Choosing a vaginal lubricant that is safe for women's health

When having sex, sometimes partners need a little help. This can happen when a woman doesn't produce enough fluid to lubricate her vagina. This dry vaginal condition can cause the penetration process to not run smoothly. Vaginal lubricants can help smooth penetration, thereby increasing comfort during sex.

There are different types of sex lubricants for women, each of which has its advantages and disadvantages.

Besides its usefulness and convenience, you should still choose sex lubricants that are safe for vaginal health.

Which types of vaginal lubricants are best?

Sex lubricants can replace the function of natural lubricants in a dry vagina.

Even so, women whose vaginas produce enough natural lubricants can also increase the sensation and enjoyment of sex with sex lubricants.

Using lubricants before sexual intercourse can also provide health benefits such as preventing itching, discomfort, and pain during penetration.

There are several types of vaginal lubricants that can be found on the market. Most sex lubricants are made from natural ingredients and are easy to use.

The following are types of lubricants that have different functions, basic ingredients, and ways of using:

1. Water based lubricants contain glycerin

The most common natural sex lubricants found in the market are water lubricants with glycerin content.

If you use a lubricant for oral sex, this type of sex lubricant has a slightly sweet taste because it contains glycerin.

How to use sex lubricants for women should not continue to be added when the vagina starts to feel dry. Try wetting the vagina with water or saliva to increase the slipperiness.

• Advantages
  This sex lubricant is easy to find and has an affordable price.
  Lubricants are also safe to use with latex condoms and don't stain clothes or sheets.
• Deficiency
  This sex lubricant is water based so it dries quickly. The glycerin content also makes the lubricant texture quite sticky.
  If the vagina is not cleaned, the remaining lubricant can trigger a yeast infection and allergic reactions.

2. Water based lubricants, without glycerin content

If you frequently experience vaginal yeast infections, this water sex lubricant is safer for vaginal health. Without glycerin, the use of lubricants will not lead to vaginal yeast infections.

• Advantages
  This lubricant can reduce the danger of genital irritation so that it is safe when used with latex condoms, does not cause stains.
  The use of sex lubricants is more recommended for anal sex use.
• Deficiency
  When used for oral sex, these lubricants taste bitter. Water lubricants without glycerin are also somewhat difficult to find on the market.
  Although there is no risk of causing a yeast infection, this lubricant contains parabens and propelin glycol which can cause skin irritation.

3. Silicone vaginal lubricants

This lubricant is one type of lubricant that is durable and is widely recommended for women who have vaginal dryness or pain during penetration.

Silicone material is different from silicone for implants, this type of silicone in sex lubricants is not dangerous.

• Advantages
  This type of silicone lubricant cannot penetrate the skin pores and does not cause allergies for its users.
• Deficiency
  This vaginal lubricant is quite expensive than water-based lubricants, not sold in the market (can be found in sex shops or stores on line).
  If you use too much silicone lubricant, you will need to clean your vagina with soap and water.

4. Oil-based vaginal lubricants

Oil-based lubricants can damage latex condoms. However, this sex lubricant will not damage condoms made of nitrile, polysoprene, and polyurethane.

You can also find sex lubricants with traditional ingredients around you, such as vegetable oil, butter, or even baby oil .

• Advantages
  Safe to massage on the genitals, safe for consumption (except baby oil), cheap and easy to get.
• Deficiency
  These lubricants can damage latex condoms and stain fabrics.

Tips for choosing a lubricant that is safe for the vagina

If you are still having trouble choosing the right vaginal lubricant for you, try to look at the uses of each type of lubricant. Make sure its use is in accordance with the needs or vaginal problems you are experiencing.

Here are some things you can consider when choosing the right sex lubricant:

1. Avoid sex lubricants that trigger infections

If you are prone to fungal infections, you should avoid lubricating with glycerin.

This content can kill the good bacteria that keep the vagina moist so that the vagina is easily irritated and eventually becomes infected with yeast.

2. Choose a lubricant that is moisturizing

If your vagina is very dry, you will need lubricants that can increase vaginal moisture, but do not lead to infection.

Therefore, avoid lubricants with glycerin moisturizers. Besides the risk of infection, glycerin also dries quickly. Choose a sex lubricant with silicone with moisture that is more durable.

3. Avoid lubricants with fragrances and high pH

Most oil-based sex lubricants are safe to use, but some contain fragrances.

According to studies from journals Climacteric , fragrances in lubricants can cause irritation and even cause allergic reactions, especially on dry and sensitive vaginal skin.

It is also important to know the acidity of the sex lubricant used. Sex lubricants that have an acidity (pH) above 4.5 can also cause irritation.

Some of the ingredients in sex lubricants that can cause irritation and should be avoided are:

• glycerin
• nonoxynol-9
• propylene glycol
• chlorhexidine gluconate

Sex lubricants for women can replace the function of vaginal fluids so that they can reduce pain during sex.

In choosing a sex lubricant, adjust it to your needs. In addition, pay attention to whether the ingredients contained in the lubricant can cause side effects that endanger the health of the sex organs.

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