Sometimes, especially after menopause, a woman experiences vaginal dryness. A personal lubricant , usually available over the counter at a pharmacy or department store, can help.
There are several types of over-the-counter lubricants, each with advantages and disadvantages. Partners may need to openly discuss the best ways to ensure lubrication. Other times, a personal lubricant may need to be applied during sexual activity. The application could be part of foreplay, too. Women who experience painful intercourse are sometimes told that becoming more aroused will help.
However, an April study in The Journal of Sexual Medicine suggests that this might not be the case. Lube shame runs deep, and many people think that using lube is a sign that something is wrong — especially for people with vaginas.
Lube can even play a helpful role during oral sex, especially for those moments when you find yourself a little less hydrated than usual. Lube serves two purposes: To increase sexual pleasure and improve sexual safety. First, lube does exactly what its name says: It lubricates. Your skin is at the highest risk of tearing during penetrative anal or vaginal play, with the receptive partner being much more likely to experience a tear. Those tears can make you more susceptible to STIs.
Fluid from the cervix and secretions from the Bartholin glands — two pea sized glands at the entrance to the vagina — help keep the vagina lubricated. During arousal, the Bartholin glands secrete extra fluid to reduce friction. Occasional vaginal dryness is common, but chronic vaginal dryness can signal either menopause or a medical issue, such as vaginal atrophy.
People who routinely struggle with vaginal dryness should talk to a healthcare professional. As a person ages, the tissue of the vagina thins. During and after menopause, the body produces less estrogen , which leads to fewer moisturizing secretions and can make the vagina feel dry. Once the vaginal tissues become thinner, the individual may need more lubrication than they previously did to feel comfortable during sexual activity.
It is common, even among healthy people, for the vagina to produce insufficient lubrication. Artificial lubricant replaces the natural vaginal secretions, making the vagina feel more moist and reducing any discomfort resulting from vaginal dryness. These products provide short term moisture for various forms of vaginal contact, including sexual activities and vaginal health examinations.
Read more about using Vaseline or olive oil as a sexual lubricant. Silicone and water based lubricants are safe to use with latex condoms. However, oil based lubricants may destroy latex condoms. Some lubricants may affect sperm function , potentially decreasing the chances of a person getting pregnant, so those who are trying to conceive should choose a sperm friendly lubricant.
People hoping to prevent pregnancy and use lubricants can consider using spermicides along with other contraceptives. Vaginal moisturizers are long acting lubricants that can help with chronic dryness. Their effects usually last for several days. These products are a good option for people who experience intense vaginal dryness, even when they are not having sex.
These moisturizers are safe to use alongside vaginal lubricants. Some people use coconut oil for vaginal dryness. Studies suggest that coconut oil is an effective moisturizer for other body parts, but there is a lack of research on its benefits for the vagina. People should avoid using coconut oil with a latex condom, as it can break down the latex and make the condom ineffective.
Read about other home remedies for vaginal dryness. Estrogen based creams can treat vaginal dryness that occurs due to low estrogen levels. These creams work by replacing lost estrogen, potentially reversing some of the effects of menopause and medical conditions that cause low estrogen. Estrogen creams can work well, but they are not safe for people who do not tolerate estrogen well. It is important to discuss with a doctor the risks and benefits of using estrogen cream.
When using over-the-counter lubricants and moisturizers, people should always follow the directions on the box.
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