Is it safe to use sex lubricants frequently

Lubricants are often helpful when the vagina feels dry so that the penis is easier to enter and sex doesn't hurt. Therefore, lubricants may become mandatory products during sex for some people. However, are there any side effects that will be felt if you use lubricants frequently?

Is it safe to use lubricant frequently?

According to research published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine, lubricants in fact make sex much more satisfying and enjoyable.

The wetter your vagina is, the smoother the entrance for penetration will be. That way, the friction will be less, reducing any pain that may arise.

But when it comes to how often to use lubricants, the decision comes back to each person.

Basically we can use lubricant as often as needed. Sex itself is not an activity that can be measured in quantity. This means that everyone can have sex as often or as rarely as desired.

It is unlikely that frequent use of lubricants will have a negative impact on the genital area of ​​men and women. The reason is, lubricants are indeed one of the recommended products to be used with condoms to prevent venereal diseases.

However, you should first learn which lubricants are suitable for frequent use. General lubricants are made from safe base materials such as water, oil, or silicone. Each type of lubricant has its own advantages and disadvantages.

Oil and silicone lubricants, for example, are not suitable for use with condoms because they can damage the rubber. There are also types of lubricants that can increase your risk of developing an infection.

Choose the right lubricant

It is safe to use lubricants frequently, but you still need to be careful when buying them. The reason is, good quality lubricants can be considered from the following aspects, namely:

Basic ingredients

Reporting from the International Society for Sexual Medicine, there are several lubricants that are available and have advantages and disadvantages of each, namely:

Water based

Water-based lubricants are commonly used because they are easy to clean and tend to be less expensive. Unfortunately, this type of lubricant does not last long and requires frequent re-application to retain moisture.

Silicone based

Silicone based lubricants tend to stay hydrated longer than water. However, this type of lubricant is difficult to rinse off. This may be troublesome for you, especially if every sex you often use lubricants.

Oil based

Oil-based lubricants should usually be used with greater care. The reason is, this lubricant can weaken the latex in the condom, making it easier for them to leak or tear. As a result, the chances of getting pregnant are greater as well as the transmission of sexually transmitted infections.

Petroleum based

Lubricants based on petroleum are usually in the form of mineral oil or baby oil . Unfortunately, these lubricants can cause irritation or inflammation for some women.

Has the same pH as the vagina

Ideally, the lubricant should have the same pH as the vagina, which is about 3.8 to 4.5. When the lubricant has a pH above 4.5, the risk of vaginal bacterial infection increases, especially if you use this product frequently.

To find the right product, ask your doctor for recommendations to choose which product has the ideal pH.

The right osmolality

Osmolality is the ability of a substance to attract moisture from tissues and cells. Exposure to lubricants with a higher osmolality than normal fluids can cause vaginal tissue to constrict. This happens because the moisture inside the cells is removed.

As a result, this condition causes irritation and damage to the mucous membrane barrier that protects the vagina from infection. Again, to find the right product, consult a doctor.

Pay attention to the ingredients

In general, lubricants are made in such a way as to be safe for the skin area of ​​the vagina and penis. But when buying it, you also need to read the product packaging first. The reason is that there are several ingredients that might cause irritation or inflammation, such as:

• Glycerin
• Propylene glycol
• Nonoxynol-9
• Petroleum
• Chlorhexidine gluconate

You should avoid lubricants with the above ingredients if you will be using lubricants frequently. It is feared that you may end up experiencing irritation after using it frequently.

In addition, Carli Blau, a sex and relationship therapist in New York also suggests choosing a lubricant that is free of parabens, glycerin and petroleum. Avoiding these three ingredients is done with the aim of minimizing the risk of infection.

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