Vaginal moistening is a natural process during sexual arousal. Women are different in terms of exactly how wet they get, as well as in what arousal situations, and this is completely normal. The reduced amount of vaginal fluid is a common problem that may be the result of hormonal changes in a woman’s body, during breastfeeding, before entering menopause or after, use of various medications – antihistamines, hormonal preparations to stimulate conception , contraceptives, in chemotherapy, as well as antidepressants. This can also happen due to dehydration or if a woman is not aroused enough. It is at these moments that lubricants come to the rescue. They can be found online, in pharmacies, in many supermarkets or sex toy stores. Whether during intercourse with a partner or during masturbation, lubricants are used to: Reduce painful friction in the vagina or anus Improve sexual arousal by stimulating blood flow to the vulva and thus stimulate the production of natural vaginal juices Moisturize the clitoris – this can create greater sexual pleasure and lead to easier orgasm During oral sex Keeping the skin around the vagina soft and helping to maintain the elasticity of the vaginal walls. If pain is present, lubricants containing pain-relieving agents such as lidocaine or benzocaine can reduce discomfort during vaginal or anal sex. When choosing a lubricant we must think in two directions – our comfort and our safety. Comfort is about pleasure, the lubricant’s protective powers can change how good we feel during intercourse and reduce irritation. Safety, in turn, refers to our health. It should be noted that oil-based lubricants should not be used with latex condoms as they can destroy the latex and cause condom failure. Water-based lubricants with glycerin The most commonly sold lubricants are water-based with synthetic glycerin, which has a slightly sweet taste. Scented lubricants and those with a warming effect also contain glycerin. Experts recommend that when this type of lubricant starts to dry, water or saliva should be added, as adding more lubricant is not effective. Pros – Water-based lubricants are readily available, cheap, safe to use with latex condoms, non-staining. Cons – they dry quickly, are often sticky and taste bad, synthetic glycerin can cause yeast infections in women who are prone to it, can irritate sensitive skin because they contain parabens and propylene glycol. Water-based lubricants without glycerin If you suffer from recurring infections, these are the best lubricants you can use. They could contain vegetable glycerin,which does not cause infections or irritations. Pros – they dry more slowly, can successfully reduce irritation, are safe to use with latex condoms, do not stain, some are also recommended for anal sex. Cons – they often have a bitter taste, containing parabens or propylene glycol can cause skin irritations. NEWS_MORE_BOX Silicone Lubricants These products are the most durable of all types and are especially suitable for women with chronic vaginal dryness or pain during sex. The silicone lubricant is different from that used in breast implants for example. It is considered safe and most silicone lubricants are hypoallergenic. Pros – they are safe to use with latex condoms, suitable for use underwater, odorless and tasteless. Cons – they are more expensive, cannot be used with silicone sex toys, are more difficult to clean. Oil-based lubricants This type of lubricant can destroy latex condoms. They are safe to use with condoms made of nitrile, polyisoprene or polyurethane. There are two types of oil-based lubricants – natural and synthetic. Natural ones can often be found in…the kitchen. Yes, the general rule is that if a product is safe to eat, it is safe to use in the bedroom. Our body has the ability to clear natural oils more easily than petroleum based lubricants. Some oils, such as grape or apricot, are more delicate and, precisely because of this, are more suitable than others. Examples – corn oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, olive oil Pros – ideal for intimate massages, safe for vagina and penis, safe for oral sex, suitable for all types of sex. Cons – can damage latex condoms, leave stains Synthetic oil-based lubricants take longer to clear from the body than natural ones. Examples – mineral oils, petroleum jelly, body lotions, etc. Pros – they are suitable for masturbation, cheap and easily available. Cons – can irritate the vagina, damage latex condoms, leave stains.Oil-based lubricants This type of lubricant can destroy latex condoms. They are safe to use with condoms made of nitrile, polyisoprene or polyurethane. There are two types of oil-based lubricants – natural and synthetic. Natural ones can often be found in…the kitchen. Yes, the general rule is that if a product is safe to eat, it is safe to use in the bedroom. Our body has the ability to clear natural oils more easily than petroleum based lubricants. Some oils, such as grape or apricot, are more delicate and, precisely because of this, are more suitable than others. Examples – corn oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, olive oil Pros – ideal for intimate massages, safe for vagina and penis, safe for oral sex, suitable for all types of sex. Cons – can damage latex condoms, leave stains Synthetic oil-based lubricants take longer to clear from the body than natural ones. Examples – mineral oils, petroleum jelly, body lotions, etc. Pros – they are suitable for masturbation, cheap and easily available. Cons – can irritate the vagina, damage latex condoms, leave stains.Oil-based lubricants This type of lubricant can destroy latex condoms. They are safe to use with condoms made of nitrile, polyisoprene or polyurethane. There are two types of oil-based lubricants – natural and synthetic. Natural ones can often be found in…the kitchen. Yes, the general rule is that if a product is safe to eat, it is safe to use in the bedroom. Our body has the ability to clear natural oils more easily than petroleum based lubricants. Some oils, such as grape or apricot, are more delicate and, precisely because of this, are more suitable than others. Examples – corn oil, avocado oil, peanut oil, olive oil Pros – ideal for intimate massages, safe for vagina and penis, safe for oral sex, suitable for all types of sex. Cons – can damage latex condoms, leave stains Synthetic oil-based lubricants require more time to clear from the body than natural ones. Examples – mineral oils, petroleum jelly, body lotions, etc. Pros – they are suitable for masturbation, cheap and easily available. Cons – can irritate the vagina, damage latex condoms, leave stains.