Ask around! Since “fertility-friendly” is still a pretty new label, getting recommendations from others who are trying to conceive is a good place to start, too. You may want to try out a few until you find the one that works best for you and your partner. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy.

Besides the base ingredients of oil, water, or silicone, lubes often have other ingredients to enhance their function. Aloe vera is a common one that provides natural lubrication and moisturization. Vitamin E is another commonly added ingredient with similar benefits to aloe vera. We appreciate that the bottle is discreet, so it’s easy to keep on your nightstand without anyone realizing it’s lube. Plus, it has a hand pump that makes dispensing it seamless. If you also use vaginal estrogen, do not use it on the same nights you use these moisturizers. For more information about vaginal estrogen, read the “Vaginal Estrogen” section. This medication comes in an oil-based vaginal suppository. Put it into your vagina every day at bedtime for 14 days. After 14 days, put it into your vagina 2 times a week at bedtime. Yes. In fact, more lubricant can help the condom do its job even better. Additional lubricant can reduce friction even further to minimize the chance of the condom breaking. It can also reduce the chance of irritation of delicate tissues which can lead to infection.Silicone: Don't contain any water or oils, last longer and are less likely to cause irritation. However, they are more expensive and aren't ideal for lower-grade silicone sex toys. Cons: Some people may have a reaction to aloe. Be aware of any redness, burning, or stinging that may occur. You can test aloe lube on the inside of your elbow for a few hours before putting it below the belt. Jess O’Reilly, PhD, is a Toronto-based sexologist and relationship expert as well as the co-author of The Ultimate Guide to Seduction and Foreplay. Over-the-counter vaginal and vulvar moisturizers do not have any hormones in them. You can buy them online or at your local pharmacy without a prescription. Another kind of moisturizer is a vaginal melt, also called a suppository (suh-PAH-zih-TOR-ee). This is a solid capsule (pill) that you put into your vagina with your fingers. Once the suppository is in your body, it melts and is absorbed.

Dr. Karyn Eilber, a urogynecologist who practices at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and co-founder of Glissant Intimate Wellness , which makes all-natural lubricants. Her practice focuses on women's pelvic health, including sexual wellness. She is also the editor and co-author of the newly released book, A Woman’s Guide to Her Pelvic Floor. Unfortunately, since it is silicone-based, it isn’t compatible with silicone sex toys; it can cause them to deteriorate over time. If that’s a dealbreaker for you, we recommend our best water-based lube, LOLA’s Personal Lubricant. Pros: These are great if you have pelvic floor overactivity. CBD works directly with the pelvic floor muscles and tissues to help them relax while providing the moisture needed from lube.Safe to use with condoms? Compatible with latex and polyisoprene condoms, but not with polyurethane condoms Hormone fluctuations during pregnancy, after delivery, and while pumping or breastfeeding can make things a little drier, even if you are mentally and emotionally ready to go. (Although vaginal dryness is very common, pain with intercourse is not and could be a sign that you would benefit from an evaluation by a pelvic floor PT). While plant-based glycerin is FDA-approved and generally considered harmless (along with sugar-free sweeteners, like sucralose), there are definitely flavored lubricants out there that aren't safe for penetration. Flavored lubes that contain petroleum jelly, for instance, can trap bacteria and cause yeast infections, while certain preservatives—like pentylene glycol, pethylhexylglycerin, and phenoxyethanol—can cause irritation for folks with sensitive skin. Smith also suggests avoiding flavored lubes with artificial flavors and colors if you plan to use it for vaginal or anal play.

Anal sex, like all sex, is not without risk, but a good lube can help make things safer, as well as way more fun. Oil-based lubes are usually made using natural oils such as vitamin E or coconut oil. They’re long-lasting and waterproof like silicone. They help with more severe dryness, says Dr. Eilber, but they are not compatible with latex condoms, and they could stain bedding and clothing. and below: We don't recommend lubes with this rating; you won't find any on our list. How We Selected the Best LubesThe ingredients are naturally hydrating so your skin will feel silky smooth when you’re done. It has a mild vanilla scent thanks to the vanilla flavor added, but nothing too strong. It’s even safe to swallow!

No. Fertility-friendly lube is made from ingredients that will not damage sperm, but it does not enhance the chances of pregnancy. Neither Pre-Seed brand nor any lube labeled as “fertility-friendly” will help you get pregnant. Is water-based lubricant safe for conception? These are suppositories that you put into your vagina with a disposable applicator. They work best if you use them at bedtime. Vaginal and vulvar moisturizers should be used before you go to bed. This is so the product can be fully absorbed when you’re lying down. If you’re sitting up, standing, or walking, the product can leak out of your vagina. Hydrating moisturizers help increase moisture (water) in your vaginal and vulvar tissues. This helps reduce dryness and keep your tissues moist. You can also use vaginal moisturizers on your vulva, including the inner and outer lips of your labia. Labia are the folds of skin around your vagina (see Figure 1). Put a small amount of moisturizer (about the size of a grape, or ½ of an applicator) on your finger. Then, gently rub the moisturizer into your vaginal opening and onto your labia.

Washes

If you choose to use an additional lubricant, make sure to choose one that is compatible with the type of condom you're using. Oil-based lubes do not pair well with latex condoms. There are so many different choices when it comes to choosing a lubricant. It can be hard to know which one will work for your needs! Not all lubes are created equal, so don’t be afraid to try multiple types to find what works best for you. Keep reading to find out which ones I personally recommend. Who would benefit from using lubricant? Again, flavored lubes often contain artificial flavoring, but you can opt for all-natural or organic ingredients if you're hoping to get the safest option. Look for natural lubes if you'd like to limit your exposure to chemicals, and if possible, avoid any formula that contains parabens or other potentially irritating preservatives.