Good Lube Matters
First of all, we love lube! Lube can be your best friend. Sometimes lube just provides extra…well lubrication. Other times it can help lubricate the area when there’s dryness. There are many reasons tissue can be dry (which can be a whole other blog!), but lube is an additional tool that can help things insert more smoothly - whether that is a penis, a toy, a finger, a pelvic tool, or even a tampon! So use it, reapply it and use it again. (In fact, please use lube instead of your spit during sex).
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 or speak to your gynecologist if it’s an okay fit for you.
Parabens
Fragrances – you’re going to have to use your imagination if you want to 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!
Find a lubricant list on recommended products page. There are currently, 3 listed, with more options on it to come!
Anxious Pelvis offers trauma-informed pelvic floor occupational therapy, virtual coaching, & education for pelvic pain, vaginismus, painful sex, bladder and bowel dysfunction, pregnancy, postpartum, perimenopause, and gender-affirming care.
Denver Clinic: 3801 E Florida Ave, Suite 915, Denver, CO 80210
Virtual care through our coaching & education services available worldwide.
By Anxious Pelvis | Pelvic Floor Occupational Therapy in Denver, CO & Virtual Coaching Worldwide
Remember: this post is for informational purposes only and may not be the best fit for you and your personal situation. It shall not be construed as medical advice. The information and education provided here is not intended or implied to supplement or replace professional medical treatment, advice, and/or diagnosis. Always check with your own physician or medical professional before trying or implementing any information read here.
