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Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause. A person may experience vaginal dryness due to hormonal changes during menopause. Lubricants can help a person relieve some of the discomfort caused by vaginal dryness by increasing the moisture in the area and soothing dry skin.
A quick look at the best lubricants for menopausal dryness
- Best pH-balanced lubricant: Gennev Intimate Moisture | Skip to Review
- Best water-based lubricant: LOLA Personal Lubricant | Skip to Review
- Best silicone-based lubricant: Pink Silicone Lubricant | Skip to Review
- Best lubricant for use with condoms: Astroglide X Silicone Gel | Skip to Review
A 2020 review found that 50% of postmenopausal women experience vaginal dryness. This can be an uncomfortable symptom that can affect a person’s everyday life, causing discomfort during physical activity, burning, irritation, itching, and painful sex, resulting in vaginal tearing or bleeding.
Although vaginal lubricants cannot treat the underlying cause of vaginal dryness, such as lower estrogen levels caused by menopause, they can relieve some of the discomfort caused by the dryness.
This article discusses a range of lubricants a person can try to combat menopausal dryness. It explores the types of lubricants available, provides a list of products, and lists some alternative treatments.
There are three main types of lubricants a person can consider.
Water-based lubricant
This is a common type of lubricant. Some water-based products will contain glycerin, while others are specifically glycerin-free. Water-based lubricants can also contain other ingredients, such as preservatives and antimicrobials.
Glycerin keeps the lubricant from evaporating too quickly. However, glycerin can draw moisture out of cells in the vagina, which can cause cell damage and irritation. As a result, the World Health Organization (WHO) states that water-based lubricants with high osmolality — which is common in water-based lubricants — can cause irritation and cell damage.
Additionally, the glycerin in some personal lubricants can
If a person wants to use a water-based lubricant during the day to prevent dryness, they may need to reapply it more regularly than other types of lubricant.
Water-based lubricants are suitable for use during sex. This includes penetrative vaginal sex, masturbation, and for use on sex toys. A person can also use water-based lubricants with condoms.
Silicone-based lubricant
Silicone-based lubricants are hypoallergenic, so may be the most suitable for people with sensitive skin. This type of lubricant is long lasting, so a person may not need to apply it as often as water-based lubricants if they intend to use it to relieve vaginal dryness during the day.
A person can also use silicone-based lubricants with condoms. However, this type of lubricant is not suitable for use with sex toys, as it can degrade them over time.
A person may also find silicone lubricants more difficult to clean than other types because they are long lasting.
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Oil-based lubricants
Oil-based lubricants provide a slippery feel and last a long time.
As with silicone-based lube, a person may find that oil-based lubricants stain fabrics and are difficult to clean up.
Additionally, a person may be at a higher risk of developing a yeast infection if they use oils inside the vagina. As such, oil-based lubricants may not be suitable for people susceptible to yeast infections.
Individuals should not use oil-based products with latex condoms or other latex-based products, as they are associated with a higher risk of condom breakage.
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Best pH-balanced: Gennev Intimate Moisture
- Type of lubricant: water-based
- Size: 2 fluid ounces (fl oz)
- Customer rating: 4.5 out of 5, from 70 reviews
- Price: $17.95
This product is made specifically for vaginal dryness caused by menopause. It is an all-in-one water-based lubricant and moisturizer.
The manufacturer claims it does not contain parabens, fragrances, flavors, or hormones. Additionally, Gennev states that the product is pH-balanced.
Pros
- suitable for sensitive skin
- free from hormones, fragrances, glycerin, and parabens
- safe for use with condoms and sex toys
Cons
- may not feel as slippery as a silicone-based lubcriant
- may need to reapply more frequently than other forms of lubricant
- some users report the lubricant caused pain and irritation
Best water-based: LOLA Personal Lubricant
- Type of lubricant: water-based
- Size: 1.7 fl oz
- Customer rating: no ratings available
- Price: $14
This lubricant is hypoallergenic, water-based, and created with natural ingredients. The company claims that it does not contain parabens, glycerin, flavors, colors, or fragrances.
The bottle features a one-handed pump system to reduce mess. The formula is pH-balanced for vaginal health, and the company claims that the product has approval from gynecologists.
Pros
- free from synthetic fragrances, dyes, flavors, parabens, and glycerin
- the pump bottle allows for easier application
Cons
- water-based lubricants do not last as long as other forms of lubricant
- may not feel as slippery as silicone-based lubricant
Best silicone-based: Pink Silicone Lubricant
- Type of lubricant: silicone-based
- Size: single use, 2.8, 4, and 4.7 oz
- Customer rating: no ratings available
- Price: from $20.95
This silicone-based lubricant is available in three sizes or a single-use packet. The manufacturer says it is hypoallergenic and free from glycerin and parabens. Pink Sensuals also states that this lubricant is safe to use with latex condoms and nonporous sex toys.
According to the online product description, the formula contains aloe vera and vitamin E for their restorative and healing properties.
A single-use packet costs $2.95.
Pros
- available in different sizes, including a single-use packet which may be suitable for people on the go
- contains aloe vera and vitamin E which may help soothe the skin
- silicone lubricants may last longer and feel more silky than other forms of lubricant
- safe to use with condoms and non-porous sex toys
Cons
- the bottle may become slippery and difficult to squeeze if a person has product on their hands
- some silicone products may feel oily rather than silky
Best for use with condoms: Astroglide X Silicone Gel
- Type of lubricant: silicone-based
- Size: 3 oz
- Customer rating: 4.4 out of 5, from over 1,100 reviews
- Price: around $12
This silicone-based lubricant is hypoallergenic and does not contain parabens or glycerin.
The manufacturer claims the formula is long lasting and non-drip for mess-free application. The company also says it is safe to use with condoms made from natural rubber latex, polyurethane, and polyisoprene.
As well as silicone, this lubricant also includes coconut oil. It does not contain scents or flavors.
Pros
- hypoallergenic and free from parabens and glycerings
- suitable for use with most condoms
- non-drip formula which can help reduce mess and make application easier
Cons
- contains coconut oil, which makes it unsuitable for people with a tree nut or coconut allergy
- some customers state the lubricant is sticky and feels unpleasant
- not safe for use on all condoms
The following table compares the lubricants in this article.
| Type of lubricant | Size | Customer rating | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gennev | water-based | 2 fl oz | 4.5 out of 5 | $17.95 |
| LOLA | water-based | 1.7 fl oz | none available | $14 |
| Pink | silicone-based | 2.8–4.7 oz | none available | from $20.95 |
| Astroglide | silicone-based | 3 oz | 4.4 out of 5 | around $13 |
To help with vaginal dryness due to menopause, a person may also consider the following:
- using vaginal moisturizers
- washing with nonperfumed soaps
- engaging in foreplay before intercourse
- trying vaginal estrogen products, such as a ring, tablet, or cream
- refraining from bubble baths and scented products in and around the vaginal area
- avoiding certain antihistamines, which can reduce vaginal lubrication
- trying phytoestrogen supplements, which can
reduce vaginal dryness
People with a history of estrogen-sensitive breast cancer should consult their doctor about whether phytoestrogen supplements are safe for them. Additionally, these supplements may include soy, nuts, seeds, and tofu and may not be suitable for individuals with allergies to these ingredients.
The following are common questions and answers about using lubricants for vaginal dryness due to menopause:
What causes dryness during menopause?
Vaginal dryness during menopause is due to hormonal changes, such as a reduction in estrogen, which can cause the vaginal walls to become thinner. When this happens, there are fewer moisture-producing cells in the vaginal walls, which can cause dryness and make the skin more fragile and reduce the vagina’s elasticity. This is called vaginal atrophy or atrophic vaginitis.
What can you use if you do not have lubricant?
A person may wish to try natural oils such as olive, virgin coconut, peanut, and vitamin E as alternatives to lubricants. Oils are not suitable for use with latex condoms or other latex birth control methods.
Additionally, oils can clog the pores in the skin and cause skin irritation and infections, or change the pH balance inside the vagina. However, the lubricating effect of oils can last longer than water-based lubricants.
A person may also wish to try aloe vera. Aloe vera is known for its moisturizing properties. However, some aloe vera products may contain alcohol, which is not suitable for use inside the vagina. Aloe may also cause some
- burning
- itching
- eczema
A person should check the ingredients of any lubricant they choose to make sure they do not use a product that may cause an allergic reaction.
Can a woman lubricate after menopause?
After menopause, the ovaries stop producing eggs, which leads to a decrease in the levels of estrogen in the body. Low levels of estrogen cause the skin and tissue of the vulva and vagina to become less elastic, and people may experience vaginal dryness.
Vaginal dryness affects around 50% of people who have gone through menopause. Some people may still experience adequate lubrication to avoid discomfort. However, others may need to purchase personal lubrication products.
How can I increase my lubrication during perimenopause?
People can do the following to increase vaginal lubrication:
- use water-based lubricants before sex
- use vaginal moisturizers that are suitable for internal use
- use soaps and washes that are fragrance-free
- engage in other sexual acts, such as clitoral stimulation and oral sex, before vaginal penetration
Vaginal dryness is a common symptom of menopause. It can be an uncomfortable symptom, affecting a person’s everyday life and making sex painful.
However, lubricants may help a person relieve the discomfort caused by vaginal dryness as they can moisturize the vagina and make sex more pleasurable. However, not all lubricants will be suitable for everyone, and a person should check the ingredients before making a purchase. Additionally, a person should check that a lubricant will not reduce the effectiveness of condoms or other forms of barrier birth control, or degrade sex toys.
If a person does not want to use lubricant, they may wish to consider alternatives such as vaginal moisturizers, creams, estrogen products, and supplements.