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With so many vaginal lubricants for menopause dryness and feminine moisturizers for sex to choose from, it’s no wonder people are a little confused.
The truth is, different types of products serve different purposes, and one product may not fit your every need. And of course, it’s important to use the lubricant properly to ensure you get the full benefit. So, how do you find the best lubricant for women? Here are 10 answers to show you exactly how to pick the right one for your own needs.
If you are looking to reignite your sex life, a menopause-certified health coach can be helpful. Book 30 minutes for your personal consultation with a health coach.
We put some of your frequently asked questions to our product-formulation team, and here’s what we found out:
You’d be surprised how many products women use for vaginal dryness that aren’t actually approved for intra-vaginal use; they’re only intended for use outside the body. Additionally, lubes with flavors, warming or tingling elements, scents, etc. can cause reactions, and added sugars for flavoring can increase your risk of a yeast infection, so check the label and proceed with caution.
To be sure you’re OK to insert the product vaginally, check that it’s certified for intra-vaginal use, like Gennev Comfort for painful sex and vaginal dryness. Internally safe lubricant can alleviate painful sex experienced after pregnancy, or symptoms often experienced throughout menopause due to estrogen dominance or estrogen loss.
We’re really glad you asked that question! Many women we’ve talked to don’t really get why you need lubrication for solo play. First, to answer your question, yes: If it’s safe for sex, it’s certainly safe for masturbation. But again, check the label if you intend to use it internally.
The bigger question here may be, why use lube when you’re alone? For the same reasons you use it when you’re with a partner: it enhances your pleasure and protects delicate tissue, especially if you’re enjoying sex toys like the Lioness vibrator, etc. It's common to apply personal lubricant for feminine dryness, and it’s also a great way to discover how much you need, how best to apply it, etc., so you can feel confident when there’s someone there with you – and what’s sexier than that?
As with any other intimate activity, your purpose (yes, you can have more than one) may help you determine the best feminine lubricant to use. If you want to rejuvenate vaginal tissue with some healthy vibration, for example, you may want a silicone-based lubricant that lasts longer.
Note: if your toys, vibrators, etc. are made of silicone, opt for a water-based lubricant – more on that in a moment.
Some women have asked if water is naturally lubricating. It’s not – water will actually wash away your natural moisture, so you’ll definitely want to add a lubricant to your friskier showers. Water-based lubricants may not have much staying power under a direct stream of water; products with silicone will likely hold up better.
And this may sound silly, but we suggest giving your lubricant a test run in the shower on your own a time or two – when the moment arises, you don’t want to be fumbling with an unfamiliar cap! Plus you’ll get a good idea of how long your lubricant lasts before being washed away.
Lubricants must undergo condom compatibility testing to obtain 510k certification, so you can use products with this cert, like Gennev Comfort, with confidence. The general rule is to stay away from oil-based lubricants like petroleum jelly, which can degrade condoms.
Natural lubricants for female dryness, menopausal or not, are an appealing choice, but be cautious also of “natural” oils like olive oil, avocado, or coconut oil, as those can degrade a condom to the point of tearing during intercourse.
Generally, it’s wise to avoid silicone-based lubricants with silicone toys, as the lube can break down the material of the toy. Water-based lubricants like Gennev Intimacy Lubricant are probably the better choice for use with silicone-based toys. Hard plastic toys aren’t vulnerable to silicone-based lubricants, so having an assortment is never a bad idea!
Water alone or soap and water work best, according to our gals, so keep it simple! And certainly personal hygiene wipes like our Cleansing Cloths can be used when soap and water aren’t immediately available.
Check the label or product description for “non-staining,” if you value your sheets and bedspread. Lubricants with colors, flavors, etc. can be messy. Non-staining lubricants and moisturizers like all Gennev products in our shop tend to be healthier for your body anyway, so…bonus!
Learning how to apply lubricants for females is often an onus unfairly foisted upon the female partner in the relationship, but it doesn't hurt to have a good understanding of the process. “Apply generously” got a lot of head nods from our team. While lubricants combat women’s vaginal dryness and the resulting pain, men can suffer from too much friction too; customers have told us that a few drops inside the condom solves the problem nicely.
Don’t want to interrupt to reapply? We get it: it can be a little awkward. However, vaginal tissue is delicate, and extended play without lubrication can damage that tissue. Make it part of the whole sexy experience by applying it one another. Just warm it up in your hands first to avoid chilling the moment.
Everyone’s sensitivity is different, and no vaginal moisturizer or feminine lubricant can guarantee it won’t cause a reaction. However, a product formulated to closely mimic a woman’s natural moisture and osmolality is least likely to trigger a UTI. In lay terms (pun intended), a healthy body has a healthy amount of moisture in tissue cells. The wrong lubricant can, ironically, dry out skin cells, making them more susceptible to infection. Our Intimacy Lubricant is formulated to help the body maintain normal moisture levels, so your most sensitive tissues are protected from damage.
According to our formulation team, concerns about glycerin are overblown. Yes, some people have sensitivities to glycerin, but millions of people use glycerin-based lubricants without issues. It’s important to know your body and respond to its signals. If you want or need to avoid glycerin, there are plenty of good options when it comes to natural cures for female dryness, including Gennev Intimacy Lubricant.
It’s best if lubricants are kept at room temperature and out of direct sunlight. You don’t need to refrigerate, but it’s probably best to use it up or replace it when it reaches its expiration date. And again, this may sound silly, but take a look at the packaging your lubricant comes in. You don’t want to be embarrassed to pull it out in front of your partner. Is it classy enough to have on the nightstand, ready when you are?
Knowing your habits, preferences, and sensitivities will make it easier to make the right decision. Do you always use condoms? Do you tend to be sensitive to certain ingredients? Answers to such questions can help you narrow down the array of options.
And if you’re still not certain which vaginal lubricants are right for you, test out several (see? research can be fun!).
If you have other questions to ask or suggestions to make to our product team, please do. You can email them to info@gennev.com. We’ll ask the team and include their answers in a future blog. Meanwhile, let’s hear about your experience with lubricants! Share your stories with us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, or in the comments on this blog.
