You Can Never Have Too Much Lube
While it is possible to self lubricate when aroused, it typically takes a woman’s tissues roughly 20 minutes to be physiologically ready for penetrative intercourse.
While foreplay is certainly an excellent way to stimulate our body’s natural ability to lubricate, we don’t always have 20 minutes, or some women may be going through additional hormone changes that can make self lubrication a bit more challenging.
This includes the postpartum phase (especially if the woman has been nursing or pumping for an extended period of time), peri-menopause, menopause, or hormonal imbalance due to thyroid dysfunction, adrenal fatigue, or other auto-immune disorders.
What this means is that many women will require additional lubrication in the form of personal lubricants.
Silicone Based Lubricants
Silicone lubricants can be a great option for patients with chronic and significant dryness (think postpartum and menopausal). This is because silicone lubricants do not absorb into the skin, which also classifies them as hypoallergenic. Because they do not absorb into the skin, they are the longest lasting of all lubricants on the market. These lubricants are also great for intimacy in the shower as they are not water-solvable. Silicone lubricants are compatible with most safe sex barriers and toys, with the exception of silicone based toys.
Another pro to silicone lubricants is that they do not have a pH level to be concerned about. Our vaginal canals typically have a pH level of anywhere from 3.5-7, depending on age and hormonal fluctuation. This means that lubricants with their own pH can affect our vaginal pH and cause irritation to the tissue. But with silicone lubricants, the pH is not a concern. So, this may also be a great option for patients who experience chronic yeast infections and/or bacterial vaginosis.
It’s considered the longest-lasting of your lube choices, so you don’t have to keep reapplying it as much as you may with other lubes.
Pros Of Using Silicone Based Lube:
- Long-lasting
- Hypoallergenic
- Water-resistant
- Requires less product
- Safe to use with condoms
Cons Of Using Silicone-Based Lube:
- Some say silicone lube will break down silicone sex toys (which creates little crevices that bacteria hide in, making them unsanitary), but others say that’s a myth. Play it safe and only use with steel, glass, or hard plastic toys.
- Difficult to wash off after sex (you’ll likely need soap, but never use it internally)
- Can stain
Common Brands Of Silicone Based Lube:
- Astroglide X
- Wet Platinum
- K-Y Silicone
- Recommended: Uberlube
Water Based Lubricants
Water based lubricants are the most common type of personal lubricant used because they are more affordable than their counterparts and are more easily accessible than most silicone and oil based lubricants. While these lubricants typically feel the most similar to our body’s own lubrication, they also dry out the fastest. Water based lubricants have their own pH and osmolality, which can affect our body’s own pH and osmolality.
So if using a water based lubricant, it is important to look for one that has an osmolality and pH that is close to (if not the same as) that of our body’s. Most lubricants will have this listed on their packaging or website.
Unfortunately, many water based lubricants are hyperosmotic. This means that their osmolality is higher than that of our vaginal and vulvar tissues. This high water concentration can dehydrate our mucous membranes, and in some cases (when the osmolality is significantly different than that of our natural concentration) it can cause irritation and cell breakdown of the tissues. So, water based lubricants will not be a good option for patients who have chronic dryness, any condition that causes damage to the mucous membranes, or who are more susceptible to skin tears as this may increase risk of infection.
Water based lubricants are compatible with all safe sex barriers and adult toys, which may make them a good option for patients having to use dilators and/or a pelvic wand for their home program.
Water-based lube is a good, everyday choice for lubrication. It is easier to wash off than silicone lubricants. It won’t break down your sex toys.
If you have sensitive skin or are prone to vaginal irritation, this is a better choice in terms of personal lubricant (which is different from lube that you would use for intimacy)
Water-based lubes are also the most likely to contain potentially harmful ingredients, like parabens. Parabens are chemicals that are used in many beauty products. They can be absorbed by the skin and have been found to exhibit estrogenic effects in the body. According to breastcancer.org, parabens are being studied for their potential links to breast cancer
Pros Of Using Water Based Lube:
- Compatible with condoms
- Easy to wash off after sex
- Won’t break down silicone sex toys
- Better for sensitive skin
- Easy to clean out of sheets
Cons Of Using Water Based Lube:
- Evaporate quickly so you have to keep reapplying them
- Aren’t waterproof — so using them in the shower won’t work
- May contain glycerin which irritates the skin
- May contain paraben which may disrupt hormones
- Can get sticky with reapplication
Common Brands Of Water Based Lube:
- KY Jelly
- Astroglide Liquid and Gel
- Coconu Water Based
- Vagisil Prohydrate
- Good Clean Love
- Recommended: Water Based: Desert Harvest Aloe Glide and Slippery Stuff
Water-Silicone Hybrid Lubricants
These lubricants are relatively new to the market.
However, there seems to be very few cons to these hybrid lubricants.
While they are not considered hypoallergenic, they are typically less irritating to the tissues than some straight water based lubricants, and they last longer than water based lubricants. Like silicone lubricants, they are compatible with safe sex barriers, as well as adult toys (even silicone toys).
While full silicone lubricants may be the best option for patients with chronic vulvar and vaginal dryness, these hybrids are a good option for patients who may be experiencing acute dryness or dryness that is notable but not severe.
Recommended Water-Silicone Hybrid: Good Clean Love Hybrid
Oil Based Lubricants
Before we go into detail about oil based lubricants, it is important to note that only PLANT based oils are safe for internal use. Other petroleum based oils can cause bacteria to breed and can irritate the vulvar and vaginal tissues. Therefore, they are not safe to use internally.
Oil-based lubes can be a great option for women looking to avoid harsh ingredients. Since oil-based lubricants tend to be made from natural oils, they are moisturizing and soothing for the skin. Some formulations will contain problematic ingredients, so check the label before you decide to use any lube.
Oil based lubricants are typically made from plant oils like coconut oil, olive oil, sweet almond oil, and avocado oil to name a few. Oil based lubricants are longer lasting than their water based counter parts, but do not last as long as silicone lubricants. They can be great for people with chronically dry, frail, and thinning tissues as they hydrate and improve tissue elasticity over time. They are also the only lubricants that can be considered 100% organic.
However, oil based lubes are not always a good fit for patients who are prone to yeast infections, UTIs, and/or BV. This is because these lubricants take the longest to clear out of our systems. Oil based lubricants are not compatible with safe sex barriers made from latex or polyisoprene as they can break down these materials.
If you’re in a pinch, you can go straight from the kitchen to the bedroom with certain kinds of oil. The main problem with using an oil-based lube? It’s not safe for use with latex condoms. This one is best for non-barrier method sex.
Pros Of Using Oil Based Lube:
- Free of irritants and hormone-disrupting chemicals
- Long-lasting
- Generally gentle on the skin
- Generally edible, so ideal for oral sex.
- May be compatible with polyurethane condoms (check the package)
- Can be used in the water
Cons Of Using Oil Based Lube:
- Can’t be used with latex condoms
- Shouldn’t be used with latex toys
- Might leave stains on your sheets
Common Brands Of Oil Based Lube:
Recommended: AH! YES OB
Natural oils like coconut, olive, or avocado oil
