Lubricants can enhance sexual pleasure and reduce discomfort during sex, but not all lube ingredients are created equal. In this article, we will highlight five common lube ingredients that you might want to avoid using in your vagina to prevent potential irritation or infection.
- Glycerine
Many lubricants manufacturers like to incorporate glycerine. This compound enhances the taste of the lub while making it effective.
Glycerine tastes sweet and has gel-like property – condition that you would expect any woman to admire in her lubricant.
This compound is sugar. At a certain range, glycerine presence in a vaginal jelly isn’t bad. But any large concentration could wreak havoc.
So what’s excessive? Any lubricant with a glycerine volume above 40% is considered harmful.
The sugary and sweetly flavored environment around the vulva is ideal for bacterial infestation. This condition propagates the explosion of yeast and other urinary tract infections.
According to the Women’s Health Interactive, Glycerin is a sugar derivative that has the potential to undergo fermentation within the body. This fermentation process can serve as a food source for yeast, leading to an increase in yeast and urinary tract infections in women. Moreover, Glycerin can break down mucus membranes and cause damage to vaginal and anal tissues, thereby elevating the risk of irritation and transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
But the presence of glucose and sugar present in the lubricant is beneficial. Besides softening the vagina, it improves moisture retention and eliminates dryness around the vaginal opening.
Even with these benefits, glycerine is still creates a perfect breeding ground for all forms of bacteria. So avoid lubricants with high glycerine volume.
After all, there is no need of enjoying sex only to suffer infections later.
- Petroleum products
When petrochemicals are introduced in sex lubricants, they tend to elicit stinging or tingling sensation. The effect is good for sex, but harmful for the reproductive health of any woman.
These same petrochemicals are present in your car’s antifreeze, brake fluid and dishwashers. For machines and appliances, these chemicals are okay.
But your vagina isn’t a piece of appliance. And so rubbing lubs that contain ingredients like propylene glycol, polyethylene glycol and petroleum is dangerous.
Still, uninformed women wrongly use lubricants containing petroleum products based on the smoothness of the lotion.
And here lies the problem. Lubricants with petroleum jelly linger longer on the vaginal cavity. Thus they set suitable moist condition for bacterial infection.
One study established that women who use petroleum jelly as lubricants are more than twice as likely to exhibit symptoms of bacterial vaginosis than women who use other forms of lubricants.
According to the study conducted by Healthline Media, while petroleum jelly is commonly used to moisturize lips, it is not suitable as a lubricant for intimate activities. Petroleum jelly is oil-based, and using it with latex condoms can lead to condom breakage, increasing the risk of unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Sadly, the petroleum substances in these lubricants can shear the condoms.
- Nonoxynol -9
Have you ever wondered why you experience vaginal inflammation and foul smelling “fishy” odor after sex? Does your groin itch or burn during urination?
Well, you have an infection brought about unprotected sex. But maybe you could be wrong in suspecting your partner?
Instead of blaming your partner for the STIs you keep getting, perhaps it’s time to check the composition of the fluid you use. Better still, you should reduce on douching.
When you use a lub with nonoxynol-9, you are more likely to suffer from a condition called bacterial vaginosis.
According to the article published by SELF which is an American Women Magazine, Nonoxynol-9 is a spermicide that can have adverse effects on the vaginal biome. It has the potential to disrupt the balance of good and bad bacteria in the vagina, leading to uncomfortable infections such as bacterial vaginosis. Additionally, using Nonoxynol-9 can cause irritation and inflammation, which can be particularly uncomfortable, especially during nighttime.
What is BV? Bacterial vaginosis is an infection that occur when your anaerobic bacteria outweigh the good vaginal bacteria.
And lubricant that contains nonoxynol-9 can support this scenario. Rightly on, since it kills all the good bacteria in your vagina.
With the absence of the useful lactobacilli bacteria, bad bacteria grow exponentially. This imbalance tilts the delicate vaginal pH range, resulting in BV.
- Parabens
Another lubricant that you should shy away from is the one that contains preservatives. Parabens, benzyl alcohol, and citric acids are all preservatives.
Preservatives in these lubs can itch, burn or create some sticky situation around your vagina. This is unpleasant feeling.
The vagina has its way of swelling and moistening the walls before penetrative sex. Hence the artificial burning isn’t supposed to occur.
Synthetic stabilizers may act as an endocrine disruptor. They It mimic the effects of estrogen.
In so doing, parabens compounds in lubs you use can interfere with the natural feminine hormones.
Accordingly, using paraben-laced vaginal jelly causes myriads of reproductive health issues. They distort fertility levels as well as interfere with the smooth development of fetus.
Pieces of research confirm that cosmetics that contain paraben increase candida growth on vaginal epithelial cells when applied vaginally.
But paraben-induced yeast infestation isn’t so bad. These lubricants can even propagate the onset of breast cancer.
- Chlorhexidine gluconate
Chlorhexide has been shown to be effective against normal vaginal bacteria. Hence women who are susceptible to genital bacterial infection in an on-off situation may prefer to use lubricants that contain this substance.
Infections like streptococcus, E. Coli and enterococci are common and usually harmless. So, it’s ideal to protect your genitals, by applying lubs with this antibacterial property.
Any treatment that has chlorhexidine with low alcohol (4%) content is effective. And using chlorhexidine gluconate (2%) is highly recommended.
But chlorhexidine should be used as a vaginal surgical antiseptic. Unfortunately, this is not that case.
High dose of this antibacterial agent is evident in most lubricants. This mix alters bacteria levels in the vagina. Thus disrupts the delicate pH balance within the vaginal cavity.
Some women still experience mild inflammation and irritation on the delicate tissues around the vaginal opening. This is despite a low concentration of the chlorhexidine gluconate in vaginal lubricants.
In a nutshell, people must consider all pros and cons before inserting anything in their vagina. Lack of awareness has been the primary reason why people are putting things in their vaginas, and it can be avoided if you use these lube ingredients.
Harmful Lube Ingredients You Should Avoid At All Costs
Lubricants have become an essential part of sexual activities, especially for women. They provide comfort, ease, and enhance pleasure during any intimate act. However, not all lubricants are created equal, and some may contain harmful ingredients that can cause adverse effects on a woman’s body. It is crucial to be aware of these ingredients and avoid them at all costs to protect your health and well-being.
Here are the harmful lube ingredients that every woman should avoid:
1. Parabens
Parabens are synthetic preservatives used in many personal care products, including lubricants. They are known to disrupt the body’s hormonal balance, leading to various health issues such as breast cancer, reproductive problems, and skin irritation. Parabens can also cause irritation and allergic reactions in the genital area, making sex uncomfortable and painful.
2. Glycerin
Glycerin is a commonly used ingredient in lubricants as it provides a smooth, slippery texture. However, it is a sugar compound that can promote the growth of yeast and bacteria in the vagina. This can lead to infections, particularly for women who are prone to yeast infections. Glycerin can also cause irritation and discomfort, especially for women with sensitive skin.
3. Propylene Glycol
Propylene Glycol is a chemical compound used as a thickening agent in many lubricants. It is also found in antifreeze and can be harmful if ingested. When used in lubricants, it can cause irritation, burning, and itching in the genital area. It can also disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, making it more susceptible to infections.
4. Petroleum-Based Ingredients
Many popular lubricants use petroleum-based ingredients, such as mineral oil, petroleum jelly, and silicone oil. These ingredients can clog pores, leading to irritation and infections. They can also cause a barrier that prevents the skin from breathing, making it more prone to developing rashes and other skin problems.
5. Fragrances
Fragrances are often added to lubricants to make them more appealing. However, these fragrances can contain harmful chemicals that can cause irritation and allergic reactions in the genital area. They can also disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, leading to infections and discomfort.
6. Nonoxynol-9
Nonoxynol-9 is a spermicide used in some lubricants to prevent pregnancy. However, it can also irritate the delicate tissues of the vagina, leading to inflammation and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections. It can also strip away the natural lubrication of the vagina, making sex uncomfortable and even painful.
7. Chlorhexidine Gluconate
Chlorhexidine Gluconate is an antiseptic commonly used in medical settings. However, it can also be found in some lubricants as a preservative. This ingredient can cause irritation, burning, and allergic reactions in the genital area. It can also disrupt the natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, leading to infections.
The use of lubricants can enhance sexual pleasure, but it is essential to choose the right one. It is crucial to read the labels and avoid products that contain harmful ingredients. Instead, opt for natural and organic lubricants that are free from these harmful chemicals. These products are not only safe for your body but also for the environment.
In addition to avoiding harmful ingredients, it is also essential to use lubricants correctly. Always read the instructions and use the recommended amount. Using too much lubricant can make sex less enjoyable and can even increase the risk of infections. It is also crucial to choose the right type of lubricant for the activity. For example, water-based lubricants are suitable for use with condoms, while oil-based ones can cause condoms to break.
In conclusion, lubricants are a great addition to any sexual experience, but it is essential to be mindful of the ingredients they contain. Avoiding harmful ingredients can protect your health and well-being, making sex more enjoyable and comfortable. Always opt for natural and organic lubricants, and if you experience any discomfort or irritation, stop using the product immediately and consult a healthcare professional. Remember, your body deserves the best, and avoiding harmful lube ingredients is a step towards a healthier and more pleasurable sex life.
