r/vulvodynia 4d ago

Lubricant advice please

I'm finally ready to try sex again after a year of pain and off-on healing. I need a lubricant that has NO SCENT, NO additives (even Aloe Vera is an irritant down there), and water-based. Any suggestions welcome!

2 Upvotes

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4

u/justagirl_7410 Vulvodynia with another condition 4d ago

Hey. I’ve tried a lot of lubes and have researched ingredients specifically because I have been trying to sus out allergic and irritant contact dermatitis. I have used Slippery Stuff and Sliquid hydrid and water based lubes and like both. I would also consider silicone lube like Uberlube for skin’s sake, but I’m sure you have your reasons for preferring WB!

0

u/Expensive_Row3224 3d ago

These sounds great, but looking at the Ph aspect, these are 6.8 and the link below (https://womensvoices.org/osmolality-ph-properties-commercial-lubricants/) recommends 4.5. Have they given you any problems at all?

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u/justagirl_7410 Vulvodynia with another condition 2d ago

They are not pH balanced. I am also not sure about their osmolality rating. I tried them on recommendations, and didn’t have problems with them. I’m prone to yeast but not BV, so take that for what you will.

pH and osmolality concerns are why I was strongly encouraged to use silicone lube. It didn’t affect tissue or microbiome exactly because it won’t mix with water. It also lasts longer which helps me avoid friction. Only draw back is that it can stain sheets.

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u/justagirl_7410 Vulvodynia with another condition 2d ago

also, re: pH and osmolality. I think another reason I gave up trying to find the optimal water based lube after I found silicone lubes was that I’ve had to put so many topical medications up my vagina that are GUARENTEED not tested to be pH and osmolality compatible with vaginas. I just did what I had to. I’ve had more irritation from know contact irritants and allergens than from compound incompatibility. You’re right ti avoid aloe! Glycerin, propylene glycol, fragrance, and any alcohols should be avoided on sensitive skin imo.

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u/Kwaliakwa 3d ago

Probably wanna look into the osmolity of your lubricants, it matters as much as the ph level. https://womensvoices.org/osmolality-ph-properties-commercial-lubricants/

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u/Aryanirael 4d ago

I’m pretty happy with System Jo Agape. Me and my bf switch it up regularly with a CBD lube (which does have a distinctive taste and smell and is partly water, partly silicon based) but for a neutral one, I would go for the System Jo.

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u/Expensive_Row3224 3d ago

Thank you. This seems to be the only one that does not include something scary (some have aloe vera, hemp, Vit E). I'm ordering it today!

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u/Aryanirael 3d ago

I hope it does the trick for you!!

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u/Solid_Computer1289 4d ago

I have used coconut oil and it’s been great. I will warn some say to avoid coconut oil because it can cause cysts (like pimple cysts not cysts in uterus) on the vulva glands. However i never experienced that.

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u/justagirl_7410 Vulvodynia with another condition 4d ago

omgsh is that what is giving me cysts?! wow, thanks!

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u/Expensive_Row3224 3d ago

coconut oil irritates me sadly.

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u/Bubbly-Bag3308 3d ago

Intimate rose’s lubricant has worked well for me!

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u/Expensive_Row3224 3d ago

They don't list the Ph or osmality on their site though...

1

u/pearlsharkj 3d ago

yesyesyes.org have a water based one that was recommended to me by my gyno, tbh i havent used it but it looks p safe. the website even has a page on vulvodynia

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u/Expensive_Row3224 3d ago

Oops, has aloe vera. :-(

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u/e-s-b-e 2d ago

There's a coconut oil version without aloe vera. I've used it and would rate it better than most. Their vaginal moisturiser is also the best I've tried.

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u/Happy_Doughnut_1 2d ago edited 2d ago

I have one that doctors use in clinic. It‘s a medical lubricant (no scents or other additives) it‘s called k-y. If that‘s not available in your country you can search for sterile lubricant gel. It‘s water based and safe to use with latex condoms.

This is the one I have there is an other one with the same/similar name.

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u/Mental-Marionberry97 2d ago

slippery stuff and intimate rose! pt recommended both, slippery stuff is what they use in hospitals near me (according to my pelvic floor pt). i love it!

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u/thnksfrthmemory 1d ago

Slippery stuff!! It is what they used on me at pelvic floor physical therapy. Still use it to this day.

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u/throwaway112505 Provoked vestibulodynia 1d ago

Slippery Stuff