Lubricants can be a fun and helpful tool in sexual intimacy! However, most of us were never taught how to choose a good one, and end up grabbing the first one we see in the drugstore. The right choice can make a huge difference in how effective and comfortable it is.
This basic guide is a helpful starting point in choosing a lubricant that best meets your needs. Additionally, fantastic resources to learn more are the Bad Vibes blog and Smitten Kitten’s blog and website (they also sell a large variety of lubricants)!
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WATER-BASED LUBRICANTS
Pros:
- Compatible with condoms and toys
- Easy cleanup
Cons:
- Can irritate tissues
- May need reapplication
Some of our favorites:
PLANT OIL-BASED LUBRICANTS
Pros:
- Moisturizing and gentle, often chosen by those with sensitive genital tissue
Cons:
- Not compatible with condoms
- Difficult to clean up, may stain
Some of our favorites:
- Coconut oil
- Olive oil
- Coconu
SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANTS
Pros:
- Usually non-irritating and hypoallergenic
- Long-lasting
- Good for those who are prone to yeast infections
Cons:
- Not compatible with silicone toys
- Difficult to clean up, may stain
Some of our favorites:
HYBRID LUBRICANTS (WATER/OIL OR WATER/SILICONE)
Pros:
- Universally compatible with safer sex barriers and toys
Cons:
- More expensive and usually only available in specialty stores
Some of our favorites:
A note about drugstore lubricants:
Many popular brands (KY and Astroglide, for example) can actually cause irritation of genital tissue. However, the chemical makeup of lubricants can cause it to irritate tissue by pulling moisture out of the cells – not at all what we want! In conclusion, we discourage our clients from using these brands and encourage using one of the options listed above.
Heather earned her Doctor of Physical Therapy degree from the University of Saint Augustine for Health Sciences in 2012. Prior to that she had earned her B.S. in Clinical Exercise Science from Virginia Commonwealth University. In 2017 she became a certified yoga instructor (RYT-200) and in 2022, she became a Board Certified Orthopaedic Clinical Specialist. She has also received training in PreNatal/Postpartum Rehabilitation.
Nina's interest in Pelvic Health began during her graduate studies, when she realized how underserved this population was. She went on to complete a year-long residency program at Agile Physical Therapy to further her knowledge in helping women, men, and people of all gender identities regain confidence in their pelvic floor function. Nina understands how sensitive these issues are and hopes to help destigmatize bowel, bladder, and sexual dysfunction and empower people to seek the care they need to return to the activities they love.