The vagina naturally self lubricates when a woman is aroused. The natural lubrication can be stimulated through exploring foreplay activities before penetration. The lubrication reduces the friction during penetration, making intercourse more comfortable and enjoyable; it also reduces the feeling of irritation or soreness for both partners.
However, a lot of things can affect the vagina’s production of natural lubrication, including hormonal changes, menopause, ageing, or medication. The inadequate or lack of lubrication inside the vagina can cause dryness and damage to the vaginal lining.
There is no shame in trying artificial lubricants as they help intensify arousal and sexual pleasure. They also ensure your vaginal skin is soft and reduce the friction during penetration. In this article, you will learn about the benefits of using the gentle, water-based lubricant KY Jelly.
What Is KY Jelly?
KY jelly is a water-based, personal lubricant that mimics a woman’s natural lubrication. Since it is water-based, it does not react to latex condoms, diaphragms, or sex toys, unlike petroleum or oil-based lubricants. Moreover, it is odourless, colourless, and alcohol-free.
The main ingredients used in KY jelly are glycerol (glycerine) and hydroxyethylcellulose, which makes it water-soluble. It also includes chlorhexidine gluconate, gluconolactone, methylparaben, and sodium hydroxide as antiseptics and preservatives. If you are sensitive to any type of substance for fragrances, KY Jelly does not contain any added colours or perfumes.
Why Should I Use A Water-Based Lubricant?
Water-based lubricants are the most common types. They can either contain glycerin or not; having glycerin as an ingredient makes the lubricant have a slightly sweet taste.
The advantages of water-based lubricant are affordability, accessibility, and compatibility with condoms. Both types of water-based lubes can be found at any pharmacy at a low price. It does not typically stain your sheets, too! The pros of using a water-based lube without glycerin are that it is less likely to cause vaginal irritation and has a longer shelf life.
The disadvantage is it may trigger yeast infections due to its glycerin or sugar content. Meanwhile, glycerin-free lubricant can taste bitter and may affect your oral sex experience. Also, both with and without glycerin lubricants can be sticky or tacky after some time.
What Is KY Jelly Used For?
Like any artificial lubricants, both women and men can use KY Jelly either for intercourse or masturbation. It supplements women’s natural lubrication and men to make intercourse comfortable, pain-free, and more enjoyable.
Aside from being a lubricant for intercourse, it can also be a replacement for ultrasound gel, and as an aid during insertion of suppositories or tampons and during medical examinations.
Why Use Artificial Lubricant?
Although the vagina produces natural lubricant, certain factors can affect its production. Thus, causing dryness, irritation, and itching. Some of the most common causes of dryness are:
- Taking certain drugs, e.g., antihistamines and antidepressants
- Low water intake or dehydration
- Use hormonal birth control
- Excessive smoking of cigarettes
- Breastfeeding
- Currently in perimenopause or menopause
- An autoimmune disorder, e.g. Sjögren syndrome
- Undergoing chemotherapy
If there is dryness, it can cause intercourse or any type of penetration to be a pain and uncomfortable. At such circumstances, it is best to use artificial lubricants.
However, using lubricants is not exclusive to vaginal dryness. You can also use it for personal preference. It helps make intercourse more pleasurable as you and your partner will no longer have to experience pain from friction and irritation. Plus, it makes penetration more slippery and boosts sensitivity.
Aside from vaginal penetration, lubricants are also necessary for anal sex since there is no natural lubricant production on the area. Also, it adds a fun factor for oral sex. Since some lubricants like KY Jelly UK contain glycerol, it has a slightly sweet taste for that extra element.
