A fan sent me a private message: A few days ago, I used lubricant with my husband. The next day, he said his genitals were very itchy. Could it be an allergic reaction? The lubricant smells nice; could it be harmful to his health?
Lubricants are common sex enhancement products, primarily used to reduce friction and enhance pleasure. However, many people worry about potential harm to their health, which is understandable. Today, we'll discuss this issue.
I. What are the main components of a lubricant?
Currently, lubricants on the market are mainly divided into three types: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based.
1. Water-based lubricant
Its main ingredients are water, glycerin, etc. It is highly soluble and well-tolerated by the body. Among the three types, it is the safest and can be used with condoms, sex toys, etc. It is also easy to clean. However, its lasting effect is relatively poor because it is easy to evaporate. It usually loses its effect after 15 minutes and needs to be reapplied.
2. Silicon-based lubricants
Silicone-based lubricants are popular because they provide a velvety smooth feel. They are slightly more expensive, have good durability and generally do not require a second application, are waterproof, making them suitable for use in showers or hot baths, and are hypoallergenic, so people with skin allergies or sensitivities can use them with confidence. However, it should be noted that although they can be used with latex condoms, they cannot be used with silicone toys, and they are difficult to remove from fabrics.
3. Oil-based lubricants
Its biggest advantage is its durability, but it is difficult to clean and can cause the condom to dissolve easily, which may lead to breakage and reduce safety.
Most lubricants sold in China are water-based. Generally, lubricants produced by reputable manufacturers are food-grade and will not harm the body, so they are safe to use.
II. Several points to note when using lubricants
There are a few things to keep in mind when using lubricants.
• Avoid using oil-based lubricants on condoms
Because oil-based lubricants increase condom wear and tear, making them more prone to breakage and rendering them ineffective, oil-based lubricants should be avoided during condom use. They can be used only in the initial stages of use, or alternative contraceptive methods such as birth control pills should be considered.
· Do not buy products without a manufacturer's name, address, or production date.
Since lubricants are used on the delicate intimate area, safety requirements are relatively high. When purchasing them, be sure to buy reputable brands and avoid buying substandard products without quality assurance.
• Avoid buying scented lubricants.
There are many scented lubricants on the market, but it's best to be cautious when buying them as they may cause allergies. When it comes to lubricants, the simpler the better, and colorless and odorless ones are the best.
Lubricants also have an expiration date.
Lubricants also have an expiration date. When purchasing, pay attention to the date and never use expired products to avoid adverse effects.
Further reading: Why is your genitals always dry?
Some women find that their genitals are always dry, which sometimes affects their sex life. What causes this? There are three possible reasons.
Hormonal imbalance. When the endocrine system is imbalanced, vaginal secretions in women decrease significantly, leading to varying degrees of vaginal dryness. High levels of work and life stress can also reduce libido, exacerbating vaginal dryness. Women experiencing hormonal imbalances can first adjust their lifestyle, avoiding being overweight, maintaining a regular diet, and getting enough sleep. If the condition is severe or doesn't improve significantly after lifestyle adjustments, medical attention should be considered.
Gynecological inflammation. This is a common cause of vaginal dryness in women. Generally, poor personal hygiene or overly intimate sexual activity can lead to gynecological inflammation, affecting vaginal secretions. In such cases, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly to treat the gynecological inflammation; this will resolve the vaginal dryness problem.
Over-cleaning. Some women are very clean, but over-cleaning can remove beneficial bacteria and secretions naturally present in the body, leading to vaginal dryness. Generally speaking, washing the vulva with warm water daily is sufficient, and it's also important to drink plenty of water.
Studies have found that one-third of women have problems with naturally producing lubrication. If lubrication is too dry during intercourse, it can easily cause minor injuries, increasing the risk of bacterial and sexually transmitted infections. Proper use of lubricant can not only prevent pain but also largely avoid damage. Therefore, there is no need to be overly averse to using lubricant.
References:
[1] 5 Things You Should Know About Sexual Lubricants. Popular Health Newspaper. 2019-1-17
[2] How important is a woman's performance during sex? . Global Health. 2017-3-3
[3] Are lubricants used during sexual intercourse harmful to the body? Family Doctor. 2019-08-10
