The Best Lubricants for Women who Suffer from Painful Sex

Women's Health Articles 

The Best Lubricants for Women who Suffer from Painful Sex

Having a healthy sex life is important to a women’s health. Sex can lower your blood pressure, reduce the risk for heart disease, lessen your stress levels, improve sleep, and it will even burn calories. Yes, it counts for exercise. 

So, what can a woman do when she experiences pain or discomfort during intercourse? According to the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, 75% of women will experience pain during intercourse at some point. When estrogen levels decline, the vaginal walls start to dry and thin called Vaginal Atrophy. When a woman has less estrogen, there is a decrease of vaginal fluids and the pH balance in the vagina will change. This leads to the vaginal tissue becoming more delicate and irritated during sex, making intercourse painful and uncomfortable, this is also known as Dyspareunia.

Now that you know the why, let’s figure out the how, the how to solve the issue of painful intercourse so that you can get back to enjoying sex again. One of the easiest and best ways to combat discomfort during sex is the use of lubricants. Lubricants can ease penetration and reduce friction for woman so that you can have sex without the pain. Don’t be embarrassed by needing to use lubricant, they’re perfect for women who are in menopause, have vaginal dryness, or those wanting more lubrication. Lubes can be water, silicone, or oil based and some can be infused with aloe or CBD, which are meant to enhance the sexual experience.

• Water-based lubricants are gentle, wash off easily, and are great for sensitive skin since there are many natural and organic formulas. They’re compatible with latex condoms and silicone vibrators and sex toys. Water based lubricants have a tendency to dry more quickly so they may need to be reapplied and they don’t work in pools and showers.
• Silicone-based lubricants are long lasting and won’t evaporate. They are safe with condoms and diaphragms and are also great to use for anal sex. Since they are more difficult to wash off, they can cause irritation, and may not be compatible with silicone sex toys.
• Oil-based lubricants such as coconut, avocado, and almond oil are natural and cause little, if any, irritation. They tend to last longer than any other lubricant. However, using oils during intercourse can break down the pH of the vagina, which could increase the risk of urinary tract infections. Oils should not be used with latex condoms or diaphragms because it could cause them to break down.
• Aloe based lubricants are usually water based and because aloe is packed with anti-inflammatory and antifungal properties, it can be hydrating. Aloe works with latex condoms and silicone sex toys. Some people can have a reaction to aloe so it’s best to test it on your skin before using it as a lubricant.
• CBD-based lubricants can be oil or water based. They’re said to increase blood flow to the genital area and reduce tension in the pelvic floor, which will decrease pain during intercourse. CBD has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory and relaxing effects. There are no regulations with CBD products so it’s important to understand the ingredients and do your research. 

Remember, it’s best to avoid any lubricants that contain glycerin, parabens, petroleum (Vaseline), benzocaine, propylene glycol, chlorhexidine gluconate, nonoxynol-9, alcohol, and fragrances. Also avoid using home products such as butter, body lotion, baby (mineral) oil, shaving cream, or cooking oils. If you’re interested in a flavored lube, try one that offers natural and organic flavoring like vanilla or lemon.

Not all lubricants are the same, so how does a woman choose the best one? Start by looking at the ingredients and determine which formula might work best, and don’t forget to test them on your skin before use. 
Best Water-Based: Lola Personal Lubricant is the perfect water-based formula. Its pH balanced to support vaginal health, hypoallergenic, and isn’t sticky. The one-hand pump bottle makes it easy to use. 

  • Best Silicone-Based: Sliquid Naturals Silver is an ultra-concentrated blend of pharmaceutical grade silicones, is long-lasting, and 100% waterproof. It’s 100% vegan friendly, glycerin and paraben free, hypoallergenic, and non-toxic. A few drops go a long way.
  • Best Oil-Based: Woo More Play Coconut Love Oil is a coconut oil that is organic, non-toxic, and non-irritating. It’s a natural lubricant that is infused with vanilla so it smells and tastes great. It’s also the perfect massage oil. Coconut oil can harden in cold temperatures so store it in the shower to keep the desired consistency.
  • Best for Sensitive Skin: Good Clean Love BioNude Ultra-Sensitive is water-based, plant-based, hypoallergenic, and 100% vegan and gluten free. Anyone with sensitive skin should test every product before use. 
  • Best Water-Based with Aloe: Alu Aloe Lubricant by Dame uses organic aloe, green tea, and flax and hemp seed among other natural ingredients. It is pH balanced and has a more gel-like consistency. It’s the only one on the list that comes in a discreet bottle.  
  • Best Water-Based with CBD: GoLove CBD Intimate Serum has 200mg of organic, USA-grown cannabidiol (CBD) and is pH-balanced, hypoallergenic, THC free, vegan, and offers skin-hydrating hyaluronic acid. A little goes a long way and some of the relaxing effects could last post intercourse.
  • Best Oil-Based with CBD: Privy Peach CBD Infused Intimate Oil is a virgin coconut oil with nano emulsified broad-spectrum CBD, all natural, and vegan friendly. It comes in a box with 12 individual pouches that contains 25 MG of CBD in each poach making it perfect for travel.
Whatever lube a woman chooses, remember that intercourse doesn’t have to be painful and lubricants are a simple and effective way to make sure you continue to have a happy and healthy sex life.
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