First, what is lube, or lubricant? Lubricants help increase moisture and decrease friction, which helps improve comfort during vaginal and anal penetration and increase pleasure during intercourse. Lubricants are different from moisturizers, which are applied for longer term use to reduce irritation resulting from vaginal dryness.
Lubricants can be made of different substances; each have their specific advantages and disadvantages.
Let’s explore the different types of lubricant:
- Petroleum based: lubricants such as mineral oil or petroleum jelly (Vaseline) are generally not considered appropriate for internal use, because they can irritate the sensitive skin of the vulva. They can also stain clothing, and they eat through condoms. These would be best avoided.
- Water-based: These lubricants do not stain, and they can wash off easily with water. They are also safe to use with condoms and toys. A recent study also found that use of these lubricants caused less irritation than silicone based lubricant. This category can be further divided into those that contain synthetic glycerin, and those that do not contain glycerin.
- Synthetic glycerin: Astroglide, KY Jelly. These lubricants tend to kill off bacteria in the vagina and rectum, which can lead to yeast infections.
- No glycerin: Slippery Stuff, Sliquid
- Silicone Based: These lubricants are often preferred because they are thicker and last longer. They are also waterproof. They are safe for use with condoms, but will damage silicone toys.
- Natural Oils: These are generally safe to use; however, they will stain and cannot be used with condoms. Oils that are often recommended include vegetable, corn, olive, peanut, avocado, and coconut. Coconut oil has been an especially popular choice, given its antibacterial and antifungal properties. These properties can also impact on the natural flora of the vagina and increase the possibility of yeast infections in those who are susceptible, although more research needs to be done in this area.
Lubricants also contain additional ingredients which may irritate vaginal and rectal tissue and lead to increased incidence of infection. Parabens are preservatives that can mimic estrogen, and have been theorized to disrupt hormonal balance. Glycols help with maintenance of moisture; however, too much can increase vulnerability to infection. Spermicides are often added to lubricant for use in contraception; however, they have been found to increase susceptibility to herpes and HIV infection in mice.
There are 2 more lubricant characteristics worth considering:
The first is osmolality, which is the concentration of ingredients within the lubricant. Those with higher osmolality are more irritating to vaginal and rectal tissues, and can cause cell death. In one study, sperm that were introduced to hyperosmolar lubricants moved less and showed changes to their DNA. For this reason, the WHO has recommended that osmolality should remain below 380 mOsm/kg, with an upper limit of 1200 m/Osm/kg, since most available lubricants have values higher than 380.
The second is pH. The vaginal environment tends to be acidic, with pH ranges from 3.8-4.5, while rectal pH tends to be closer to 7.0. While research has not shown a clear relationship between pH and symptoms, it is generally recommended that lubricant pH mirror the pH of the vagina or rectum for maximum comfort.
There are multiple factors to consider when picking a lubricant. In order to make the best choice for you, consider your particular requirements: will you be using condoms or toys? Are you prone to irritation or allergic reactions? Do you have sensitivity to estrogen? Recent recommendations suggest that lubricants should mirror natural vaginal secretions as closely as possible.
So where does this leave us? The bottom line: more research needs to be done on the effects of lubricants on body tissues. In the meantime, choose one that most closely mirrors your own body’s composition, and don’t be afraid to try different options. Listen to your body, and have fun experimenting!
References:
Edwards, D., & Panay, N. (2016). Treating Vulvovaginal Atrophy/Genitourinary Syndrome of Menopause: How Important is Vaginal Lubricant and Moisturizer Composition? Climacteric. 19(2): 151-161.
Fontaine, M. “Slippery When Wet: Is Your Lubricant Causing Pelvic Pain, Infections or Fertility Problems?” Web blog post. As the Pelvis Turns. Pelvic Health and Rehab Center, 12 May 2016. 15 November 2017.