Don't be a rookie of lubricants. 

Lubricant Science. Image: iStockSource: BodyAndSoul

We discussed the precautions for lubrication with a female health expert. 

lubricating oil. Despite my deliberation, I came to the conclusion that there is really no way to get into this topic other than direct in-depth research.

Although we may not talk about this topic like we do other things, many women have used personal lubricants at some point in their lives.

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why? Well, because as a urological gynecologist, Dr. Tanaka said, "Lubrication is very important." Without it, sexual intercourse would be painful, would damage the vaginal wall, and would have much less fun. "

Normally, our body will naturally take care of lubrication. "We have glands in and around our vaginas, which help lubricate when we are excited and ready for sex," she explained.

Unfortunately, this does not happen to all women every time.

"These glands are great, but they depend on multiple factors, such as your emotional feelings, your psychology during sexual activity, or your level of excitement," she added.

Dr. Elizabeth Farrell AM, a gynecologist and medical director of Jean Hailes Women’s Health, also added that women’s become more women due to “vaginal dryness [due to certain medications, diseases, and lifestyle factors], painful intercourse, lack of arousal, or insufficient foreplay. Wet."

In addition, other factors such as age, menopause and hormonal changes can also cause the body to produce less lubricant.

Dr. Farrell explained that although women may use personal lubricants to help with dryness, sometimes they can also be "just to increase pleasure."

Most studies have shown that personal lubricants and moisturizers are effective options for treating vaginal dryness for many reasons. It is important to know that they are all different, and some actually do more harm than good.

Dr. Farrell said, "Any chemical on the vulva may cause irritation, dermatitis or allergies, depending on the woman's vulvar skin."

The ideal lubricant "should have similar acidity and osmotic pressure to vaginal gland secretions, that is, similar pH and fluidity. [Unfortunately, although] "Few people fit these categories," she said. (You You can view this research and brand comparison here.)

"The type of lubricant used depends on whether a condom is used, [whether there is] menopause or postpartum dryness or any other conditions that may cause dryness," Dr. Farrell said.

Other things to consider are the reasons for using lubricant and the purpose of using it. For example, it is not recommended to use silicone lubricants for silicone sex toys because it will decompose over time.

Generally speaking, the safest uses include:

"If you use condoms, please use only water-based lubricants, because other lubricants will affect the strength of the condom," said Dr. Farrell.

Make sure to choose a water-based lubricant that does not contain glycerin.

This includes avocado oil, coconut oil, vegetable oil and olive oil, which are great for foreplay, massage, sex and even consumption.

There are also natural oil products that can be purchased, including:

Dr. Farrell said to “avoid lubricants that contain preservatives and additives because they may cause changes in natural bacteria.” Some of these preservatives and additives include glycerin, parabens, nonoxynol-9, propylene glycol, and glucose Chlorhexidine acid.

In addition, it’s best to stay away from:

But if in doubt, Dr. Farrell said: "Please provide the most suitable advice from your pharmacy. The acidity, pH is about 4, the osmolality is less than 1200, and it does not contain any preservatives or additives that destroy bacteria. ."

Most importantly, if you are experiencing vaginal dryness, seek medical advice as this can have a major negative impact on your sex life and overall quality of life (None of us need or want it.)

Shona Hendley is a freelance writer and former middle school teacher. You can follow her on Instagram here.

Tanaka J. Dune, MD, FACOG is a female pelvic internal medicine and reconstructive surgeon (also known as urologist) at the Royal Women's Hospital in Melbourne. Dr. Elizabeth Farrell AM is a gynecologist and medical director of the Jean Hailes Women's Health Center.

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