Best Vaginal Lubricants for Menopause Comfort

Understanding Vaginal Dryness During Menopause

Once you attain menopause, vaginal dryness can be a common problem you face, along with other discomforts. Vaginal dryness is one of the symptoms of genitourinary syndrome during menopause. This syndrome is called atrophic vaginitis or vaginal atrophy. 

• When the oestrogen level starts to decline, vaginal tissues become thinner and get irritated more easily.
• Decreased oestrogen levels can also lower the amount of normal vaginal fluids and change the acid balance in your vagina. These factors can make your vaginal tissue more delicate and more likely to become irritated.

If you have vaginal dryness or pain during sex, don't get embarrassed. After menopause, these are pretty common. Other associated symptoms may include burning, itching, spotting, frequent urination, and urinary tract infections. It may also include urinary tract infections (UTIs) and urinary incontinence.

The vaginal dryness can directly affect your sexual life. Your vagina may become thin, dry and inflamed because of vaginal atrophy. The first sign is a lack of lubrication (dryness), which you may notice during intimacy. This can make vaginal sex more painful and can affect your relationship with your partner. If you start to experience symptoms of vaginal atrophy, you may lose interest in sex and intimacy or lose confidence in themselves.

Types of Vaginal Lubricants

The vagina naturally produces lubrication during sexual activity. This lubrication reduces friction in the vagina, increasing comfort during sex and reducing feelings of soreness or irritation.

When there is a lack of lubrication, sexual intercourse becomes painful. In such cases, you can use artificial lubricants to make sexual acts more comfortable when needed. Artificial lubricants reduce vaginal dryness too. Many different types of lubricants suit a person's needs and preferences. 

There are four main types of lubricants:

• Water-based lubricants.
• Silicone-based lubricants.
• Oil-based lubricants.
• Hybrid lubricants.

1. Water-Based Lubricants: Water-based lubricants: These are made with water and are known as universal lubricants. They are also the best water-based lubricant for menopause dryness because they mimic natural vaginal fluids, are easy to clean, and are compatible with condoms. So, water-based lubricants are the best lubes for sensitive skin. 

Water-based lubricants commonly contain glycerin. However, glycerin-free lubricants are better for people who get frequent yeast infections. 

The main drawback of these types is that they are not long-lasting, as their primary ingredient is water. So, you might have to repeatedly. But the advantage is - they are safe. 

2. Silicone-Based Lubricants: If you are having sex frequently, then this type suits you. Also, if you have severe vaginal dryness or a history of pain during sex, silicone-based lubricants are the better options as they last the longest of any lubricants. 

3. Oil-Based Lubricants: This type includes easily accessible products such as kitchen oils. As they are edible, they are safe for the vagina, but they are challenging to wash off. Synthetic oil-based mineral oil and petroleum jelly may also irritate the vulva.

Oil-based lube should be your last pick for vaginal sex if you're prone to yeast or bacterial infections. It's convenient for some but may disrupt the pH balance in others.

Another downside is that oil can stain fabric. So, you'll need to lay down a towel or blanket first. 

4. Hybrid Lubricants: Another variety, hybrid lubricants, combines the strength of both types into a single formula that provides superior comfort. A hybrid lubricant is a combination of water-based and silicone-based ingredients. It provides a smooth, long-lasting silicone glide along with the light, easy-to-clean properties of water-based lubricants.

Read more on Vaginal lubricants and moisturizers: a review into use, efficacy, and safety.

How to Choose the Right Lubricant for Menopause

The lubricant that you choose to tackle menopausal vaginal dryness should meet certain qualities to ensure effectiveness and safety. If you're looking for the best personal lubricant for postmenopausal comfort, consider products that are pH-balanced, free from irritants, and designed for long-lasting hydration. Here's what you need to know when you choose a lubricant;

• Many lubricants available in the market contain ingredients that can irritate or even damage vaginal cells. Parabens, one of those ingredients, have been linked to carcinogenic effects and can disrupt the delicate pH balance of the vagina. This leads to increased susceptibility to infections like thrush. 
• Some water-based lubricants, often considered safe, may contain ingredients that can cause irritation or infection. Some of them can dehydrate the vagina and increase the risk of STIs, yeast infections, and irritation. 
• Do not choose those lubricants that contain harmful ingredients such as parabens, glycerine, and propylene glycol, which can disrupt vaginal pH and increase the risk of infections.
• Avoid flavoured, heated, or cooling lubes, and never use anything glittery, tingly or scented, as these can irritate your delicate vaginal tissues. 
• Always choose a lubricant which can balance pH, which may reduce the risk of excess discharge and yeast infections. 

Benefits of Using Vaginal Lubricants During Menopause

Although you may use lubricants to relieve vaginal dryness, it is not just limited to relieving dryness. Their use can benefit you in many ways and even help prevent specific health problems. Here are the benefits of using lubricants during menopause - 

• Lubrication is a fast and easy way to get your wetness back. It relieves vaginal dryness that can lead to friction during intercourse.
• Lubricants make penetration easier during sexual intercourse, reducing any accompanying friction or irritation. It can prevent the pain during intercourse due to vaginal dryness.
• By reducing friction, lubricants lessen your risk of injury during sexual intercourse. If you're using condoms, they can also reduce chances of damage to the condom, therefore increasing protection against STIs, including HIV.
• Lubricants can increase intimacy with your partner by preventing pain and decreasing discomfort.
• The use of lubricants can prevent urinary tract infections (UTIs). The usage of lubricants can prevent micro-trauma during sex and, in turn, actually prevent the chance of bacteria getting into the urethra and causing an infection. 

When to See a Doctor

The dryness of the vagina during menopause is usually not a serious medical condition. But you may have to see your doctor if you've had vaginal dryness for a few weeks and things you've tried yourself are not working. Don't hesitate to contact your doctor if - 

• Vaginal dryness is affecting your daily life.
• There is unusual discharge or bleeding from your vagina.
• Affects your sex life or intimacy with your partner.
• Doesn't improve with over-the-counter remedies.

Other Ways to Manage Vaginal Dryness During Menopause

Apart from the use of lubricants, there are other treatment options to treat your vaginal dryness. Regular sexual activity can increase blood flow to the vagina and increase the moisture. To help make intimacy more comfortable, your doctor will start with the most straightforward option and go from there. Other measures include - 

• Use  Vaginal moisturizers - The application of moisturizers into the vagina or around the vulva every day or every few days helps to keep vaginal tissues healthy.
• A low-dose vaginal estrogen cream, tablet or ring -  This helps rejuvenate vaginal tissues. Even when you are on hormone therapy, your doctor might suggest a low-dose vaginal estrogen treatment if you still have vaginal dryness and related symptoms. You should inform your doctor if you have a history of breast cancer, as there are small risks of vaginal estrogen therapy.
• Ospemifene (Osphena) - Selective estrogen receptor modulator (SERM) oral medicine treats painful intercourse linked to the thinning of vaginal tissue. You should refrain from using this medicine if you have a history of breast cancer or you are at high risk of breast cancer.
• Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) - Insertion of this suppository into the vagina at night eases painful intercourse after menopause.
• Consuming a balanced diet which contains diverse, nutritious foods and staying well-hydrated is essential for maintaining your vaginal health optimally. Along with intake of sufficient quantities of nutrition, certain foods, vitamins, and lifestyle choices can support perfect vaginal health during menopause.

Wrapping Up

Vaginal dryness caused during menopause can make you feel uncomfortable and embarrassing. But remember that it is highly treatable and manageable. This blog can help you ease the symptoms, especially by finding a suitable lubricant which can make your sexual life better and enhance intimacy with your partner. Also, this can help find the best lube for women after menopause.

If you have any questions related to the issue, you can consult a doctor who can advise you on a treatment plan that is right for you. Appropriate care plans can help improve your quality of life and reduce your symptoms.

Our doctors and other healthcare professionals at Nirva are always ready to help you and make your life happier.