The Low-Down on Lubricant
There are so many different types of lubricants out there! Our pelvic floor physical therapists at Foundations Pelvic Health help women figure out which lubes may be the best fit for them for the issues they may be coming into pelvic floor therapy for.
Yes, using lube can be messy and require cleanup, but it can make a world of difference in your sexual experience! Being wet does not always equate with arousal - did you know that you can be aroused without being wet? Lubricants do their job by keeping things wet and reducing friction during penetration, making sex more pleasurable for all. For those with vaginismus or experience painful sex, lube is a must!
As a reminder, everyone should be using lubricant no matter their age, health or sexual preference.
Here are a few tips so that you can pick out the right lubricant to have the most enjoyable, pain-free sex possible!
Lubricants to Love
Water-Based Lubricants
Less irritating than glycerin-based lubricants, but still remains slippery
Absorbed into the tissue so you may need to re-apply during intercourse
These are condom-compatible and safe with any type of sex toy
Come in a range of textures (ranging from liquid/thin to thick/plump)
Our favorite brands of water-based lubes:
Silicone-Based Lubricants
Less drying as these are not absorbed immediately into the vaginal tissues
Recommended if lacking in vaginal estrogen
Not safe for use with silicone toys or certain types of condoms, as silicone will degrade over time
Our favorite brands of silicone-based lubes:Please Cream (hybrid water/silicone)
Natural Lubricants
Can be less irritating to the vaginal tissues
May be better for sensitive skin
Our favorite types of natural lubricants:Please Lubricant
coconut oil
Ingredients to be Aware of
Glycerin:
Sugar-based product that will not create a UTI or yeast infection, but may increase your symptoms of either
Parabens:
these additives can irritate sensitive vaginal tissue
Oil:
Can harbor infection as it is not absorbed by the vaginal tissue immediately
*coconut oil is an exception, as it is anti-microbial and not linked to infection
Lubricant often comes attached with a stigma, but using it is so great for anyone and everyone. The shelves of different lubricants at the store can be overwhelming, so hopefully this blog post gave you some more information about how to choose the right one for you.
Our patients coming in for pelvic floor issues often have questions about using lube, and our pelvic floor PTs help to give individualized recommendations to our patients about types of lubricant that may work best for them!
Hi! We are Boston’s pelvic floor physical therapy experts specializing in all things bladder, bowel, sexual dysfunction & pregnancy and postpartum specialists.
If you’re struggling or have questions about painful sex (i.e. vaginismus or dyspareunia), we’d love to help you at Foundations Pelvic Health - located in the South End of Boston, MA.