How do I choose my natural lubricant?

There are vaginal moisturisers to relieve chronic vaginal dryness on a daily basis and vaginal lubricants, used in cases of age-related dyspareunia (chronic pain in women or men during intercourse), but widely used by couples of childbearing age for sexual comfort.

Lubricants are applied just before or during intercourse. They provide short-term relief from vaginal dryness and associated pain. Vaginal moisturisers are designed to rehydrate dry mucosal tissue over the long term.

Causes of vaginal dryness

Vaginal dryness is the absence or lack of lubrication of the vaginal mucosa. Without sufficient moisture, the vagina becomes painful during penetration. It can also make the vagina more vulnerable to gynaecological infections.

The cause: cyprin. Cyprine is a vaginal secretion produced by women when they are aroused. It is essential for sexual comfort. When its production is disrupted, we speak of vaginal dryness.

This is a common problem that can occur at different times in a woman's life. It occurs more often in women during periods of hormonal change (particularly when oestrogen levels are low), such as pregnancy, post-partum, breastfeeding, a change in contraception or the menopause.

In addition to hormonal imbalances, other factors may also be involved:

• Taking certain products has the side effect of drying out the vaginal mucosa:

• An unsuitable lifestyle or smoking

• Certain psychological factors: intense stress or worries in the relationship

• Infectious causes: vaginal infections or irritation caused by intimate hygiene that is too aggressive for the vaginal flora or by wearing trousers that are too tight.

• History of surgery or autoimmune diseases.

• Hygienic protection during your period: Disposable sanitary towels are largely made of plastic, and can therefore encourage the development of a breeding ground for vaginal dryness. Similarly, wearing panty liners on a daily basis dries out your mucous membranes, as do tampons, which also absorb some of the vaginal flora, upsetting its balance.

The first thing to do is toconsult your doctor or gynaecologist in the event of vaginal dryness, so that the appropriate response can be found to the identified cause.

Symptoms of vaginal dryness

Symptoms of vaginal dryness include:

• Redness around the external genitalia, characteristic of local inflammation;

• Burning and itching sensations, which can sometimes cause discomfort or even pain during sexual intercourse;

• Recurrent vaginal infections.

This has a significant impact on quality of life and libido.

After determining the cause of the problem, your gynaecologist or GP may suggest that you use a local lubricant , in the form of a gel or ovules to be inserted deep inside the vagina.

Intimate lubricants in the form of gels, available in pharmacies without prescription, rehydrate the vaginal mucosa before intercourse. They are applied directly to the entrance to the vagina.

When it comes to intimate hygiene, it's best to use a gentle cleanser with a slightly acidic pH to respect the vaginal flora. Intimate hygiene should be gentle.

How do I choose a natural lubricant?

The vaginal flora is a complex and fragile ecosystem of bacteria. These "good" bacteria act as a protective shield for the vagina.This vaginal balance is fragile. The vaginal pH plays a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the flora: it must remain slightly acidic (between 3.8 and 4.5) toencourage the growth of these protective bacteria.

We must therefore always be vigilant about what is applied to the vaginal mucosa: perfumes, additives and lubricants that are too basic can upset the balance of this fragile ecosystem.

It's tempting to turn to a natural lubricant. But natural doesn't necessarily mean risk-free. Here are a few tips to help you find your way around:

• Choose the organic label, to avoid any risk of pesticides

• As far as possible, avoid ingredients derived from petrochemicals, such as parabens, silicones, mineral oils, sulphates and phthalates.Some of these ingredients are banned. As for the others, although they are used as preservatives or texture agents, their use is often controversial, both from an environmental point of view and in terms of skin balance (including vaginal flora).

• Read product labels carefully and be aware of ingredients suspected of being endocrine disruptors: those you might find in the composition of your intimate products are phthalates (plasticisers in many hygiene products), parabens (preservatives still widely used) and alkylphenols (foaming agents).

• The pH of the lubricant you choose should be close to that of your vaginal mucosa (i.e. slightly acidic).

• To be on the safe side, the product you use should have been tested as a vaginal lubricant.

• The shorter the list of ingredients, the better!

• As a precautionary measure, we strongly advise against applying essential oils to mucous membranes. Medical advice should always be sought before applying essential oils to mucous membranes, given the risks involved.

Natural water-based lubricants

These are the most widely used lubricants for smooth, pain-free sex. Easy to clean, they don't stick or stain. They dissolve quickly in water, so you don't need to use them in the pool, shower or bath. Another important advantage is that they are fully compatible with condoms, which is not the case with oil-based natural lubricants. Last but not least, a water-based natural lubricant should have a pH between 4 and 5 to preserve the acidity of the vagina and maintain its microbiota.

Aloe vera gel is a widely used ingredient in natural lubricants. Given its well-known healing, moisturising and anti-inflammatory properties, combined with its possible oestrogenic effect, aloe vera gel has been studied in comparison with oestrogen-based vaginal creams. A double-blind, randomised controlled trial was conducted on 60 post-menopausal women suffering from vaginal atrophy. Vaginal atrophy is a condition frequently associated with the menopause, with a number of symptoms that vary in severity from one woman to another: vaginal dryness, irritation, pain during intercourse, and so on. This study therefore showed that aloe vera could be as effective as oestrogen-based vaginal cream in managing vaginal atrophy in post-menopausal women.

Oil-based lubricants

Oily lubricants provide the gliding comfort and moisturising properties required during sexual penetration.

Their major advantage is that they do not alter the pH acidity of the vagina. The pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of an aqueous solution, defined by the concentration of hydrogen ions (H+) in the solution. Oil, being apolar, contains no free hydrogen ions and therefore cannot have a pH.

On the other hand, natural lubricants based on carrier oil are incompatible with the use of latex and polyisoprene condoms, which they render porous.

The carrier oils you choose must be 100% natural and preferably organic.

Components to avoid as lubricants

• Vaseline: commonly used as a lubricant, Vaseline is a petroleum derivative.

• Perfumed lubricants: If you suffer from frequent irritation and your skin is sensitive or even reactive, it's best to avoid perfumed lubricants. Most of the fragrances used contain allergens that could aggravate irritation.

• Saliva: contrary to popular belief, saliva has no real lubricating properties. While it may initially give this impression, it evaporates and can dry out the mucous membranes. Not to mention the fact that saliva is a factor in the transmission of infections and herpes. Lastly, saliva has a normal pH of between 6.2 and 7.6, which is fairly basic, whereas the vagina has a fairly acidic pH (between 3.8 and 4.5). Saliva can therefore unbalance the vaginal pH and therefore the vaginal flora.

• Moisturisers: although ideal for the face and body, they often contain perfume, silicones and other ingredients that are unsuitable for contact with the skin and mucous membranes of the genitals. Always choose suitable intimate cleansing products.

Here's a simple routine you can adopt to maximise sexual well-being and minimise vaginal dryness.

1. Use a mild, pH-neutral, fragrance-free soap to protect your intimate area. Avoid douching. Concentrate solely on the external parts of the vulva. The vagina can clean itself thanks to its acidic pH and the secretions it produces.

2. Use lukewarm water when rinsing. Water that is too hot can irritate the skin even more.

3. Dry with a clean towel, patting gently to absorb the moisture rather than rubbing.

4. If you feel the need to moisturise your private parts, use a local care product suited to the intimate area to moisturise your sensitive skin externally.

5. Opt for cotton or natural-fibre underwear and avoid tight-fitting clothes that can irritate the skin.

6. Last but not least, make sure you drink enough water throughout the day. To stay hydrated.

Hydration: drinking enough water is essential for maintaining optimal body hydration, including when it comes to vaginal lubrication.

A balanced diet: a diet rich in fatty acids, vitamin E and zinc contributes to vaginal health. Oily fish, oilseeds, carrier oils (linseed, rapeseed, olive, walnut, etc.) and green leafy vegetables should be eaten regularly. Vaginal dryness may be due to a lack of oestrogen, so if this is the case for you, certain foods are rich in phytoestrogens, such as soya and flax. They will help to increase the body's natural oestrogen levels.

Certain food supplements: to maintain the health of your mucous membranes and your skin, omega-3s, collagen and hyaluronic acid contribute to the overall hydration of your skin.

Prebiotics and probiotics: prebiotics and probiotics can help maintain the balance of vaginal flora by encouraging the growth of beneficial bacteria. Probiotics are found in fermented foods (sauerkraut, yoghurt, fermented drinks) or in food supplements. Prebiotics are found in the fibre in your diet, for example.

Kegel exercises: these are designed to strengthen the muscles of the perineum, which can improve sensitivity during intercourse.

Foreplay: gentle stimulation and prolonged foreplay can help increase natural vaginal lubrication.

Women may also experience irritation or tightness in the vagina, and recurrent urinary tract infections may occur as a result of weakened vaginal tissue. If these symptoms persist, it is advisable to consult a healthcare professional to assess the underlying causes and consider appropriate treatment.

Even if you choose a 100% natural, organic carrier oil, make sure it's suitable for use in the intimate area, as this will give you added safety. Whether you opt for a water-based or carrier oil-based natural lubricant, it's important not to overuse it.