Vaginal Lubrication - Artificial Lubricants

Artificial Lubricants

When a woman is experiencing vaginal dryness before sexual activity, during which she produces insufficient vaginal lubrication, sexual intercourse may be uncomfortable or painful for her. A personal lubricant can be applied to the vaginal opening, the penis, or both, to augment the naturally produced lubrication and prevent or reduce the discomfort or pain. More rarely, a vaginal suppository may be inserted prior to intercourse.

Oil-based lubricants can weaken latex and reduce the effectiveness of condoms, latex gloves, or dental dams as either forms of birth control or for protection from sexually transmitted diseases, so water- or silicone-based lubricants are often used instead. The use of an artificial lubricant can make sexual intercourse less painful for a woman, but does not address the underlying cause of the vaginal dryness itself.