18 Aug Personal Lubricant for Dryness
When women are sexually aroused the vagina produces natural lubrication. The purpose of vaginal lubrication is to make sex more pleasurable by reducing friction. It also makes it more fun. Organic Machine’s most popular product, Glide Sensual Lubricant, has been designed to help with vaginal dryness.
Understanding Vaginal Moisture
Vaginal tissue is naturally moist, but did you know how and why? Vaginal secretions are produced by the cervix and by two small glands called Bartholin glands, at the entrance of the vagina. When a woman is aroused, these two glands secrete more vaginal fluid to facilitate sexual intercourse.
Vaginal dryness or a lack of lubrication during sexual intercourse can be uncomfortable and painful. It doesn’t necessarily mean that you aren’t aroused either: there are plenty of factors that can contribute to vaginal dryness:
- Using certain medications
- Hormonal changes such as pregnancy, after childbirth or during menopause, or using hormonal birth control
- Dehydration
- Autoimmune disorders
- Cigarette smoking
As we get older our vaginal tissue becomes thinner. When we go through menopause (and perimenopause) our bodies produce less oestrogen, which subsequently leads to less secretion.
The Benefits Of Personal Lubricant For Dryness
Even if you do produce some natural lubrication, using an artificial personal lubricant can improve the amount of lubrication.
Other benefits of personal lubricant for dryness include
- Keeping the vaginal skin smooth and soft
- Reducing friction and tears to the vaginal lining
- Minimising irritation, itching and discomfort during and after sexual intercourse
- Increasing pleasurable sensation before and during sex
Different Types Of Sexual Lubricant For Vaginal Dryness
There is a growing market of personal lubricant products available, which tend to fall into one of three categories:
- Water-based lube
- Silicone-based lube
- Oil-based lube
In addition, there are also lubricants available for arousal or to heighten sensation during intimate moments. Organic Machine has created Peak Female Arousal Balm for this purpose.
Water-based lubricants
Water-based lubricants are usually cost-effective however they do wash away in water so they aren’t ideal for use in the shower. They also tend to contain glycerin, which is an irritant and not recommended if you are susceptible to yeast infections.
Silicone-based lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants have more endurance than water-based and last for longer. They can degrade the integrity of silicone sex toys and can feel oily to the touch.
Oil-based lubricants
Oil-based lubricants are long lasting and can be used in water environments. They should not be used with latex condoms but are safe for use with silicone toys and condoms.
Vaginal Moisturisers For Dryness
When vaginal dryness is a chronic concern, a vaginal moisturiser may provide long term relief. If chronic dryness is a concern for you, you should speak to your doctor. Organic Machine’s Glide Personal Lubricant is an oil-based, organic sexual lubricant that is gentle enough to be used daily. Moisturising ingredients such as shea butter, extra virgin coconut oil and cocoa butter provide soothing relief against dryness. This product is gentle enough to be used with a menstrual cup or tampon.
How To Use Personal Lubricants For Dryness
It might sound obvious but we’ll say it anyway: make sure you follow the guidance on the product you have purchased.
Always wash your hands before handling lube.
Test for skin sensitivity by rubbing a small amount on the inside of your arm or neck before using it on your vagina.
It is always a good idea to start with a small amount of a new product. Don’t feel shy about putting the brakes on an intimate moment to reapply lube. Communicate and your partner will understand. Use the amount that feels good for you.
Any soreness or itchiness after use could indicate a sensitivity to one or more of the ingredients.
Boost Your Lubrication The Natural Way
Using sexual lubricant is not necessarily going to address the cause of your dryness by increasing oestrogen or addressing the thinning of your vaginal tissue but there are some strategies that you can embrace that could help you even more:
Spend as long as you need to on foreplay. We all lead busy lives and have multiple stressors. You may need an hour of foreplay when you used to get by on just five minutes. Give yourself time to relax and lean into the idea of intimacy without feeling rushed or pressured.
Keep yourself well hydrated
Drinking lots of water and eliminating diuretics benefits the whole body. If you are dehydrated your body will not produce sufficient vaginal moisture. Make this habit for every day, not just when you’re feeling frisky.
Masturbate more
By increasing the frequency with which you masturbate or have sexual intercourse, you may be able to increase vaginal moisture more naturally. This is particularly true if you have gone through a dry spell and haven’t been sexually active for a while. You can also try masturbating prior to sexual intercourse to get you in the mood.
Vaginal lubrication can help you to have better, more pleasurable sex. Vaginal dryness does not have to spell the end of your sex life. Be proactive, use a sexual lubricant and get back into the swing of it.