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People with vaginas naturally go through periods of more or less vaginal lubrication. Lubrication depends on stress levels, hormone levels, medications, and where you are in your monthly cycle. It can be affected by peri-menopause (which can start in your 30's!), menopause, or breastfeeding. Your lubrication even changes throughout the day!
There is no shame in using personal lubricant products for sexual activity or inserting a tampon. Heck, some of the lubes can be used in your hair or for cooking! Lubricant can enhance your sexual experience and your sexual partner should be supportive of using this tool.
We will go through the 4 main types of lubricant and recommend a brand for each type. Everyone is different and it is worth taking the time to try different lubes to find which works best for you.
Lube #1: Water-based lube
Pros: affordable, feels like your body's own lubricant
Cons: long ingredient list, dries quickly
Our recommendation: Slippery Stuff
Lube #2: Oil-based lube
Pros: 100% organic, hydrates the skin
Cons: breaks down latex or polyisoprene condoms, increased risk of bacterial growth
My recommendation: Coconut oil
Lube #3: Silicone-based
Pros: hypoallergenic, leaves skin feeling soft and clean
Cons: hard to find in stores
My recommendation: Uberlube
Lube #4: Silicone + H2O
Pros: feels soft, does not dry out skin
Cons: hard to find in stores, not quite as gentle as pure silicone
My recommendation: Good Clean Love
Things to Avoid
Try out different types of lubricant. If you feel a burning sensation, the lube does not mesh well with your personal pH, and you should move on to a different lube.
Be careful with using oil-based lube if you are prone to infections. The oil is hard to clean and it can stay on and in your body for a long period of time, breading infection.
Watch out for long ingredient lists.
We never recommend using scented lube. We don't want those added chemicals in such a sensitive area of the body.
Our favorite one to recommend is Uberlube. It works for people with extremely sensitive skin and feels so soft. Everyone is different. Check out these different lubes and let us know in the comments what you think!
Author: Dr. Madison Roth, owner of Inspire Pelvic Physical Therapy
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