Lubricants: Why should we use them?
Arousal is an important part of physical relationships. When this occurs in an individual with vaginal tissue, the vagina will normally lubricate itself. But what happens when this isn’t the case?
When would your body start to produce less lubricant?
- Hormonal changes
- Menopause
- Aging
- Medications
- Lack of sexual arousal
What does reduced lubrication feel like?
Penetrative intercourse without lubricant may be painful (dyspareunia) and may also result in irritation and damage to the vaginal wall lining. This is where lubricants come into play!
Artificial lubricants can help to enhance overall pleasure, keep vaginal tissues soft, reduce friction and help to enhance overall arousal. They can be conveniently purchased in local drug stores or online.
Who can benefit from lubricants?
EVERYONE!
Which type of lubricant is right for you? There are water based, silicone based, oil based and natural lubricants. If you aren’t sure where to start, try thinking about which of these types would be the most beneficial for your body. You can also do a test trial of rubbing the lubricant on a part of your body such as your forearm or the back of your hand to see if you have a reaction to it before using it on your vaginal tissue.
What’s the main point here?
Vaginal lubricants are a great way to help decrease any discomfort one may have during intercourse. When deciding on a lubricant make sure to keep your comfort level in mind. Overall lubricant usage has much more pros than cons.
How can PT help?
Some individuals may benefit from a pelvic floor evaluation for dyspareunia which is pain occurring with intercourse. Adjunct tools like dilators can be useful to help women reach their goals. Some companies like Intimate Rose have the entire line of tools and lubricant to purchase. Your pelvic floor physical therapist will be key to guiding you as to which, if any, product is appropriate for you.
