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Giving nature a little help
Sexual arousal stimulates blood flow into the pelvic area, creating congestion that causes lubricating secretions to seep into the vagina. But the hormonal changes of menopause, childbirth, and breastfeeding, plus some drugs and illnesses, not to mention stress and other mood-inhibiting influences, can affect the quantity and quality of this natural lubrication. Tissues also become more fragile with age, which means intercourse can become a lot less pleasurable and even painful as you get older.
Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers solve the problem. Whether you use one as part of foreplay or let it be your own little secret, both you and your partner will notice the difference in comfort and enjoyment.
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Easing Irritation
- Water-based lubricants are the least thick and moisturizing, but also the least likely to cause infection since they break down easily and won't trap bacteria.
- Oil-based lubricants give greater lubrication, but can contribute to infections. Never use products containing petroleum (like Vaseline) or other oils with latex condoms since they can break down the latex.
- Specifically designed vaginal moisturizers offer some advantages over lubricants. The chemicals in these moisturizers attract water to the vaginal wall, offering moisturizing benefits for up to 24 hours. Many postmenopausal women use these as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy.
- Moisturizing suppositories are another option. Some are made for insertion a short while before intercourse, others for daily or even semi-monthly use.
- Your gynecologist may prescribe estrogen cream to help restore the elasticity of the vaginal lining.
- Natural ways to maximize your own moisture include avoiding caffeine, alcohol, antihistamines, diuretics, perfumed douches, and swimming in chlorinated water. Eating foods high in zinc such as meat, seafood, nuts, oats, and wheat germ may also help.
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Preservatives
There are many preservatives in vaginal moisturizers, but they all work in one of two ways:
- By preventing the growth of microorganisms.
- By preventing the breakdown or degradation of other chemicals.
Preservatives are often (but not always) the culprit when you have an allergic reaction to a product.
| Water-Based Lubricants | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Glycerin | ? | A slippery, watery chemical that draws moisture from the air. It makes for a great lubricant that won't dissolve latex. It is usually safe and nonallergenic. | | Propylene glycol (PEG) | ? | Does its job by keeping moisture up and friction down without dissolving latex. It can permeate the skin and carry water with it better than other ingredients. It's a solvent and a moisturizing agent. There is greater sensitivity to this compound than to glycerin. | | Oil-Based Lubricants | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Mineral oil | ? | A petroleum-based lubricant that is quite oily and will dissolve latex. It's nonallergenic and improves the skin's protective ability. | | Hydrogenate palm oil glyceride | ? | A plant oil that has been processed to make it thicker, it will dissolve latex. | | Silicone oil | ? | A safe lubricant that has water-repelling capabilities, it will dissolve latex. | | Preservatives | Ingredient | Description |
|---|
| Sorbic acid | ? | Used to inhibit the growth of fungi (mold and yeast), which is dependent on pH. | | Chlorhexidine | ? | A strong, basic antiseptic that exists as a powder. It has the potential to be very irritating. | | Polyquaternium-32 | ? | Also a quaternary ammonium compound that has antimicrobial activity. | | Benzoic acid | ? | Effective against microbes, it may cause skin irritations. | | Methylparaben | ? | Widely used with good antimicrobial properties, it is capable of causing allergic reactions. | | Propylparaben | ? | Effective against bacteria and fungi, it can be used in all types of solutions. It is not as toxic as benzoic acid. |
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Appropriate Uses
Moisturizing cream
Relieves vaginal dryness that results from childbirth, menopause, breastfeeding, hysterectomy, chemotherapy, or antihistamines.
Vaginal suppositories
Keeps the body's tissues -- including the vaginal walls -- lubricated.
Water-based lubricants
Lubricates the vaginal lining and reduces pain and friction during intercourse.
Maintaining Natural Moisture
- Estrogen or progesterone creams prescribed by your doctor may reduce dryness when inserted vaginally.
- Water-based lubricants applied to the labia and penis can help decrease friction during intercourse.
- Vitamin E suppositories inserted vaginally once daily can moisturize vaginal tissues.
- A vaginal moisturizing cream applied vaginally can increase the elasticity of the vaginal walls.
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No Need to Suffer
- Do not use if you are allergic to any ingredient in the product.
- If you have extreme bleeding and itching due to vaginal dryness, consult a doctor.
- Not having enough lubricant can make intercourse painful.
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Websites, Organizations & Manufacturers
Sources & Further Reading
Books
- 1. Food & Drug Administration.Federal Register 9/9/93.
- 2. Knodel, LC.Nonprescription Products: Formulations & Features '98-99. Americam Pharmaceutical Association. Washington DC 1998.
- 3. Rinzler, CA.The Women'sHealth Products Handbook. Hunter House Inc. 1997.
- 4. Winter, R.A Consumer's Dictionary of Cosmetic Ingredients. Random House, Ince. New York 1994.
- 5. Michalun, N and MV Michalun.Skin Care and Cosmetic Ingredients Dictionary. Milday Pub. Co. Albany, NY 1994.
Find more books on health and wellness at  barnesandnoble.com.
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