Sexual arousal leads to the production of natural vaginal moisturizers, which reduce friction during sexual contact and the likelihood of genital skin tears. While this is the rule, deviations from it are very common – chronic vaginal dryness can be caused by a whole host of factors: low or fluctuating estrogen levels, taking certain medications, emotional factors, stress levels, and more. Lubricants, also called “intimate lubricants”, come to the rescue. They share the function of vaginal moistening, reduce friction between tissues and the likelihood of tissue tearing during vaginal or anal sex, and are often used during masturbation. In addition to their moisturizing and lubricating effect, lubricants can have ingredients that enhance sexual arousal, reduce pain sensations, act as anti-inflammatory or even – contraceptive, because some contain spermicides (substances that kill sperm). Lubricants make it much easier to use a condom – a mandatory protection against sexually transmitted diseases. A 2014 study conducted at Indiana State University revealed the following fact: 65% of women who used a lubricant believed that it made intercourse more pleasant and comfortable. The above suggests that lubricants lower the chance of spreading sexually transmitted infections by avoiding micro-tears in the vaginal or anal area – these kinds of skin tears are a gateway for many infectious agents. NEWS_MORE_BOX However, this is not entirely true. A 2012 study published in the journal Sexually Transmitted Diseases found that men and women who used lubricant for anal sex in the past 1 month were actually more likely to suffer from infectious diseases such as chlamydia and gonorrhea than those who did not use lubricant. The authors of the study believe that the observed risk is due to the lubricant, the ingredients of which lead to the occurrence of inflammation, irritating the skin and allowing easier penetration of pathogens. In another scientific study from the journal Pharmaceutics from 2014, 12 of the most popular brands of lubricants in Europe were tested. It has been established that some of them change the acid balance in the vagina, which upsets the vaginal microflora and increases the risk of certain bacterial infections. Before using such a product, it is advised to test it: a generous amount of the lubricant is smeared on the skin of the forearm and left for 1 day. If redness or rash occurs on the skin – the tested product should not be used. If the reaction is repeated with many tested products, consult a doctor, preferably an allergist – the problem may not be in the product, but in impaired immune function.