Q. I am going through menopause. Hot flashes don’t bother me much because they go away quickly. But I do have a problem with a lack of vaginal lubrication.
When my husband and I make love I find that intercourse can be painful. We have tried KY Jelly, but I don’t like it. Is there any other lubricant that might be helpful? Please don’t suggest estrogen, as I am not interested in hormonal therapy.
A. Several over-the-counter lubricants might work, including Astroglide, Maxilube and Replens. But many readers find an old-fashioned hand lotion very helpful for this problem:
“The Corn Huskers Lotion is terrific. I thought I was becoming impotent, but it turns out the problem was K-Y Jelly, which tends to become thick and sticky. The Corn Huskers Lotion worked great! It’s the best solution when you are aging and the natural fluids are not working.”
Here are some other responses and cautions from readers:
“We have used coconut oil for years and it works great too.”
EAE, May 27, 2011
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“Oh how I used to plagued by this problem of vaginal dryness. Then I was introduced to Oh My, a water-based, sugar-free, fragrance-free, natural vaginal lubricant with hemp made originally in Canada. You need only the smallest amount and, if inserted the night before, you are still okay to go the next morning! Best of all it has no odor and feels as close to natural excretions as anything I have found.
“Contains: water, vegetable glycerin, hemp seed oil, guarana extract, ginseng extract, hydroxyethly-celluose, sodium benzoate, tetradsdium EDTA, grapefruit seed extract and damiana extract.”
Bigi, Feb. 22, 2008
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“BE careful when choosing lubricants, choosing the wrong type can result in damaged condoms and unwanted pregnancy. There are 2 different bases… water and oil. Water based lubricants are safe to use with latex condoms while OIL-based ones can eat tiny holes in latex condoms, too tiny to be seen but big enough for microscopic sperm and or viruses (Stds) to pass thru.
“Corn huskers lotion appears to be a non-oil based lube but I’m not aware of any safety studies with it being studied for use with condoms lubricant. Coconut oil, is definitely an oil-based lubricant and would not be recommended if being used with latex condoms if pregnancy and std protection are needed. Always ask your pharmacist for help in choosing a condom-safe lubricant.”
Sandra C. Pharmacist in S.C., May 30, 2011
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Corn Huskers contains glycerine which is also an ingredient in other personal lubricants, so we’re not surprised that it’s helpful.
