Lubrications - Natural vs Synthetic
Lubrication is necessary to prepare the vaginal canal for entry. Whether lubrication is natural or added by using synthetic products, it is always best to make sure there is plenty before attempting entry with an object or partner. A key thing to remember about lubrication is that the body can produce some moisture on its own if the person is properly aroused. One great suggestion is to have an orgasm by manual stimulation either by touching yourself, having a partner touch you or oral sex. That way the body is fully prepared as far as the rush of blood to the vulvar area and the likelihood of natural lubrication. However, because natural lubrication varies with our hormone levels, it is not abnormal to require the use of added products or lubricants every time you engage in intercourse or penetration. One thing I have been hearing by participating in different chat groups is that some women with particular sensitivities to certain products are more prone to irritation or inflammation to products containing certain products like fragrances, color additives, preservatives, and glycerin. This added irritation certainly doesn't help vag & at times further complicates things by triggering imbalances in the vaginal pH that can set off yeast or bacterial infections. Some suggestions when using lubricants is to completely lube up your partner, the object, and yourself. When lubricating yourself, do the complete vulva area, which is the entire crotch area, include the clitoris. The clitoris is the area that creates the most pleasure, so lubing up that area will increase the mobility of the tissue that surrounds it, called the clitoral hood.
Since lubrications can dry out, especially if water-based, it is best to keep a small spray bottle on hand near to where you are engaging in intercourse or sex play. By putting warm water in it, and rewetting as needed, most lubricants will be reactivated to slippery fun.
Types of lubricants & their reviews: KY Jelly - this product works well if you are only slightly dry or if the sexual interaction is quick. I have found that it tends to dry out quickly leaving a gummy texture. If you are prone to sexual disorders that have pain on contact or easily prone to yeast infections, this is not one to use. The main ingredient of glycerine can irritate the vulva if prior problems exist.
Wet Platnium - actually is not a lubricant for intercourse, more a oil-based lubricant for external massage. However, it can be used vaginally if you have normal pH levels. The citric acid in the product left me with a burning sensation. However, prior to having irritation with the off-balance of pH, I could use it with no problem. Is great for massage & foreplay. This one I would avoid using with latex condoms.
Probe - was one of my favorites, especially since it had a pump! We found this product was the right consistency for us. Water-based, the perfect consistency of a liquid and cream combination. Easy to use and easy to clean up.
Vagisil - This one was way to runny! Since water is the main ingredient, it made sense that more ended up on the sheets then on the person. Evaporated quickly and was non-efficient in my opinion.
Albolene - This is not sold as a lubricant, it's actually a makeup remover. Recommended to me by my colleague, the SexDoc, this product was very beneficial in healing. It is made up of petrolatum, mineral oil, ceresin, and paraffin. I found this worked well for me as it is a cream that melts into a liquid on contact with skin. I found that it moisturized the vulva so it greatly reduced fissures from pulling skin. However, one male person noted that if not immediately washed off with soap and water, he had a reaction of dry flaky skin on the foreskin. I had no reactions to it as I found it absorbed into the skin and was less tenacious then petrolatum by themselves. This is oil-based, so do not use with latex condoms. I will say, though I found regular petrolatum (another word for petroleum) too thick and heavy, this product with the other ingredients seemed to protect the skin while still absorbing easily. This is equally a great product for massage and fun!
Vaseline or Petroleum Jelly - These products I find too heavy and so thick that soap and water cannot penetrate. Therefore, I cannot wash it off. Many women have had problems arise from using these products. One being the pH balance being upset to the point of creating an environment perfect for candida or yeast to overtake the area. This product is good for isolated use on the vulva area in limitation. Especially if you have burning with urination due to skin disorders such as Lichens Schlerosus, as the heavy protection keeps the urine from further irritating the vulva skin. Many doctors suggest it in moderation, though it is to never be used with latex condoms.
