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Lubricants (intimate gels) are moisturizing substances that reduce friction during intercourse. They can be used for he alth reasons (vaginal dryness) and to diversify your sex life. Lubricants differ, among others composition, texture, color, smell and even taste. Learn the advantages of using lubricants and choose the type that is right for you and your partner.
Lubricantsor otherwiseintimate gelsare designed to prevent chafing and irritation during intercourse. In practice, this means that they give enough "slip" to keep the ratio smooth and without unpleasant rubbing. In addition, lubricants are great for diversifying the bed routine - thanks to the content of warming or fragrances, they can make foreplay more attractive and deepen the experience of partners during sex.
Contents:
- When to use lubricants?
- Types of lubricants
- Which lubricant should I choose?
When to use lubricants?
The basic indication for the use of intimate gels is vaginal dryness. This condition mainly affects women who are breastfeeding and are going through the menopause. It is also often caused by poorly selected contraception, taking certain medications (e.g. antibiotics, antidepressants), and the use of highly drying cosmetics (e.g. soap, bath liquids, washing powder). It also happens that vaginal dryness is a temporary symptom and appears as a result of high stress or hormonal changes in the menstrual cycle.
Lubricants can also be used by couples who do not have problems with proper hydration, but would only like to diversify their sex life. Intimate gels can be used for massage in order to increase the intensity of sensations and stimulate the senses. They are indicated for anal sex and sex with the use of erotic gadgets.
Worth knowingIt is worth remembering that in the case of persistent problems with vaginal dryness, lubricants will not combat the causes of the ailments, but only mask the symptoms. Then it is better to go to the gynecologist and implement the appropriate treatment.
Types of lubricants
Lubricants can be divided into several types due to the moisturizing substances they contain and their properties.
Water-based lubricants- have the most natural composition and are skin-friendly. They rarely cause allergies or irritation and can be easily washed off the skin. In addition, they do not reduce the effectiveness of condoms. However, they may not be sufficient for women struggling with significant vaginal dryness.
Silicone-based lubricants- have the best moisturizing properties, but at the same time are more expensive. They can be used in water (they will not wash off so quickly) and in women who experience extremely dry intimate parts. They are more often used for anal sex. They have several downsides: they are harder to wash off, they can build up in the corners of the vagina (and thus increase the risk of infection), and they cannot be used together with silicone sex toys.
Aromatic and flavor lubricants- gels enriched with aromas and flavors (most often with hints of fruit: strawberries, cherries, passion fruit). Consumed in small amounts, they are not hazardous to he alth. They can be colored. Due to the additional ingredients, they are more likely to cause irritation. Lubricants with sugar should be avoided as they contribute to the formation of intimate infections.
Hypoallergenic lubricants- mostly water-based. They have a simple composition, free of fragrances, flavors, preservatives and dyes. They can be enriched with additional anti-inflammatory and soothing ingredients, e.g. aloe vera. Designed for people with particularly sensitive skin, they minimize the risk of allergies.
Stimulating lubricants- contain ingredients with cooling, warming and tingling properties. They make the intimate area more sensitive to stimuli, which deepens the sensations during intercourse and allows you to reach orgasm more easily.
2 in 1 lubricants- they have two uses: they can be used both for moisturizing intimate zones and for erotic massage. They are often enriched with a delicate smell and taste.
Lubricants supporting fertilization- their formula is based on special ingredients increasing sperm mobility and extending the life of the sperm (including calcium and magnesium ions). Thanks to this, they increase the likelihood of becoming pregnant.
Which lubricant should I choose?
When buying a lubricant, you must pay attention to the ingredients. Many substances used in the production of moisturizing gels increase the risk of allergies and irritation. Beware of the following ingredients:
- spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9)- a strong chemical that can irritate the vaginal and rectal walls. Microdamage from irritation may increase the riskinfections with sexually transmitted diseases. It has a spermicidal effect, therefore lubricants with this ingredient should not be used by women who want to get pregnant.
- sugar- it can often be found in the ingredients of stimulating and massage lubricants. Thanks to him, the gel has a sweet taste. However, sugar has the disadvantage that when it enters the vagina, it creates an ideal environment for bacteria and fungi to grow. Therefore, if we choose a flavored lubricant, it is better to reach for one that contains artificial sweeteners.
- oils- oily ingredients in contact with condoms damage them and thus reduce their effectiveness. In addition, they are a frequent cause of allergies and infections of intimate parts and the bladder.
- glycerin- this is a heavy, oily substance that is difficult to wash from the vagina and therefore may contribute to thrush or bladder infections.
There are also ingredients that do not harm, on the contrary - they increase the moisturizing and soothing properties of lubricants. The more of them in the composition, the better. These include:
- aloe- known for its soothing and regenerating properties, has antibacterial and antifungal properties,
- chamomile- fights bacteria and inflammation,
- linen- moisturizes the mucosa, soothes irritations,
- panthenol- accelerates regeneration and helps in the healing of mucous membranes.
Do not buy lubricants with the warning "avoid contact with eyes" on the packaging. The vaginal mucosa is as sensitive as the eye mucosa, so such a preparation may be irritating.
It is also important that the lubricant is easy to use and practical. It is good if it is closed in a package with a pump. By using the gel in the tube, it is easy to squeeze out too much product at once, and the application is also less hygienic. It is also better to buy lubricants in small packages (50-120 ml), which we will use quickly. The expiry date of the product expires within 3 months of opening and the lubricant in a large bottle may simply be wasted. Do not use the gel after the expiry date as it may change its consistency and acquire an unpleasant odor.