Vulvar and Vaginal Dryness: When to Use Lubricants versus Moisturizers
Not gonna lie, vaginal and vulvar dryness is the WORST.
First of all, let’s distinguish between your VAGINA and your VULVA.
Your vagina is the actual canal itself.
Your vulva includes everything you can see when you look between your legs with a mirror, including your labia majora, minora, perineum, clitoral hood, etc.
The moisturizes and lubricants you use on your vagina and vulva are NOT THE SAME. Our internal canal (vagina) has different requirements than our vulva (outer area) and BOTH the vagina and vulva have different requirements than the rest of the skin on our body. They have a different pH balance than the rest of our skin. Sorry, you can’t use your Aveeno or CeraVe on your hoo-ha.
Vaginal dryness can contribute to:
Painful sex and penetration
Compromised vaginal tissue integrity and tissue breakdown
Changes in vaginal discharge
Vulvar dryness can contribute to:
Pelvic pain with sex, intimacy, penetration, sitting, exercise, movement
Vulvar itchiness and discomfort
Feeling burning or itching around the urethra
What causes vaginal or vulvar dryness?
Hormonal changes
Stress and/or trauma
Medication side effects
Material worn surrounding vulva
Certain medical conditions
Moisturizers
Moisturizers can be purchased without a prescription and are applied regularly as part of a vulvar or vaginal skincare routine.
Moisturizers that do not contain topical estrogen can be purchased without a prescription. They can often be purchased online or at the drugstore. Examples include, but are not are limited to:
Replens Vaginal Moisturizer
Natural oils such as coconut oil, Vitamin E Oil, and Emu Oil
Topical estrogen (prescription medication used under the supervision of a medical doctor)
Lubricants
Lubricants are used to decrease friction and ease insertion, and come in three types: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. It’s important to choose the right lubricant for the intended use and to note that oil-based lubricants cannot be used with latex condoms or silicone products!
Water-Based Lubricants: Great for inserting dilators and vibrators. They are also safe for use with latex condoms. You may need re-application as the lube will get ‘pushed around’ with movement. They will not hold up in the water.
Silicone-Based Lubricants: The initial application will last longer since they’re not absorbed by the vaginal tissues. They can be used with latex condoms and can be used in water, but you cannot use silicone lubricants with other silicone devices such as intimacy toys, sex aids, dilators, vibrators, etc.
Oil-Based Lubricants: Can be an option if you’d like long-lasting effects and avoiding re-application. They can be used in water, but cannot be used with silicone products either.
