And with a silicone-based lubricant, you simply don't run that risk. “Because silicone-based lubricants, again, do not contain any water, they're pH-neutral and won't interfere with the vaginal pH,” says Dr. Ordeberg.
Exploring Different Vaginal Lubricants
There are three main types of lubricants: oil-based, water-based, and silicone-based. However, the best lubricant for women depends on their needs. Here's a breakdown of what each kind offers.
Water- and silicone-based lubricants are the safest to use for two reasons: they don't break down latex condoms (this can occur with mineral- or petroleum-based lubricants) and they will not promote vaginal inflammation.
K-Y jelly provides personal lubrication to comfort dry intimate areas: It's a water-based, fragrance-free jelly designed to stay where you want it. It lubricates condoms and eases insertion of rectal thermometers, enemata and tampons.
However, although lubrication might make the speculum examination more comfortable, most family physicians are reluctant to use lubrication because they have been told that it alters cytology and microbiology results.
Silicone lubes are also more than happy to stain bed sheets, and are more difficult to wash out as a result. They also tend to be a little pricey compared to other lube products and don't taste very good in most cases.
Here's the thing: On top of the fact that water-based lubes are gloppy and sticky and don't last very long during sex, most popular ones can, with continued use, damage vaginal tissue.
Water Based Makeup Primers + Water Based Foundations = Great for dry skin and sensitive skin. Also good for those who are prone to breakouts. Silicone Based Makeup Primers + Silicone Based Foundations = Great for oily skin.
K-Y Warming Water-Based Jelly Personal Lube - 2.5oz.
Olive oil. Another potential alternative lube is olive oil, as it spreads quickly and easily. However, the skin does not easily absorb this type of oil, which means it can clog pores and lead to infection. If someone uses olive oil for lube, it is important to wash it off the skin afterward thoroughly.
This lube is better than anything else out there. First of all, it's water-based, meaning it's smoother and easier to clean up than petroleum and safe on silicone, unlike silicone lube. Second, a dab is all you need. I used a pea-sized drop of lube and was able to use it until I climaxed.
Saliva may always be available to you, but it's not safe to use as lubricant during sexual activity. STIs, such as herpes or syphilis, can be transmitted through saliva. You might also be likely to develop vaginal infections or irritation if you use saliva as a lubricant.
When it comes to personal lubricants, there isn't a single “best choice.” However, Uberlube, Replens and coconut oil are often recommended by gynecologists. The benefits of coconut oil are that it's long-lasting, readily available and less likely than most commercial products to cause irritation.
Water-based lube are ideal for people with sensitive skin or vaginal irritation and are safe to use with condoms and sex toys. However make sure your lube has proper osmolality and pH level (read below). Water-based lubes tend to get "sticky" and you may need to re-apply if you are engaging in sex for a long time.
Many personal lubricants, like K-Y jelly, contain glycerin which breaks down to sugars and promotes yeast infections and possibly also bacterial vaginosis, noted Dr. Mary Marnach, a specialist in obstetrics and gynecology at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, Minnesota.
K-Y Ultragel Lube, Personal Lubricant, Water-Based Formula, Safe to Use with Silicone Toys, For Men, Women and Couples, 4.5 FL OZ (Pack of 2)
Do I need to shave or wax before my appointment? No, you don't need to shave or wax. However, if there's something going on with your skin, shaving or waxing will make it easier for your physician to evaluate the area.
Medical lubricants help ease discomfort in patients and make it quicker and easier for surgeons, doctors, and medical practitioners to perform certain medical and surgical procedures. Medicinal castor oil, Surgilube, Lignocaine, and even K-Y jelly are popular surgical lubricants.