Nothing can kill a moment, any moment, like vaginal dryness. Whether you are getting busy between the sheets or just going about your day-to-day tasks, dryness can cause itching, irritation, burning, and generalized discomfort. While personal lubricant is most often used for sexual intimacy, it can also relieve vaginal dryness caused by menopause. What is the best natural lubricant? – Let’s take a look at some options for natural lube that are worth trying.

Tip #1: Figure Out What You Are Using It For

There are so many options available when it comes to natural lube. And, not all lubes are created equal. Therefore, it is important to figure out what you need it for and how long you are planning to use it. For example, there are different natural lubes for various sexual activities, and there are also natural lubes that are good for daily use to keep you comfortable all day.

Tip #2: Choose Your Base

There are three main bases in lube – silicone, water, and oil. Silicone and water are the most common, but there are also benefits to using oil. Let’s take a look at what each base offers.

Silicone – Silicone-based lubricants usually provide the silkiest feel and last longer compared to other bases. They are generally hypoallergenic as well, as long as there are no additives that may irritate your skin. Silicone-based lubes are safe to use with condoms and in water. They are also helpful if you need to add a little moisture each day to make you feel more comfortable, as they last longer than other personal lubricants. Silicone lube tends to leave a sticky residue, which is more challenging to get off your skin compared to water-based lubricants.

Water – Water-based lubricants are safe to use for pretty much any sexual activity. You can also use water-based lube with condoms and have the added perk that the residue will not stain your clothes and sheets. However, they may not be the best choice if you are struggling with vaginal dryness throughout the day, as it tends to wear off more quickly than silicone-based lubricants.

Oil – Like silicone lubes, oil-based lubricants last longer than water-based lubricants. They are safe to use for most sexual activities and can be used in water. However, oil-based lubricants must not be used with latex products like condoms, diaphragms, and sex toys, as the oil breaks down latex. Oil is the most challenging product to remove from fabric, so be wary of using oil-based lubricants if you wish to avoid stains.

Tip #3: Know Your Ingredients

Certain ingredients can be irritating to the skin and may even cause a localized allergic reaction (which could be extremely unpleasant, to say the least). Some lubricants contain additives for flavoring, smell, preservation, and sensation (like heat and tingling).

Look at the list of ingredients and try to avoid products that contain glycerin (sugar alcohol) and propylene glycol – which may disrupt your normal pH and increase your risk for infection.

The skin around in and around your vagina is highly sensitive, so it is best to avoid any additives that claim to enhance your pleasure, especially if you are looking for a natural lubricant.

Tip #4: Natural Isn’t Always Better

Just because a product is deemed natural does not mean it is necessarily safe to put in and on your body. For example, some natural lubes contain essential oils that may increase your risk of infection.

One of the more popular natural lubes right now is coconut oil. Many women use coconut oil as a personal lubricant and vaginal moisturizer. However, if you are prone to vaginal infections like yeast and bacterial vaginosis, coconut oil may put you at higher risk for infection because it is more alkaline than the slightly acidic vagina. Also, coconut oil is not safe to use with condoms as it dissolves the barrier.

Tip #5: Ask a specialist

Your gynecologist should be a great resource for recommending a natural lubricant for vaginal dryness. They may recommend an over-the-counter lube, or prescribe a lubricant that can help increase moisture and reduce pain with intercourse. There are also pelvic floor physical therapists that are often well-informed about natural lubricants for women in perimenopause and beyond.

Tip #6: Try them out!

Keeping in mind that you should check labels and ingredients, give a few natural lubricants a try! Indeed, there is no time like the present to find a solution to keep you more comfortable during your day-to-day activities and with intimacy. Try each product for about a week before introducing a new lube, just in case you develop a reaction to one of them.

So, What is the best natural lubricant for menopause dryness?

We are so glad you asked! It really is an individual experience, so trying different options is a great way to find out the best all natural lubricant for you. Here are a few options to get you started:

• Good Clean Love Almost Naked Personal Lubricant – An Aloe-based natural lube that is free of parabens and harmful ingredients
• Uberlube Luxury Lubricant – Silicone-based lube with vitamin E to help enrich your skin
• KY Jelly Personal Water-Based Lubricant – A great option that does not contain any additives to enhance flavor and scent, and is hormone-free.
• Coconut oil – Again, remember that coconut oil may increase your risk for infection like yeast, especially if you have had these infections in the past. If you choose to try coconut oil, look for unrefined coconut oil that is 100% pure. Also, this goes without saying, but avoid using the same jar that is in your kitchen pantry in case it is contaminated with other food products (like chili powder…yikes!).

Disclaimer: This is not medical advice, does not take the place of medical advice from your physician, and is not intended to treat or cure any disease. Patients should see a qualified medical provider for assessment and treatment.