Best lubricant for vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness can be a problem for many postmenopausal women. Vaginal dryness is a hallmark sign of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, also known as atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy. With this condition, vaginal tissues become thinner and more easily irritated — resulting from the natural decline in your body's estrogen levels during menopause. To remedy vaginal dryness and painful intercourse (dyspareunia) associated with the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, your doctor might recommend: • Vaginal moisturizers (K-Y Liquibeads, Replens, others), applied every few days to moisturize and keep vaginal tissues healthy. • Vaginal lubricants (Astroglide, Jo, Sliquid, others), applied at the time of sexual activity to alleviate pain during intercourse. • A low-dose vaginal estrogen cream, tablet or ring, to reinvigorate vaginal tissues. Even if you're using systemic hormone therapy pills or patches, your doctor might recommend a low-dose vaginal estrogen treatment if vaginal dryness and related symptoms persist. If you've had breast cancer, talk with your doctor about the risks of vaginal estrogen therapy. • Ospemifene (Osphena), a selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) medication taken by mouth is used to treat painful intercourse associated with vaginal atrophy. This medication isn't recommended for women who have had breast cancer or who are at high risk of breast cancer. • Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), in the form of a nightly vaginal suppository is a t...

After menopause, sex may be less comfortable. There are several reasons why. The most common is vaginal dryness. But the skin in and around your vagina (your vulva) may itch or burn. Some medical conditions can affect your blood flow. And midlife stress and anxiety can also play a role. The best way to feel better is to find the source of your pain. If you don’t know why sex hurts, bring it up with your doctor. Some treatments will ease your symptoms right away. Others take longer to work. Talk to your doctor about what to expect. Add Some Wetness Lubrication is a fast and easy way to get your wetness back. It relieves vaginal dryness that can lead to friction during intercourse. There are a lot of lubes on the market. You may need to try a few to find one that works for you. You’ll need to put it in your vagina and on your partner’s penis, fingers, or a toy each time you have sex. You doctor may suggest a vaginal lubricant that is: • Water-based: These work well if you need to lessen a lot of friction. But you may have to reapply during sex. • Silicone-based: These last longer than lubes made from water. But they’re also more expensive. Since silicone can stain your sheets, you may want to put a towel down. Don’t use this kind of lube with silicone toys. It’ll damage the material. The chemicals in some lubes can cause burning or irritation. Find one with as few ingredients as possible. You may want to stay away from: • Glycerin • Parabens • Propylene glycol • Chlorhexidin...

According to Portland-based obstetrician-gynecologist If you're a vulva-owner that experiences any painful sensations during sex or masturbation, Dr. Lincoln says that adding a lubricant into the mix can provide some much-needed comfort. "If you have thinner vaginal mucosa, it can make issues like tearing or bleeding less likely as it helps to decrease friction," she says. "It can be really helpful for people who are in pelvic floor physical therapy for pelvic pain or pain with sex and are using vaginal dilators to help these issues." TL;DR: Lubes are pretty freakin' great. But it's worth noting that there are different types of lubes to choose from to satisfy your sexual needs. Below, we tapped the "sexperts" to break down every type of lubricant you should know about, and which situations you should use them in — yeah, you're welcome. Editor's Note: If you're unsure which personal lubricant formula is right for you, consult your medical provider before using one. Best Water-Based Lubes By now, you've probably noticed that there are tons of lubes to choose from, especially when it comes to water-based lubes. According to Dr. Lincoln, many of the best lubricants on the market are water-based because they're gentle enough for $9 If you're looking for a reliable water-based lube, Dr. Lincoln says Pjur's Aqua Personal Lubricant is her top choice. "It tends to be tolerated well and it's easy to find," she says. It's not just gentle — this silky formula leaves skin feeling velv...

Cleveland Clinic is a non-profit academic medical center. Advertising on our site helps support our mission. We do not endorse non-Cleveland Clinic products or services. When your vaginal walls are too dry, you might experience pain or chafing during sex, as well as itching, burning and urinary problems. The good news is that many different products can help. The downside? One trip down the pharmacy aisle might leave your head spinning. Should you use lube or moisturizer? Ob/Gyn Solution #1: vaginal moisturizers Think of a vaginal moisturizer like a facial moisturizer for your genital area. You apply it regularly to treat and prevent dryness and discomfort. You can use vaginal moisturizers before sex, but they don’t replace a lubricant. “Vaginal moisturizers help make vaginal tissue healthier,” says Dr. Kollikonda. “Most vaginal moisturizing products are safe to use inside the vagina and around the outside, too. But always read the instructions and ask your healthcare provider if you’re not sure. Only use moisturizers formulated for the genital area.” Solution #2: lubricants You use a lubricant right before sexual activity to increase comfort and decrease chafing and irritation. And with so many varieties available, you’re bound to find one that works for you. Water-based and natural lubricants Water-based vaginal lubricants are often the first line of defense if you have discomfort or chafing during sex. “Water-based lubricants usually have minimal ingredients and a low c...

Vaginal dryness is a painful symptom that many people may experience at some point during their lives. This symptom can be caused by a decrease in hormone levels, breastfeeding or certain medications. It’s commonly linked to menopause. Treatment options for vaginal dryness typically depend on the cause. Overview Vaginal dryness happens when your vaginal lining is thin and dry. What is vaginal dryness? Vaginal dryness is a painful symptom that affects a person’s quality of life. It can cause pain during sitting, exercising, peeing and Vaginal dryness occurs at any age. It’s most common in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) during or after Many safe and effective treatments are available for vaginal dryness. Is vaginal dryness common? Around 17% of people assigned female at birth (AFAB) age 18 to 50 report problems with vaginal dryness during sex, even before menopause takes place. Over half experience vaginal dryness after menopause. Possible Causes What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness? In many cases, vaginal dryness happens when estrogen levels decrease. This occurs naturally as you age or during menopause. Menopause is when your Certain health conditions or treatments for health conditions and can also cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness can result from: • • • Cancer treatments including • • Medications, including anti-estrogen medications (treating • • • Not being sexually aroused. • Using scented or perfumed soaps, sprays and washes around or ...

Once you reach middle age, sex may not feel as good as it once did. Thinning vaginal tissues and dryness due to a lack of estrogen in menopause can make intimacy uncomfortable, or even painful. If vaginal dryness is mild or it only bothers you during sex, try a gel or liquid lubricant. You can apply the lubricant to the inside of your vagina, to a partner’s penis, or to a sex toy to reduce friction. Lubricants work quickly, and they offer short-term relief from pain and dryness during sex. Here’s a look at some of the most common lubricants available, and the pros and cons of each. Pros The water contained in water-based lubricants is sometimes combined with glycerin. This odorless, colorless liquid is used in many personal care products. Women who use water-based lubricants say these products increase their pleasure and satisfaction during sex. This type of lubricant will not damage latex condoms, and they’re less likely to cause vaginal discomfort than oil-based lubricants. They’re also nonstaining and wash off easily with soap and water. Water-based lubricants are safe to use and easy to find in stores. Cons Water-based lubricants can dry up quickly, so you may have to reapply them. They also don’t work in water, so they are not effective for sex in a shower or pool. Some of these lubricants contain preservatives and additives such as glycerin and parabens. These may irritate the sensitive vaginal tissues or cause Brands can include: • Astroglide • Eros Aqua • K-Y Liqui...

It's a misogynistic myth that vaginas shouldn't need lube. Even if you feel you produce plenty of natural lubrication, a dollop of lube can reduce friction and increase pleasure, even in your solo sex sessions. (Don't just walk away from anyone who tries to make you feel bad about using it — run.) This $20 ( • What would Maitreyi Ramakrishnan look like with bangs? Can she set a dinner table in 30 seconds? How are her charcuterie board making skills? Can she guess the flavors of cotton candies? How successful will she be at all this? Watch to find out! Director: Krystal Knight Director of Photography: AJ Young Editor: Christopher Jones Producer: Nikola Jocic Associate Producer: Sydney Malone Production Manager: Andressa Pelachi Production and Equipment Manager: Kevin Balash Production Coordinator: Kariesha Kidd Camera Operator: Lucas Vilicich Audio: Kara Johnson Production Assistant: Marquis Wooten, Phillip Arliss

• Best pH-balanced lubricant: • Best water-based lubricant: • Best lubricant for use with condoms: A Although vaginal lubricants cannot treat the underlying cause of vaginal dryness, such as lower This article discusses a range of lubricants a person can try to combat menopausal dryness. It explores the types of lubricants available, provides a list of products, and lists some alternative treatments. There are three main types of lubricants a person can consider. Water-based lubricant This is a common type of lubricant. Some water-based products will contain glycerin, while others are specifically glycerin-free. Water-based lubricants can also contain other ingredients, such as preservatives and antimicrobials. Glycerin keeps the lubricant from evaporating too quickly. However, glycerin can draw moisture out of cells in the vagina, which can Additionally, the glycerin in some personal lubricants can If a person wants to use a water-based lubricant during the day to prevent dryness, they may need to reapply it more regularly than other types of lubricant. Water-based lubricants are suitable for use during sex. This includes penetrative vaginal sex, Silicone-based lubricant Silicone-based lubricants are hypoallergenic, so they may be the most suitable for people with sensitive skin. This type of lubricant is long lasting, so a person may not need to apply it as often as water-based lubricants if they intend to use it to relieve vaginal dryness during the day. A person can al...

Vaginal dryness occurs when there are low estrogen levels in the body, a hormone that provides lubrication and elasticity to the vaginal lining. When the body does not produce enough estrogen, the individual may also experience thinning and inflammation of the vaginal walls. Doctors may refer to this condition as Vaginal dryness can affect people of any age group, but The Some people may also receive a diagnosis for According to Vaginal moisturizers are available over the counter (OTC) that provide moisture around and inside the vagina. People can use internal moisturizers that sometimes include an applicator for inserting the cream directly into the vagina. However, if they are treating the vulva, they can apply external moisturizers. Price: $22.79 This vaginal moisturizer claims to be suitable for women who are experiencing menopause, have recently given birth, or are undergoing The company says it provides natural lubrication and comes with eight pre-filled, disposable applicators. It also includes a lubricant sample. Some of the ingredients include glycerin, mineral oil, and sorbic acid. The product is fragrance- and estrogen-free and is reportedly compatible with natural rubber latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms. Price: $14.97 K-Y provides a packet of six ovule inserts that contain dimethicone, dimethiconol, The ovules are free of alcohol, fragrances, hormones, and parabens. People can use the applicator to insert an ovule into their vagina before sexual in...

Vaginal dryness is a painful symptom that many people may experience at some point during their lives. This symptom can be caused by a decrease in hormone levels, breastfeeding or certain medications. It’s commonly linked to menopause. Treatment options for vaginal dryness typically depend on the cause. Overview Vaginal dryness happens when your vaginal lining is thin and dry. What is vaginal dryness? Vaginal dryness is a painful symptom that affects a person’s quality of life. It can cause pain during sitting, exercising, peeing and Vaginal dryness occurs at any age. It’s most common in women or people assigned female at birth (AFAB) during or after Many safe and effective treatments are available for vaginal dryness. Is vaginal dryness common? Around 17% of people assigned female at birth (AFAB) age 18 to 50 report problems with vaginal dryness during sex, even before menopause takes place. Over half experience vaginal dryness after menopause. Possible Causes What are the possible causes of vaginal dryness? In many cases, vaginal dryness happens when estrogen levels decrease. This occurs naturally as you age or during menopause. Menopause is when your Certain health conditions or treatments for health conditions and can also cause vaginal dryness. Vaginal dryness can result from: • • • Cancer treatments including • • Medications, including anti-estrogen medications (treating • • • Not being sexually aroused. • Using scented or perfumed soaps, sprays and washes around or ...