Is It Healthy to Use a Lubricant?

28.02.2011 | By: Z. J.

The use of a lubricant can also have an adverse effect on your body and make your problems even worse …

Use a lubricant with ecological ingredients. (PhotoXpress)

You can find more advice on lubricants in the Encyclopedia of Sexuality.

The main culprit for increased dryness of the vagina is a drop in hormone levels, particularly estrogen, after childbirth, during breastfeeding and menopause. Low hormone levels are also often caused by certain drugs, including the contraceptive pill. In case of vaginal dryness, sexual intercourse is unpleasant and sometimes even painful. As a result of increased friction, it’s much more likely that the mucus layer will be ruptured, so the risk of getting an inflammation or infection is high. There’s a higher risk of tearing a condom, too because of the friction. So, gynecologists recommend the use of lubricant.

Parabens, mineral oils and glycerol

You probably don’t buy the first face cream you see on a shelf, do you? So, you should also be careful when you choose a lubricant because your mucus is even more permeable than your facial skin, so it’s easier for various chemicals to come into contact with your blood. The majority of lubricants on the market contain at least one of the following substances: parabens, glycerol, glycols, sodium benzoate and mineral oils (liquid paraffin). Parabens imitate the female hormone, estrogen, and are associated with the development of breast cancer. Young boys exposed to such chemicals in their puberty or during pregnancy have abnormal sex organs, for instance, undescended testicles, testicular cancer, abnormal sperm and prostate diseases.

In the body, glycerol (glycerin) is converted to glucose, which can cause an outbreak of Candida infection or irritate and dry out the skin. Glycols “increase sensitivity” by rupturing cell walls, which makes it easier for chemicals to penetrate the skin and end up in the blood stream. Sodium benzoate, in the food industry known as an antibacterial and antifungal preservative against mold E211, irritates the skin and can deactivate parts of DNA. It’s also associated with liver failure and Parkinson’s disease. In combination with vitamin C, it can become a potentially cancerous substance. Liquid paraffin, which is a by-product of oil, covers the skin, so it can’t breathe.

Natural, eco, organic and vegan lubricants

If the list of ingredients of your lubricant reminds you of a recipe for chemical weapons, you may want to choose a more natural lubricant, or you can order it on-line. The ingredients of a natural lubricant will probably remind you of a recipe for an exotic dish, e.g. Siberian ginseng, cannabis oil, stevia, etc. Natural lubricants don’t contain dangerous substances that might make your problems with lubrication worse or even cause new problems, but they help you eliminate them. One of the manufacturers promises that their products ensure sufficient lubrication, heal your skin and protect sensitive tissue, as well as prevent the growth of bacteria, yeast and fungi.
In addition, some of the lubricants are also designed to moisten the skin on your face and body.

If you want something a little bit wilder, you can use a lubricant that contains ginseng and stevia – for stimulation and a sweet taste without any smell and aftertaste, or oil-based lubricants suitable for marathon sex. The function of an oil-based lubricant is to maximize lubrication and prolong penetration. It has a satin-like feel and can be used as massage oil.

Washing and wiping isn’t necessary because the lubricant contains ingredients that have a beneficial effect on your skin, and it doesn’t leave any stains. As it’s highly nutritious, you can also use the lubricant for your skin and even your lips.