The Best Lube For Pregnancy, Postpartum, Menopause & All Your Kinks: A guide to the slippery stuff
You’re standing in the drug store, looking at the endless aisles of goo, trying to find the best lube for: pregnancy, postpartum, menopause, anal, or just some alone time with yourself … okay and maybe with a battery-powered friend. But where do you start? Is it safe? Do you even need it?
After working with hundreds of pelvic health physiotherapy clients asking these same questions, I decided we all need some guidance and specific product recommendations to boot.
SKIP TO THE LIST of my fave lubricants
Why use lubricant?
According to a 2009 Indiana University study of 2,453 women (that’s right, we’re talking about her pleasure), participants reported that, more than 70 percent of the time, lube made sex more pleasurable and enjoyable.
Lubricant is not just for women in menopause or those lacking in the natural lubricant (aka vaginal fluid) department. It can, quite literally, enhance your pleasure whilst also reducing that “I feel like I just got kicked in the crotch” feeling after a particularly lengthy romp.
I mean - if I was looking for that type of feeling I could just visit a donkey at the neighbouring farm. Hard no.
Additionally, using lubricants doesn’t mean you’re not aroused - think of it as a short cut. The “we have to get out the door in 5min” magic sauce.
This article is here to demystify the different types of lubricants and land on the cleanest most well-loved lubricants that you can try for yourself.
First, let’s dive into the different types of lubricants because not all lubricants are created equally.
Different types of lubricants:
1. Tingling, flavoured, hot, cold and weird lube
Let’s come in hot by talking about tingling, flavoured, temperature-changing goo.
It’s just not the vibe, sis. They sound fun but can be:
irritating
lead to infection
and quite frankly are usually full of crappy, horrible ingredients that you don’t want in your vagina (or mouth for that matter).
Highly recommend skipping the ones that look like they’d be too much fun… because they probably are. I’ve got some better recommendations for you below.
2. Water-based - the every (wo)man’s lube
The most common choice for lubricant for obvious reasons and can be used for all types of sex from self-pleasure to vaginal to anal, and whatever else you’re into. Usually referred to as the best lube for pregnancy, water-based lubricants are safe with:
condoms
silicone toys
plastic toys
diaphragms and beyond.
Users also say that water-based lubricants feel the most like natural lubricants, when used.
As far as the aftermath is concerned, clean-up is easiest with a water-based lube. From your sheets to your toys and your body - you’re not going to have stains or goopy mess left over after the fun bits have subsided.
The main drawback of using a water-based lubricant is its staying power. You may need to reapply due to its water base because water - well it evaporates.
Plain and simple. If you need something to get the party started - water-based is your girl. If you need something to keep the party going - water-based can still be your girl, just have that bottle handy.
3. Silicone-based lubricants - when you need that extra slip
Often referred to as “the anal-sex lube”, silicone lubricants can be really helpful in areas that either do not get naturally wet (such as the rectum), have limited vaginal secretions or need some staying power.
Thicker than its water-based competitor, silicone can provide a very slippery environment that is still latex friendly and doesn’t dissipate as quickly as a water-based lubricant would.
Due to this “staying power”, this type of lube has the potential to wreak havoc on anything from your lingerie to your sheets and even your carpet and flooring.
Keep in mind: Silicone-based lubricants cannot be used with other silicone products as they begin to break down from the silicone on silicone action. Vibrators, dildos, pelvic wands, and other items containing silicone are a no-go with silicone lubricants.
4. Oil-based lubricants - it’s in your kitchen
A more traditional and even convenient choice to be sure, oil-based lubricants have been long used and include anything from an oil-based petroleum product to household products such as coconut or even olive oil.
Oil-based lubricants in some ways seem the more natural choice, however, they can have quite the effect on your vaginal ecosystem. Research shows that oil-based lubricants can increase your risk of yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis and general discomfort post-coital.
Some examples of oil-based lubricants you might have access to in your home are:
olive oil
coconut oil
aloe vera
sweet almond oil
avocado oil
Keep in mind: Oil-based lubricants cannot be used with condoms as they rupture latex. This is, obviously, a problem for those using condoms as a means of contraception or trying to protect themselves from sexually transmitted infections.
My lubricant faves!
Below is a list of my favourite slippery stuff I recommend to my pelvic physio clients. They aren’t full of crap, they’re well-researched and widely loved - because we want to take good care of your sensitive spots.
It’s worth noting that a lot of the brands that are spotlighted below often have different formulations to choose from (oil vs silicone vs water-based) but, they are all trusted brands so that would be a good place to start if you're looking for a different material.
Conclusion
No matter what your reason is for wanting lube; be it with a friend or flying solo, it’s an easy way to turn down the friction and turn up the pleasure.
Hope I’ve shed some light on the different types of lubricants and the best lube for pregnancy, postpartum, menopause and all your kinks. If you can’t find these babies in-store, well.ca is usually a good place to start as well as a good old-fashioned Google search.
Happy sliding!
Here for you and your hive,
-Laine
Please Note: This blog post provides some suggestions for the use of sexual lubricants that can be tested out individually for tolerance and application. Each individual must make their own decision concerning the lubricant that is best suited for them. Generally, lubricants that are free from parabens and propylene glycol are desirable for optimum vulvar health. Lubrication does not provide any protection against pregnancy and/or sexually transmitted diseases. Please consult your health care professional (doctor, midwife, nurse practitioner or nurse) with regards to pregnancy questions and protection against sexually transmitted diseases.
THE LIST: Okay here we go, and enjoy.
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The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists – Vaginal Dryness? Here’s What You Need to Know - https://www.acog.org/womens-health/experts-and-stories/the-latest/experiencing-vaginal-dryness-heres-what-you-need-to-know
The Journal of Sexual Medicine - Association of Lubricant Use with Women's Sexual Pleasure, Sexual Satisfaction, and Genital Symptoms - https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1743609515332562
The American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists - Barrier Methods of Birth Control – FAQs - https://www.acog.org/womens-health/faqs/barrier-methods-of-birth-control-spermicide-condom-sponge-diaphragm-and-cervical-cap
The National Library of Medicine - Intravaginal practices and risk of bacterial vaginosis and candidiasis infection among a cohort of women in the United States - https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23635677/
Health - Are Vaginal Moisturizers Effective? And Do You Need One? - https://www.health.com/condition/sexual-health/moisturize-your-vagina
About the Author: Laine Wall
If you are looking for a pelvic physio, I would love to help you on your pelvic health journey.
I work out of, and own, a pelvic physiotherapy clinic called The Hive Pelvic Health Co. in Millbrook, Ontario and also offer virtual appointments if you reside in Ontario, Canada.
Have more questions? Get in touch with me.
The Hive Pelvic Health Co. is located in the township of Cavan-Monaghan, in Peterborough County; and is less than 20 minutes from the city of Peterborough and 30 minutes from Durham region.
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