LUBRICANTS AND MOISTURISERS FOR THE VAGINA – WHAT ARE THESE?
LUBRICANT
WHY USE A LUBRICANTS?
A lubricant (also known as Lube) is a gel or liquid applied when you are having sex to reduce friction. It can be applied to the vulva, vagina, anus, penis, sex toy or wherever you feel like it! It will help increase comfort and pleasure during sex.
WHICH LUBRICANT SHOULD I BUY
There are 3 types: water, silicone or oil based. You might have to try a few brands before you find one that you enjoy. If you get irritated with one or don’t appreciate it, try another one because they have different ingredients. There are many brands, with different ingredients and quality which can make it hard to choose the right one. We have listed the ones that seems to have the best and safest ingredients. Companies regularly change the ingredients in their products without any warning. So, a lube that you enjoyed in the past may not feel the same today. We recommend that you use lubricants with minimal ingredients.
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LUBRICANTS Those are some recommended brand and models. You might have to try a few brands/models before you find one that you enjoy. |
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TYPES |
WATER- BASED |
SILICONE- BASED |
OIL- BASED |
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Exemple of brands |
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Ok to use with sex toys? |
YES |
NO |
YES |
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Ok to use with a condom? |
YES |
YES |
NO |
VAGINAL MOISTURIZER
Just like you might use a moisturiser for your dry skin, you can use a vaginal moisturiser inside your vagina.
When you experience vaginal dryness. This can happen when you’re breastfeeding or going through menopause. Certain medications or conditions can also make your vagina drier. A moisturizer can help increase moisture and elasticity in your vagina. It does not contain hormones.
This is not a treatment for a sexually transmitted disease, a vaginal infection, vaginosis, yeast infection or urine infection. You still need to see your doctor or nurse to get treated for these.
It depends on the brand: some will be used twice a week, others daily. This varies, read the instruction on the package. An ideal time to insert it is usually at night, before you go to bed.
Brands and models such as: Gynatrof, Good Clean Love (BioNourish® Ultra Moisturizing Vaginal Gel), RepaGyn, Replens (Long lasting Vaginal Moisturizer).
Yes, some women will use both. Remember that lube is for sexual activities and moisturiser is for the rest of the time if you have dryness in the vaginal area.
- In pharmacies
- Online
- In sex shops
- When buying, read the label carefully as companies can sell different types of lubricants as well as moisturisers that can look alike.
Note that these products can be purchased without a medical prescription OR it could be prescribed by your doctor and provided to you by your local pharmacy.
HAVE ANY QUESTIONS?
If you have any questions, concerns or need some advice, ask your doctor or nurse to be seen by a physiotherapist who has advanced training in pelvic health. There might be one in your community. Or you can contact the pelvic health team directly on 18tcr.pt.referrals@ssss.gouv.qc.ca
