Many women today believe that lubricants or moisturizers for the vaginal area are only for sexual pleasure. And while that is certainly a factor, there are other reasons to include a vaginal moisturizer in your self-care routine. The most important one among them is for your daily comfort and ease. The conversation around women’s health, especially reproductive health, is one that all women should be a part of. Here’s why a vaginal moisturizer is a critical part of that conversation.
Vaginal Dryness and Its Causes
The most commonly discussed cause of vaginal dryness is the hormonal shift that occurs during the menopausal years. Estrogen and testosterone levels both start dropping for women in their 40s (and sometimes in their 30s), and this causes a thinning of the skin. Vaginal elasticity also lessens, so sex can become painful and something women start avoiding. Even women who once thoroughly enjoyed sexual intercourse find themselves putting it off due to discomfort.
It is also common for women to experience vaginal dryness while breastfeeding or if they haven’t had sex in a long time. In any event, having dry skin in such sensitive areas isn’t just disruptive for your sex life. It can also cause itching and discomfort as part of daily life. In the worst-case scenario, vaginal dryness can lead to urinary tract infections. This is because the bad bacteria on the vaginal walls don’t “flush out” like they normally would.
So you see, increasing lubrication and moisture is not just a part of an active and healthy sex life. It’s a critical part of taking care of yourself as a woman experiencing this common reproductive health issue. Taking it seriously now can prevent future issues with your physical health as well as allow you to heat things up in the bedroom.
Moisturizers and Lubricants: What’s the Difference?
So, which should you get then: vaginal moisturizers or lubricants? Interestingly enough, many women don’t even have this discussion with their partner, much less with their healthcare provider. In many cases, men are the ones who shop for and provide lubricant for sexual activity. This is because sex without lubrication is not pleasant for either party. But the reality is that lubrication, in general, is made specifically for that: sexual activity.
Sexual lubricants are ideal for the immediate purpose of facilitating sexual friction for pleasure. It can eliminate pain and discomfort and even stimulate arousal before sex, so that you’re more interested in moving forward. Lubricants wear off relatively quickly, however, so they’re not great in terms of a daily routine.
That’s where vaginal moisturizers come in. These products are designed like lotion for the rest of your body. They help keep the skin lubricated daily and also help increase elasticity. As a bonus, they support a healthy sex life. The right vaginal moisturizer should reduce pain and discomfort, if not eliminate it. And to use it, you simply rub it into your vaginal area with clean fingers, just like you would a face cream on your face.
Why a Vaginal Moisturizer Should Be Part of Your Tool Kit
By now, it should be clear why a vaginal moisturizer should be part of your self-care routine. This isn’t to say that you should not also use sexual lubricants at the moment of sexual intercourse. There’s no reason not to have both. The point here is that keeping your vaginal area well cared for is a natural part of women’s health. And finding and using the right vaginal moisturizer is a great tool for that care.
As you age, you’re likely investing in powerful creams, lotions, and oils for your skin, hair, and nails. It’s a wonderful way to indulge yourself and help keep yourself feeling vibrant. A vaginal moisturizer is no different. And having great sex should be part of that self-care. Indeed, 74% of sexually active older women report being sexually satisfied. You should be in that group.
Beyond the Surface: Other Steps and Lubricants You Can Use Toward Ending Vaginal Dryness
It’s important to note that even the best lubricants and moisturizers are only going to help with symptoms. They won’t address the causes of vaginal dryness. But you can take other measures to help reduce vaginal dryness in the long term. These include eating more healthy fats like avocados, salmon, and sweet potatoes, which contribute to increased moisture in your body. You can also add more estrogen-producing foods to your diet, like edamame and seaweed.
And of course, if you smoke, stop immediately. Smoking is a major contributor to vaginal dryness, among other health concerns. You can also increase your levels of exercise and work to reduce stress, both of which can help you relax more, control your hormones, and feel more frisky in the bedroom.
In the end, the most important thing for women is that they feel empowered in their bodies. Aging is a natural part of life; everyone who keeps living gets to experience it. So it’s important that you walk into the next stages of life with your head high and your body feeling great. Having soft, supple, moisturized skin is a big part of that. Your vagina will thank you.
