How do I choose my natural lubricant?

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 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.

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.

• 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.