Though vaginal dryness is a traditional symptom of perimenopause and menopause, it could actually nonetheless be irritating and painful.

First, let’s break down why it occurs. “Menopause brings a couple of important hormonal shift,” together with a drop in estrogen manufacturing, Amanda Olson, DPT, a bodily therapist who focuses on pelvic ground and sexual well being and the writer of Restoring The Pelvic Flooring, tells SELF. “Estrogen performs a vital function in pure lubrication, vaginal tissue elasticity, and blood movement—so, as ranges decline, the vaginal partitions can turn into thinner, drier, and fewer capable of retain moisture,” she says.

Additionally key? Hydration ranges. “Menopause might be accompanied by signs like scorching flashes and evening sweats, which might result in dehydration,” board-certified ob-gyn Sarah de la Torre, MD, tells SELF. “Dehydration impacts all mucosal tissues within the physique, together with the vagina, contributing to dryness.” Sure drugs—together with antidepressants and contraception tablets, which are sometimes prescribed to fight different menopause signs—could make the problem worse, she provides.

Much less pure lubrication could result in friction, irritation, and discomfort throughout intercourse, Dr. Olson says. Fortunately, utilizing the appropriate lube may help: “Retailer-bought lubricants can dramatically improve consolation and pleasure, serving to to mitigate any dryness or discomfort,” she explains.

Beneath, discover our favourite lubes for menopause that come extremely really useful by docs and intercourse specialists—plus, recommendation on how to decide on one of the best one on your bedside assortment.

Our high picks

What to think about when looking for lube

Earlier than you add a lube to your digital cart, you’ll need to ensure it could actually meet your distinctive wants and preferences. Right here’s what to bear in mind as you store.

How we picked the lubes on this record

First, we spoke with board-certified ob-gyns and some different specialists to get their suggestions for easy-to-use lubes that really feel nice and will not irritate your pores and skin. Then, we researched choices from widespread manufacturers like Cake, Stripes, and extra, paying particular consideration to their ingredient lists. I additionally included a few of my private favorites—and as somebody who’s examined over 100 lubes, I do know what makes one good (and never so good).

Store one of the best lubes for menopause

Browse expert-recommended picks from high manufacturers beneath.

Uberlübe Luxurious Lubricant

Execs

• Easy, long-lasting components
• Comprises soothing Vitamin E
• Modern bottle
• Versatile
• Unscented and latex-compatible

Cons

• Can’t be used with silicone toys or polyurethane condoms

A silicone-based product with simply 4 elements, “Uberlübe is among the most body-friendly lubes available on the market,” Dr. Howard says. The components accommodates vitamin E, an ingredient that may assist nourish and situation delicate pores and skin.

One other perk? You could not should reapply this decide: “It’s very lengthy lasting,” she says. And because it isn’t moist or sticky, it received’t have you ever making a beeline straight for the toilet to scrub up, she provides. This multipurpose gel may even be used on different physique elements, in response to Dr. Howard—easy it onto your thighs or underarms to stop chafing, and even attempt it as a hair wax (now that’s what we name a wise purchase).

Stripes Oh My Glide

Execs

• Modern bottle
• Non-sticky, long-lasting components
• Perfume- and flavor-free
• Pump dispenser is straightforward to make use of

Cons

• Can stain sheets and skivvies
• Not secure to make use of with latex limitations
• Expensive

Dr. de la Torre recommends that individuals in perimenopause search out a lubricant with coconut oil. “It is naturally moisturizing, light, and a fantastic choice for individuals who want one thing that’s skin-friendly and unlikely to trigger irritation,” she says. Stripes Oh My Glide is made with a mix of oils, together with coconut, avocado, and castor seed, that works extra time to revive moisture and relieve discomfort.

The components is flavor- and fragrance-free—plus, it stays slippery with out getting too sticky. “That is the right lubricant as a result of it feels utterly pure!” one Stripes Magnificence reviewer wrote. “It lasts lengthy and actually helps when wanted!” (Fast reminder: Oil-based lubes can’t be used with latex limitations—so for those who’re utilizing condoms along with your accomplice, attempt one of many different choices on this record.)

Coconu Oil-Based mostly Natural Lubricant

Execs

• Moisturizing coconut oil base
• Free from many potential irritants
• Works with most intercourse toys
• Amazon buyers like the graceful texture and impartial style

Cons

• Not suitable with latex limitations
• Expensive

Coconu’s oil-based lube is filled with nourishing oils and free from doubtlessly aggravating alcohol, petroleum, parabens, gluten, fragrances, and dyes. It’s considered one of Lisa Finn’s high picks for solo or partnered play (and he or she confirms it’s suitable with toys too). A number of issues to notice, in response to Amazon buyers: It feels tremendous comfortable (nearly silky), doesn’t have a lot of a style or scent to it, and just a little goes a very great distance.

Replens Silky Clean Silicone Private Lubricant

Execs

• Works with all limitations
• No style or scent
• Funds-friendly

Cons

• Texture could also be too skinny for some
• Not to be used with silicone toys

Mary Jane Minkin, MD, an ob-gyn at Yale-New Haven Hospital, recommends Replens to SELF for its extremely moisturizing components. The silicone base has a thinner really feel that’s comparable in texture to some water-based choices. Whereas it received’t provide the identical cushioning as extra gel-like lubes, it’s splendid for individuals who actually need to really feel their accomplice.

Good Clear Love Nearly Bare

Execs

• Protected to make use of with all toys and limitations
• Delicate-skin pleasant
• Thicker components
• Anal-safe

Cons

• Gentle lemon-vanilla scent could not enchantment to all

This water-based lube was beforehand really useful to SELF for these with delicate pores and skin by Rosara Torrisi, PhD, an AASECT-certified intercourse therapist and the founding director on the Lengthy Island Institute of Intercourse Remedy. It’s latex-safe and made with pH-balancing elements that may assist restore your vagina’s microbiome.

I like how pure and comfy this lube feels—I nearly at all times neglect I’ve slathered it on. Additionally good: It’s infused with aloe vera that soothes and gently moisturizes your pores and skin, Dr. de la Torre says.

Sliquid Satin

Execs

• Appropriate with toys and limitations
• Thick, for a water-based lubricant
• Tasteless and odorless
• Funds-friendly
• Bigger bottle than others on this record

Cons

• Some Amazon reviewers say it dries rapidly

Sliquid is to store-bought lubricant what Hitachi is to vibrators—learn: well-trusted. The model’s Satin components is a water-based choice that has a extra gel-like consistency.

“Its thickness permits it to carry to the partitions of the physique, offering a cushion that may make penetration extra snug,” Finn says. “Satin additionally accommodates aloe, so it may be used as a moisturizing lubricant or as a vaginal moisturizer exterior of intercourse,” she provides. Better of all, you don’t want a lot to get the job performed.

#LubeLife Extremely Slick Clean Silicone Lube

Execs

• Tremendous thick components
• Works for vaginal and anal play
• Protected to make use of with latex limitations
• Funds-friendly

Cons

• Can stain bedsheets, in response to Amazon buyers

Good news: Lube doesn’t should price an arm and a leg to be actually good, Catherine Hansen, MD, a board-certified ob-gyn and head of menopause at Pandia Well being, tells SELF. This budget-friendly, silicone-based one accommodates simply two elements (moisturizing dimethicone and dimethiconol, one other sort of slippery silicone) that work collectively to make intercourse extra snug.

It’s vaginal- and anal-safe, and you need to use it with latex condoms. Simply maintain it away from any silicone intercourse toys—and word that it could stain your sheets, in response to Amazon reviewers.

Playground Bare Love

Execs

• Comprises hydrating elements
• Free from potential irritants and fragrances
• Appropriate with intercourse toys and limitations
• Funds-friendly

Cons

• Some Playground reviewers say it dries rapidly

Analysis reveals that individuals going by menopause could also be susceptible to bacterial vaginosis (BV) as a result of as your hormone ranges drop, it’s simpler for the stability of fine and dangerous micro organism in your vagina to get thrown out of whack. That means: You could discover that your earlier go-to lubricant now causes irritation or a response.

When you’re on the lookout for a brand new one to attempt, this one from Playground is made with hydrating hyaluronic acid, moisturizing vitamin E, and citric acid (which helps stability your vagina’s pH). We just like the smooth bottle and easy-to-use pump—Playground buyers just like the slippery consistency and delicate skin-friendly components.

Cake Toy Surprise

Execs

• Thick, jelly-like consistency
• Will not drip everywhere
• Additionally nice for anal intercourse

Cons

• Gentle scent could not enchantment to all

Toy Surprise is a long-lasting lube that is designed for use with intercourse toys—together with these produced from silicone. After testing this one out, I observed that it is very thick and jelly-like (much like the consistency of shampoo), so it will not drip throughout you, your accomplice, or your sheets. Bonus: It’s additionally anal-safe, and you will not should consistently reapply it (take it from me).

Lubify Luxe Lube Neroli

Execs

• Handy pump high
• Airless tube is nice for journey
• System accommodates a number of moisturizing elements

Cons

• Scent is refined, however could not enchantment to all
• On the pricier facet

Luxe Lube Neroli “is a really well-formulated silicone-based lubricant that I extremely advocate,” says Dr. McBride. It is made with hero elements squalene, hyaluronic acid, and vitamin E to appease dryness, plus it has a handy pump high (and is available in a small tube that’ll match properly in your nightstand).

When you’re on the lookout for a lube you possibly can take with you on the go, this one is a pleasant alternative—the tube is airless, so it is much less prone to drip or explode in your suitcase. Simply word that neroli and cedarwood oils give it a slight scent.

Let’s Spin Intimacy Gel

Execs

• Comprises hydrating hyaluronic acid and aloe
• Non-sticky components
• Simple to make use of pump dispenser
• Modern bottle

Cons

This lube comes extremely really useful by Dr. de la Torre for its hyaluronic acid- and aloe-rich components, “which soothes and nourishes to calm irritation and promote consolation,” she says. “It additionally washes off simply and received’t depart any residue in your pores and skin or sheets.” We’re followers of the straightforward to make use of pump high, nonsticky really feel, and fancy bottle (completely definitely worth the funding, in our opinion).

pJur Again Door Silicone Anal Lubricant

Execs

• Is available in a bigger bottle than most different lubes on this record
• Waterproof
• Shouldn’t dry down cheesy

Cons

• Can’t be used with silicone butt plugs
• Costly

Consultants have really useful pJur’s anal lube to us prior to now for its reliability: “It stays put, which is strictly what you need if you’re within the second,” Emily Could, PhD, an AASECT-certified intercourse therapist and author at Non-public Sugar Membership, informed SELF. That features within the bathtub or bathe—the silicone-based components is waterproof.

It additionally has a fantastic texture and is straightforward to make use of, in response to Lovehoney buyers: “So good and slippery, I like the silky really feel of it!” one wrote. “I additionally like that it isn’t tremendous cheesy after it dries both.”