Good Lube Matters

Written By Gina Inglese, MS, OTR/L, CCTS-I

First of all, we love lube! Lube can be our best friend. There are many reasons tissue can be dry, and some don’t self lubricate at all! So use it, reapply it and use it again. (In fact, please use lube instead of your spit).

But not all lube is created equal.

Turns out you shouldn’t put cherry blasted flavoring up your hoo-hah. 

Lube shouldn’t get hot and cold. Sounds fun at first, but did you know it can significantly irritate your tissue and increase risk of infection? Not so fun. 

Even some seemingly normal ones that you see in your local pharmacy store might look normal at first glance, but at second glance, they can be just as problematic. 

Some ingredients to look out for: 

  • Glycerin - It can irritate sensitive tissue or increase yeast infection or BV. However, some can use it without issue. If you have sensitive tissue, best to err on the side of caution and skip it. 

  • Parabens 

  • Fragrances – you’re going to have to use your imagination if you wanna taste cherries 

  • Nonoxynol 9, Chlorhexidine Gluconate, Spermicide

  • Petroleum jelly – yes, this means no vaseline! 

  • Propylene glycol

Many of the above ingredients can increase risk of infections, irritate the tissue, and mess with the flora or pH of your tissue. 

There’s also different types of lube: 

  • Water-Based - 

    • Compatible with sex toys and okay to use with condoms

    • May dry out more quickly, but there are different thicknesses to help with this

      • Look for a “gel” for a thicker consistency

  • Oil Based

    • Not compatible with condoms

    • Plant based products are recommended, petroleum can increase bacterial growth

  • Hybrid (water and silicone) 

    • Can be thicker and long lasting, but not considered hypoallergenic

    • Safe with most toys/pelvic tools and safer sex barriers

  • Silicone based 

    • Cannot be used with silicone toys or pelvic tools

    • Compatible with safer sex methods such as condoms

    • Does not absorb into the body so it lasts long and can be hypoallergenic 

Lubricants can also have different pH levels. This also means some lubes may be better rectally, while some are better vaginally. – more to come on this!

Lubricant list on recommended products page coming soon. 

Gina Inglese, MS, OTR/L, CCTS-I
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