En Español (Spanish Version)
by Kassel K
Sexual Lubricants: Relieving Vaginal Dryness
Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort during sex, and itching and burning sensations.
Some causes of vaginal dryness are:
-
Lower estrogen levels after
menopause
- Hormonal due to childbirth or breastfeeding
- Smoking
-
Cancer treatments, such as
chemotherapy
,
radiation
, and hormone therapy
- Use of certain medicines, such as antidepressants, antihistamines, cold medicines
-
Sjogren’s syndrome
- Douching
Your doctor may choose to do a pelvic exam to make sure that no other conditions are responsible for your vaginal dryness. During the exam you may be tested for infections or other conditions and may be asked to undergo a urine test. The good news is that you do not have to live with vaginal dryness. Sexual lubricants can bring back the pleasure.
About Lubricants
Lubricants are substances designed to ease dryness, prevent friction, and make sexual intercourse more comfortable and enjoyable for both partners. There are many over-the-counter products available including:
- Aqua Lube
- AstroGlide
- K-Y Jelly
- Liquid Silk
- Moist Again
- Surgilube
What They Are Used For
-
To treat vaginal dryness, often associated with:
- Menopause
- Post-partum period, due to the hormonal changes following childbirth and breastfeeding
-
Some medicines, including
leuprolide
,
danazol
,
tamoxifen
, antihistamines, ulcer medicines, antidepressants, blood pressure medicines
- Strenuous exercise
- Use of oral contraceptives
- To enhance sexual pleasure
- To make condom use more enjoyable
How They Work
Lubricants provide moisture to reduce friction during intercourse and can increase sensation and comfort for both partners.
Precautions
Not all lubricants are created equal. Do not use any of the following as lubricants:
- Petroleum-based products, such as Vaseline, mineral oil, and baby oil
can cause the latex in condoms to break down, increasing the risk for sexually transmitted diseases (STD) and pregnancy.
- Moisture creams and lotions
can interfere with the body's pH levels and cause irritation or infection.
- Food
can cause a yeast infection.
- Industrial lubricants, such as WD-40
are not made for human use, and may be dangerous.
RESOURCES
American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists
http://www.acog.org/
OBGYN.net: The Universe of Women's Health
http://www.obgyn.net/
CANADIAN RESOURCES
The Society of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists of Canada
http://www.sogc.org/index%5Fe.asp
Women's Health Matters
http://www.womenshealthmatters.ca/
References
Vaginal dryness. Mayo Clinic website. Available at: http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/vaginal-dryness/DS00550. Updated July 1, 2010. Accessed December 6, 2011.