When you’re looking for the best vaginal moisturizers and lubricants, it can be an awkward topic to research. The vagina is something not talked a whole lot about. Even among women the topic may be a little uncomfortable and too personal. We may even squirm when talking about our vaginas to our own gynecologist! I mean they see LOTS of them…I wonder what they think of mine. However, we don’t need to be shy to talk about a part of us that did the MOST AMAZING thing – bring another human into the world!
Well, today we are going to talk about the best vaginal moisturizers and lubricants. Why? Because a lot of women experience pain in their vaginas postpartum due to dryness. Let’s dig into this topic a little more to understand why dry vaginas happen, the best products to help with that, and find out the difference between vagina lubricants and moisturizers.
Vaginal Dryness Postpartum
First of all, I want you to know that pain in your vagina postpartum is experienced by lots of women. It is a very normal thing that happens after giving birth, even though it may not be discussed a lot. So be encouraged by that! No, you are NOT the only one!
In order for you to understand why your vagina is dry postpartum, we need to talk about a specific hormone involved – estrogen! You may think of estrogen as the “female” hormone that makes us moody and bleed. However, there’s more to it than that.
During a woman’s pregnancy, her body produces more estrogen than any other time of her life! Estrogen skyrockets when pregnancy starts. It’s responsible for morning sickness, supports the developing baby, and keeps things healthy and growing inside.
However, after you give birth, estrogen falls off the face of the earth. Well, the levels of estrogen in your body drop. I mean, your body produces next to NO estrogen after you give birth!
What does that have to do with your vagina? Estrogen is responsible for sexual arousal and vaginal lubrication. If you haven’t been feeling in the mood, low estrogen could play a part in that. If you’re experiencing pain during sex (which is also common among postpartum women), low estrogen could also be the reason for that (however, there can be other reasons for pain during sex. Be sure to talk to your doctor with anything that concerns you regarding your vagina!)
Low estrogen means next to no vaginal lubrication, which means a dry vagina!
Here’s another interesting fact. If you breastfeed, your estrogen will remain low until you ween your baby. For some mothers, this can be alarming. “Do I have to live with a dry vagina for a full year?!”
The answer is no! Here’s now you can overcome this situation.
Best Vagina Moisturizers And Lubricants
Just like you put lotion on your hands and face to help your skin stay healthy, there are vagina moisturizers and lubricants to help relieve vaginal dryness.
What’s the difference between moisturizers and lubricants?
Vagina moisturizers help bring plumpness and thickness back to the layers of skin in your vagina.
Lubricants are more of a quick fix that you use right before some fun between the sheets. Vagina lubricants can help the vagina not feel so dry in the moment, but they will not help the layers of skin like a moisturizer can.
What To Look For?
Here’s what to look for in any moisturizer or lubricant you purchase.
- Frangrance-free
- hyaluronic acid – provides deeps hydration to the tissue and allows for the vagina tissue to be more elastic. This prevents extra rubbing and irritation on dry vaginas!
- pH balance/level – how acidic or basic something is. Vaginas have a pH range of 3.8 – 4.5
- Organic/all natural
- Parabens free, etc.
Best Vaginal Moisturizers And Lubricants For Postpartum Dryness
AH! Yes VM Vaginal Moisturizing Gel
I will be upfront with you about AH! Yes VM Vaginal Moisturizing Gel. It says “moisturizing” but it’s really a lubricant. I’m not sure why they did that, but this product is a gel that eases vaginal dryness. It may work best for those experiencing pain or discomfort during intercourse.
This product really does work to bring relief. We love the fact that this moisturizing gel is organic, has pH balanced gel, hypoallergenic and is unscented!
What We Love About It
- Organic – no harsh chemicals or other skin irritants
- pH balanced gel
- Unscented
- Hypoallergenic
What We Don’t Like About It
- It’s advertised as a moisturizer but it’s really a lubricant. However, it has brought relief to lots of women who experience vaginal dryness.
Good, Clean Love
My midwife recommended Good, Clean Love to me after I told her about my vaginal dryness after giving birth.
This product is one that I have tried and like. It is a moisturizing gel that is water-based, hypoallergenic, and made with Hyaluronic Acid. Hyaluronic Acid has been scientifically shown to bring hydration back to the skin.
What We Love About It
- Recommended by midwives
- Made with Hyaluronic Acid
- Hypoallergenic
- pH balanced gel
- Paraben free
- Artificial scent free
What We Don’t Love About It
- The applicator may be uncomfortable for some to use
- The gel is a little runny, but that helps it not clump together
- There may be a slight burning sensation in the vagina after application. However, for most women this fades after a few seconds.
Like What You’ve Found? Pin It!
Replense Long-Lasting Vaginal Moisturizer
Replense Vaginal Moisturier is a brand recommended by doctors. It is long-lasting, estrogen free, and helps bring moisture back to the vagina.
Many women have had better experience with this product than others. It seems to bring more satisfaction for the price it is than other moisturizers.
It is a little pricey, but some may find the quality worth it.
What We Love About It
- Doctor recommended
- Has better quality than some other moisturizers
- Easy use applicator
What We Don’t Love About It
- A little pricey, but some may consider the price worth the quality
- Estrogen free – so not for women who are looking for a product with estrogen
Oil option – Key E Suppositories
These Key E Suppositories are another option for vaginal lubrication. These capsules are easy to use. No applicator needed. You gently insert the capsule in the vagina and the capsule will melt away. The vitamin E oil does a great job making everything slippery. Vitamin E is also great for the skin, so you get lubrication and healing all in one.
NOTE ON OIL OPTIONS – oils may break down the latex in condemns! Stay away from oil-based moisturizers or lubricants if you want to avoid pregnancy.
What We Love About It
- No applicator needed
- Simple and easy to use
- Brings quick lubrication and relief to the vagina
- Made with Vitamin E
What We Don’t Love About It
- Oil capsules can be messy, so just be prepared for that.
- Some have found the packaging to be difficult to open.
- They say latex condoms can break down in the presence of oil! Be aware of this point if you’re using condoms as a contraceptive!
K-Y Liquibeads Vaginal Moisturizer – Capsules
If you’re not sold on the Vitamin E capsules mentioned above, the liquibeads by K-Y may be a good alternative. They are still capsules, but without the oil. There is lots of consumer satisfaction with this vaginal moisturizer, and very little complaints.
These capsules contain a silicone based lube that is compatible with rubber latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms. So you don’t have to worry about the condom breaking apart due to the presence of oil!
Also, what’s nice about these capsules is that they can give you lasting vaginal lubrication for up to 48 hours.
What We Love About Them
- Easy capsules that dissolve quickly
- Offers lasting lubrication
- Free from perfumes, alcohols, hormones or parabens
What We Don’t Love About Them
- Some may not like the idea of putting silicone inside their vagina.
Summary
Experiencing vaginal dryness postpartum is VERY common. Even among women who had a C-section experience dry vaginas. That’s because it’s related more to the hormone estrogen, than with the vagina itself.
Purchasing a vaginal moisturizer or lubricant can help ease the discomfort or pain you experience. Remember, moisturizers tend to penetrate more layers of the vagina and bring elasticity back. Lubricants are more of a quick fix in the moment. They help ease the dryness in the vagina, but don’t bring long-lasting effects.
Also, remember to talk to your doctor about ANY concerns you may have regarding your vagina.
Leave A Comment Below!
What take-away did you gain from this article? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Want To Know More?
If you would like to learn more about perineal and vaginal health, check out these related articles below!
Best Kegal Balls For Strengthening The Vagina
How A Strong Vagina Impacts Women’s Health
Perineal Tears: Prevention And Care
The Pelvic Floor Wand – How To Relax And Massage The Pelvic Floor Muscles