Vaginal moisturizers are used regularly over time, not specifically in the moment of a sexual encounter. Over-the-counter moisturizers can be inserted into the vagina to add a protective barrier, coating the vulnerable lining. Improved moisture lessens discomfort, similar to using moisturizers on your face or legs. But choosing the right product can be complicated and confusing. Walk down the feminine products aisle of your local pharmacy or open the sexual health tab while online shopping and you’ll find a dizzying array of products with varying marketing claims. What’s the difference between a vaginal lubricant and a moisturizer? Do I need both? Are certain types or brands better than others?

K-Y Sterile Lubricating Jelly 82g Single | Barrier Healthcare

K-Y Lubricating Jelly from Johnson & Johnson is a water-soluble personal lubricant. Most doctors recommend K-Y Jelly as water-based K-Y Jelly is safer and more effective than other lubricants. It is clear, non-greasy and easy to handle. K-Y Jelly is the perfect supplement to your natural moisture; it heightens sexual pleasure by ensuring lubrication and comfort during sex. Both lubricants and moisturizers can help women dealing with vaginal dryness, which can make sex painful. But they’re used in different ways and serve different purposes. Causes of vaginal drynessHistory of cancer therapy. Especially if you’ve had chemotherapy or radiation, your vaginal tissue may have been affected. See the Women’s HealthSource post on “Sexual function after cancer.” Barrier Healthcare - A Medical Supply CompanyBarrier Healthcare, established in 1993 as a medical supply company, has over the last If you’re experiencing vaginal dryness for any of these reasons, a lubricant or moisturizer (or both!) may help. Lubricants vs. moisturizers Many of the lubricants with additives that try to “stimulate or arouse,” can cause burning discomfort, so I would encourage you to avoid those products, especially if you are already dealing with vaginal discomfort.

K-Y Jelly Water-Based Lubricant | K-Y - K-Y USA

Lubricants reduce friction. Friction is the resistance that one surface or object encounters when moving over another. Lubricants assist with high-friction sexual activity and can lessen pain or discomfort. A main reason to use these products is to make sex more comfortable, but they can also assist with arousal and pleasure. Lubricants are used when you need them — at the time of a sexual encounter. History of sexual activity. If it’s been a while since you’ve had sex, your tissue will need time to respond and become more elastic. While it’s not quite “use it or lose it,” it’s important to listen to your body and be patient as the tissue responds to being stretched.Menopause is a major culprit behind vaginal dryness for many women. With a change or loss of estrogen, surface (mucosal) cells change, often described as “thinning,” but this can be a reduced number of cells, loss of cell lubrication and decreased vaginal elasticity. Breastfeeding. While you’re breastfeeding, you may need to use lubricants because of the hormonal changes affecting your vaginal lining. Moisturizers require frequent — 3 to 7 times a week — and consistent use. Also, you must use moisturizers multiple times a week for many weeks to see results. If you stop, the symptoms of dryness or discomfort will likely return. If pain persists