Understanding vaginal health
A healthy vagina has a pH of 3.8 – 4.5 (a bit acid of neutral, this helps stop unwanted bacteria growing, and is a good environment for the “friendly bacteria” that keep a vagina healthy).
When choosing a vaginal lube or moisturiser it is best if the pH is near that of a healthy vagina and the osmolality is similar to, or lower than, the normal vaginal fluids (<380 mOsm/kg).
Ingredients to avoid include:
- glycerin
- glycerol
- parabens
- glycols
Non-hormonal vaginal moisturisers
These are designed to be used every 3 days, and provide moisture to the vaginal walls. They are used independently from sexual activity. This can be very helpful if there is day to day vaginal dryness (for example, after menopause, on GnRH analogue treatment, or after radiotherapy). They can be used alongside vaginal oestrogen replacement, or alongside HRT by patch or tablet, or by themselves.
Example
Product: Yes VM
Website: www.yesyesyes.org/products/yes-vm-natural-vaginal-moisturiser
Tick / check icon – within recommended range Osmolality: 250 mOsm/kg
Tick / check icon – within recommended range pH: 4.2
Lubricants
Lubricants (lube) are used for sexual touch and penetration. They provide slipperiness to increase comfort, and aid arousal.
| Lubricant type | Examples | Website to get samples / buy lubricant | pH | Osmolality |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Water based | YesWB | www.yesyesyes.org/products/water-based-organic-lubricant | Tick / check icon – within recommended range 4.08 | Tick / check icon – within recommended range 154 |
| Water based | Pjur Med Repair Glide | shop.pjurlove.co.uk | Tick / check icon – within recommended range 4 – 4.5 | 500 – 700 |
| Plant based | Sylk | sylk.co.uk/article/about-sylk | Tick / check icon – within recommended range 4.4 – 4.7 | 877 |
| Oil based (not compatible with condoms) | YesOB | www.yesyesyes.org/products/oil-based-organic-lubricant | Not applicable – see note | Not applicable – see note |
| Silicone based | Pjur Med Premium Glide | shop.pjurlove.co.uk | Not applicable – see note | Not applicable – see note |
Note: Oil and silicone based products do not have measurable pH or osmolality which is a property of water content.
The “double glide” method
One way to use lubes that is very helpful for some people is the “double glide”.
Apply a thicker oil based lube (such as YesOB) to the skin first, for example just before intimacy. This starts to moisturise the skin and gives the skin a layer of protection from friction during touch.
Then add a water based lube on top – to the skin and to anything used for penetration. The water based lube then glides over the oil based one on the skin surface to give a nicely friction free slide.
Important guidance
Condoms
Tick / check icon Silicone and water based lubes are safe to use with all condoms.
X / cross icon Oil based lubes can thin condoms and make condoms more likely to split.
Toys
Tick / check icon Water based lubes are safe with all sex toys.
X / cross icon Silicone, and some oil, based lubes should not be used with silicone or realistic-feel toys as they can degrade the material over time.
Anal sex
The lining of the anal canal and rectum is delicate and can be damaged by friction, anything slightly sharp (finger nails) or sudden movement.
For anal sex chose a lube that is thicker, longer lasting and designed to reduce friction:
a thicker or “gel” water based lube (compatible with all sex toys)
For example: Sliquid Sassy Water-based Anal Lubricant (available at lovehoney.co.uk) or Pjur Back Door Moisturising (available at shop.pjurlove.co.uk)
Or
a silicone based lube for longer lasting slide, (not with silicone sex toys)
For example: PjurMAN premium extra glide, Pjur Back Door Relaxing (available at shop.pjurlove.co.uk)
Last words
The most important thing is that all the people involved like the texture, any smell, and feel of the lubricant.
Experiment to find what is right for you, and shop around as what you like may well be on special offer on a website near you!