Vaginal Lubricants

Vaginal lubricants are used to reduce friction and make sexual intercourse more pleasurable, especially in people with vaginal dryness or who have pain with sex. Even so, there are pros and cons to the different lubricants available online and in stores.

For instance, certain lubricants containing nonoxynol-9 can help prevent pregnancy but end up causing vaginal irritation. Similarly, oil-based lubricants may increase lubrication but can break down a latex 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.

Who Needs Vaginal Lubricant?

During sexual arousal, the Bartholin glands and Skene glands situated near the opening of the hymen naturally 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 in estrogen not 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:

• Use of benzodiazepines like Xanax (alprazolam), antidepressants like Prozac (fluoxetine), or beta-blockers like Lopressor (metoprolol)
• Hormonal changes during menstruation, pregnancy, and breastfeeding
• Cancer chemotherapy
• Emotional stress
• Irritation from soaps, laundry detergents, lotions, perfumes, douches, and tampons
• Prolonged sexual intercourse in which natural lubrication runs out
• Smoking

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.

Some lubricants can even delay ejaculation in males with premature ejaculation by incorporating numbing agents like lidocaine, prilocaine, or benzocaine.

Types of Vaginal Lubricant

Broadly speaking, there are three types of vaginal lubricants that vary by their lubricating ingredients. Each has its benefits as well as its drawbacks.

Water-Based Vaginal Lubricant 

Water-based lubricants are considered by most to be the best option for vaginal lubrication as they preserve the vagina’s natural pH level of 4.5. Moreover, they are safe to use with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms and tend to be cheaper than silicone-based lubricants.

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.

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 of bacterial vaginosis (BV) and yeast infections.

Vaginal Lubricant and Condoms or Other Barriers

The choice of vaginal lubricants can vary based on different factors, including:

• Whether or not you use condoms
• Whether or not you intend to get pregnant
• Avoiding sexually transmitted infections (STIs)
• Having vaginal dryness or dyspareunia
• Personal preference

To make the right choice, consider the following:

• Condom type: If you are using condoms or other forms of barrier protection (such as dental dams, finger cots, or gloves), you are better served to use a water- or silicone-based lubricant that works with all condom types.
• Spermicides: While some people use spermicidal lubricants containing nonoxynol-9 to protect against pregnancy, they can damage vaginal tissues and increase the risk of HIV if you don't use condoms. Moreover, they do not protect against STIs as some people assume.
• Flavoring, scents, and coloring: Although some couples enjoy flavored or scented lubricants, they can be irritating to the vagina and trigger contact dermatitis. Flavored condoms also contain sugars that promote vaginal yeast infections.

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:

• Keep the bottle or jar near the bed: This is especially true if you are using a water-based lubricant that may need to be re-applied during sex.
• Use towels: Place a towel or blanket on the bed in case of spillage. This is especially true of silicone- and oil-based lubricants that can be difficult to wash out.
• Use sparingly: Generally, a dollop the size of a quarter is enough to start. Apply more if needed. A drop or two of lubricant may be all that is needed to lubricate a penis.
• Warm the lubricant: Lubricant straight out of the bottle or jar can be cold, so take a moment to warm it in your palm or fingers before applying.

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

Estrogen creams are commonly used for the treatment of vaginal dryness caused by menopause. These creams contain a form of estrogen called estradiol that not only stimulates natural lubrication but also help reverse vaginal atrophy (thinning).

Estrogen creams are available by prescription and sold under the brand names Estrace. Femring, Imvexxy, Ortho Dienestrol, Premarin, Vagifem, and others.

Estrogen creams come in a tube with a vaginal applicator. Start by using the cream every night for two weeks and then cut back two to four times weekly. Side effects are uncommon but may include vaginal burning or irritation.

Summary

Vaginal lubricants are used to increase moisture and reduce friction during vaginal sex. They can be used by anyone but are especially useful in females who have vaginal dryness or experience pain with sex.

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.