While everyone knows some ways that menopause and aging affect a woman’s body — can anyone say wrinkles or hot flashes? — many women are embarrassed to discuss painful intercourse resulting from vaginal dryness.
It’s especially frustrating when the natural vaginal lubrication a woman is used to “dries up,” making it so much more difficult to enjoy what can be one of life’s great rewards — sex after 50!
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While there are medical solutions to consider for vaginal dryness, this special report addresses the easiest short-term fix for painful intercourse owing to female dryness, a solution strongly recommended by Dr. Pepper Schwartz, author of Great Sex after 50: A Woman’s Guide to Getting Her Mind, Body and Relationship Ready for Pleasure: vaginal lubrication.
In fact, according to Dr. Schwartz, the potential benefits of vaginal lubricants extend beyond the immediate, short-term effects:
“Using a vaginal lubricant often acts to ‘prime the pump’ and your body may start lubricating on its own again. Plus, once you start having sex, you awaken the hormones in your body. In some cases, the more sex and arousal you have (by any means), the more likely those vaginal tissues are likely to get in shape or stay in shape.”
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The best over-the-counter vaginal lubricants
If you haven’t shopped for vaginal lubricants recently, you’re in for a pleasant surprise. Your neighborhood pharmacy stocks a lot more of them than it used to.
Whether you prefer a vaginal lubrication that feels natural, one that is as slippery as possible, or one that’s a little thicker and addresses thinning vaginal walls that might be causing painful intercourse, you can find an appropriate product.
Here are some products that were recommended by women over 50 on the VibrantNation.com website:
- Liquid Silk – Favored by many post-menopausal women. Better for women as vaginal lubrication than it is for men (and their own needs).
- Carrageenan – “Here’s why I like it: it’s all natural and feels like me. It’s the only all natural lubricant I’ve found that actually works. It has no smell or taste, either.”
- Replens – A unique, estrogen-free and long-lasting vaginal moisturizer. One application can last three days. As one VibrantNation.com member said, “I like the products like Replens, which allow use three times per week. Then whenever the opportunity presents itself, I can be ready.” With regular use, Replens provides continuous vaginal moisture for most women.
- Astroglide – “My personal favorite is Astroglide, and yes, it does make things glide. Works better on toys too. Just add a little water if the lube starts to dry out.”
- OH! Warming Lubricant – “Emerita makes a product called ‘OH! Warming Lubricant’ which can help fuel the ‘fire down below’ in a gentle, sensual way while providing ‘natural’ lubrication.”
- K-Y Jelly – The grandmother of all vaginal lubricants now offers a wide range of products, from “Moisture Enhancing Silk-E” to “His and Hers” products. One VibrantNation.com member says, “It’s like liquid Teflon.”
| FREE REPORT: Best Vaginal Lubricants After 50: Our Favorite Personal Lubricants, Female Moisturizers and Natural Solutions to Female Dryness download this FREE Report for advice from Vibrant women who've been there. |
Buying vaginal lubricants online
If you’re shy about checking out vaginal lubricants at the drugstore, you can shop for them online at women-friendly, sex product retailers such as the following:
- GoodVibrations.com
- A-Womans-Touch.com
- TabuToys.com
Spend as much time as you want exploring these private, online retailers. These websites offer lots of valuable information, and employ sensitive, devoted telephone salespeople for women — just like you.
Shy about getting started with vaginal lubricants for overcoming the female dryness that causes painful intercourse?
You may have purchased vaginal lubrication, you may even have tried several out and found your favorite. But like many women, you may be shy about asking your partner to use vaginal lubricants with you. So, how should you introduce this new product into your sex life?
Women who have traveled this path have two suggestions. First, invite your partner to apply the lubricant. Seeing how it works will probably turn him on, too, and encourage him to make it part of your sex play.
Another way to introduce vaginal lubricants, suggested by a VibrantNation.com member, is to “Try using some on him during foreplay. The way your hands will slide should make a believer out of him. If he is still resistant, try putting some lube on your inner lips when you are planning to have sex.”
For more information about enjoying sex after 50, download our free report: Top 5 treatments for vaginal dryness and dyspareunia (sexual intercourse pain).
Kudo's to you Alicia! Wow you've accomplished quite a lot in your life and you will with dating too at some point. Hang in there! Hugs back! Lisa
tried this (as well as the Garnier tinted moisture) in vacation last week ... Liked the Garnier better, but this provides more coverage and does indeed stay on through everything ... not heavy or greasy ... covers my rosacea. Not sure it will be my e
My parents divorced when I was ten and I always felt like my lack of self esteem most have something to do with my Dad's absence but then one day when I was in my firths my mother said or did something that made me realize she was emotionally abusive
Holy crap! What a sad story. Congrats on overcoming that hurdle. Wow.
How I would handle it. FIrst, I would get into therapy; that could go a long way to helping you and your difficulties.
Second (boundaries are necessary in life)..when your kids call for advice, I would FIRST ask them what their thoughts are an
The caution with lubricants: many women have reactions to Glycerin – can cause simple itching or urinary tract issues – be sure to cleanse thoroughly afterwards. A lubricant without glycerin works best for many – however there are also the issue of parabens in so many brands and most women have no idea of these things.
As with anything that you would put in your mouth – read the label, try small amounts at first – if you don’t like it then toss it out.
This article should have been about vaginal moisturizers. Lubricants are used during intercourse, moisturizers during the week. So much to say on this subject too little time. If you want an article or more information on this subject please contact me.
Susana Mayer, Ph.D.
Board Certified Clinical Sexologist
http://www.SusanaMayer.com
If none of the sites recommended are comfortable for you, or you’d like more conversation or information about midlife sexuality, you can also visit MiddlesexMD.com.