of a person getting pregnant, so those who are trying to conceive should choose a sperm friendly lubricant. People hoping to forbid pregnancy and apply lubricants can consider using spermicides along with other contraceptives.

Vaginal moisturizers

Vaginal moisturizers are long acting lubricants that can assist with chronic dryness. Their effects usually last for several days.

These products are a good option for people who feel intense vaginal dryness, even when they are non having sex. These moisturizers are safe to use alongside vaginal lubricants.

Some people use kokosnoot oil for vaginal dryness. Studies suggest that coconut oil is an effective moisturizer for other body parts, but in that location is a lack of inquiry on its benefits for the vagina. People should avoid using coconut oil with a latex condom, as it can break down the latex and make the safe ineffective.

Read about other abode remedies for vaginal dryness.

Estrogen creams

Estrogen based creams can treat vaginal dryness that occurs due to depression estrogen levels. These creams work by replacing lost estrogen, potentially reversing some of the effects of menopause and medical conditions that cause depression estrogen.

Most of these creams crave the user to decrease the dosage over time.

Estrogen creams can work well, but they are not safe for people who practise not tolerate estrogen well. It is important to discuss with a doctor the risks and benefits of using estrogen cream.

    When using over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers, people should always follow the directions on the box.

    It is best to starting time with a small amount of the production and and so gradually increase the corporeality until the vagina feels comfortable. Some people discover that reapplying the lubricant several times provides the best results.

    A person may notice it helpful to experiment with several different lubricants, paying attending to how their body responds to each one. If the vagina feels itchy or sore after using ane of these products, this could indicate an allergy or sensitivity to an ingredient in the lubricant.

    People should merely attempt estrogen based creams after discussing their use with a healthcare professional. These creams often crave a prescription. Information technology is important to follow the directions for use and not exceed the dosage that a healthcare professional recommends.

    Estrogen creams tin take time to piece of work, and it takes a few weeks for virtually people to run across results.

    Share on Pinterest
    Staying hydrated may help prevent vaginal dryness.

    Commercial lubricants are rubber for most people.

    However, as with any healthcare product, they nowadays some risks, including:

    • allergic reactions
    • skin irritation
    • yeast infections
    • interfering with fertility
    • drying up quickly, requiring frequent reapplication

    When a person has clinical vaginal dryness, artificial lubricants do not treat the underlying problem. They will non increase estrogen or revive thinning vaginal tissue. People may, therefore, notice that these products do not fully resolve the issue.

    For those who exercise not get relief from vaginal dryness when they use commercial lubricants, estrogen creams may exist a good option. Some other strategies that may aid improve lubrication include:

    • remaining hydrated
    • having sex only when aroused
    • spending more time on foreplay
    • masturbating earlier sex activity
    • increasing the frequency of masturbation or sex activity

    Vaginal lubrication can assist people have better and more comfortable sexual experiences.

    For people with vaginal dryness, the symptoms tin be very uncomfortable or frustrating. A healthcare professional person can assistance determine the cause of the dryness and then recommend a suitable solution.

    Sex should not be painful, and the vagina should not be a source of discomfort. A person can see a doctor if vaginal dryness persists or does not go ameliorate with the use of a commercial lubricant.

    Buying vaginal lubricants

    People tin find the products that we have mentioned in this article in drugstores. Alternatively, they can choose between products online:

    • vaginal lubricant
    • flavored lubricant
    • vaginal moisturizers
    • estrogen creams