Vaginal dryness can be caused by menopause. Vaginal dryness can be caused by hormonal changes. Vaginal dryness can often be alleviated by lubricants that boost moisture and soothe the skin.
2020’s review found that half of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness. It can also cause discomfort during physical activity, itching, irritation, and burning, and painful sex.
Vaginal lubricants cannot treat the cause of dryness, which can be caused by low estrogen levels or menopause. They can help reduce discomfort.
This article will cover a range of lubricants that can help with menopausal dryness. This article will explain the various types of lubricants, list some products, and offer alternative solutions.
Types Lubricants
There are 3 types of lubricants a person can consider.
Water-based Lubricant
This is a common type of lubricant. Glycerin may be present in water-based products, but not in other products. Water-based lubricants can contain other ingredients, such as preservatives and antimicrobials.
Glycerin slows down the lubricant’s rapid evaporation. Glycerin can draw moisture from the vagina cells, which can cause irritation or cell damage. According to the World Health Organization, high-osmolality water-based lubricants (common in water products) can cause irritation.
A 2016 review by trusted Source found that glycerin in personal lubricants can increaseTrusted Source a person’s risk of contracting bacterial vaginosis. Glycerin can cause yeast infections.
If you want to use a water-based oil to prevent drying out, you may need to apply it more frequently than others.
Water-based lubricants are suitable for sex. These lubricants are suitable for use in sex in many ways, such as masturbation or penetrative vaginal. Condoms can also be used with water-based oils.
Silicone-based Lubricant
Silicone lubricants are hypoallergenic and suitable for sensitive skin. The silicone lubricant is long-lasting, so it may not be necessary to use as much to reduce vaginal dryness during the day.
Silicone-based condom lubricants are also available. This type of lubricant could cause harm to sex toys, so it is not recommended.
Silicone lubricants can be more durable than others, so some people might find it more difficult to clean them.
A 2016 study compared water-based and silicone-based lubes. This was done to address the sexual discomfort experienced in women with breast cancer. The silicone-based lotion proved to be more effective than the water-based lubricant in reducing sexual discomfort. 88% of participants experienced sexually-related distress.
Oil based Lubricants
Oil-based Lubricants have a slippery feel and last a long time.
Lubricants based on oil can stain fabrics and are more difficult to clean than silicone-based oils.
A 2013 study found that women who use oils in the vaginal area are more likely to develop a yeast infection. Oil-based lubricants may not be suitable for people who are more susceptible to yeast infections.
Individuals should avoid latex-based condoms that are oil-based or contain latex condoms.
Menopause dryness: Best lubricants
The author of this article has not tried these products. All information is current and based on research.
Gennev Intimate Moisture
This product was specifically created to address vaginal dryness caused by menopause. It is both a moisturizer and lubricant made from water.
According to the manufacturer, it is free of hormones and parabens. Gennev claims the product is pH balanced.
$17.95 for 2 fluid ounces (fl. oz) bottle
LOLA Personal Lubricant
It is hypoallergenic and water-based. It also contains natural ingredients. It does not contain parabens, fragrances or glycerin.
The bottle comes with a one-hand pump to reduce mess. To promote healthy vaginal function, the product is pH balanced.
A 1.7 fl oz bottle costs $14.
Sliquid Organics Natural Gel
This moisturizer is organic and thick. It’s aloe vera-based. Sliquid claims this product is vegan-friendly and hypoallergenic. It also contains no parabens or sulfates. Sliquid is free of flavor and fragrance.
This product is recyclable and has a natural consistency. It is also similar to silicone-based products according to the online product description.
Sliquid Organics Natural Gel is available in 4 sizes and costs between $10-23
Pink Silicone Lubricant
It comes in three sizes as well as a single-use package. It is hypoallergenic and free from parabens, glycerin, and other chemicals. Pink Sensuals claims that the lubricant is compatible with latex condoms as well as non-porous toys.
According to the online product description, the formula contains vitamin E for healing and therapeutic purposes.
A single-use package costs $1.50
Pink Silicone Lubricant Bottles come in sizes ranging from 2.8 to 47 oz (oz) and costs between $16.25-24.95.
Astroglide X Silicone Gel
This silicone-based oil does not contain parabens or glycerin.
The manufacturer claims that the formula is long-lasting and non-drippable. It can be used with condoms made from natural rubber latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene.
It contains both silicone and coconut oil. It does not contain any flavor or fragrances.
A 3 oz bottle costs $10.47.
Foria Wellness Intimacy Oil w/ CBD
This oil-based product has 400mg of CBD (broad-spectrum CBD) and coconut oil. According to the company, CBD can improve blood flow and relax muscles, while also promoting comfortable sex.
The product is free from delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), so it will not cause a high feeling associated with cannabis.
The company claims that its products have not been tested on animals.
For $44, a bottle of lubricant that contains 112 milliliters (1 l) is available.
Frequently Asked Question
These are common questions and answers about lubricants that can be used to treat vaginal dryness due to menopause.
What causes dryness during menopause?
Dry vaginal skin can occur after menopause. Hormonal changes, such as a drop in estrogen, can cause dry vaginal skin. This is because your vaginal walls have fewer moisture-producing cells. This can cause dryness and make your skin more fragile. It can also decrease the vaginal elasticity. This is called vaginal atrophy, or atrophic vulgaritis.
Which lubricant should you use?
Natural oils such as coconut, peanut, olive, and virgin coconut oil may be used as lubricants. You should not use oils with latex condoms, or any other latex birth control method.
Oils can also clog pores, causing irritation and skin infection. They can also affect the pH balance in the vagina. Oils have a more durable lubricating action than water-based lubricants.
It may be worth considering aloe vera. Aloe vera is a trusted source for its moisturizing properties. Aloe vera products may contain alcohol, which is not recommended to be used in the vagina. Side effects can also be caused by aloe vera products. Source:
- Burning
- Itching
- eczema
It is essential to check the ingredients of all lubricants in order to avoid allergic reactions.
Other Treatments
There are other ways to reduce vaginal dryness due to menopause.
- Use vaginal moisturizers
- Use soaps that don’t contain perfume
- engaging in foreplay before intercourse
- Vaginal estrogen products can be tried, such as creams, tablets, and rings.
- Do not use scented products or bubble baths around the vaginal area.
- Do not use antihistamines because they can reduce vaginal lubrication
- Use phytoestrogens to reduce trusted Source vaginal dryness
Your doctor should examine you if estrogen-sensitive breast cancer has been a problem in the past. People with allergies may not be able to take these supplements because they can contain nuts, seeds and soy.
Summary
Vaginal dryness is a common side effect of menopause. It can make sex uncomfortable and cause discomfort.
To ease discomfort caused by vaginal dryness, lubricants are available. They moisturize the vagina, making it more pleasant. Some lubricants might not be suitable for everyone. It is important to check the ingredients before purchasing any lubricant. You must ensure that the lubricant doesn’t affect condoms or other forms of barrier birthcontrol, as well as sex toys.
People who do not want to use lubricant might be interested in creams, lotions and estrogen products.
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