Homemade lubricants: benefits and risks
Although they seem more natural and ecological, the use of homemade lubricants can produce allergic reactions, irritation, and, besides, cause the condom to break.
Perhaps you have thought about using homemade lubricants. Either because there is a lubrication problem or because you think it will make the practice more satisfying, perhaps you should first know the benefits and risks of using these types of lubricants.
Therefore, do not miss this article.
Lubricants
The vaginal dryness is a common problem that affects many women. Also, the causes can be many: from infections such as candidiasis, for example, to states of stress that prevent proper lubrication of the vaginal area.
In any case, the consequence is the same: that the sexual relationship is not as pleasant as we would like. Therefore, the use of lubricants is advisable to safely facilitate a painless and satisfying sexual encounter.
On the other hand, the World Health Organization (WHO) has established a series of criteria about the characteristics and requirements that these products must meet, indicating that, in general terms:
- They should not affect the integrity of the condom.
- Its effect must be long-lasting.
Thus, the lubricants available on the market meet these and other requirements, so that their use is safe. Now, does the same thing happen with homemade lubricants?
Homemade lubricants
Many women prefer to discard commercial lubricants and opt for more affordable, natural, and environmentally friendly home remedies, such as:
- Cooking oil
- Infusions (chamomile, for example)
- aloe vera
- Vaseline
- Body creams
- Saliva
- Yogurts
- Eggs
However, we must bear in mind that although some of them may provide temporary lubrication that allows for more pleasant sex, they are not without risks.
Also, we must remember that the vagina area is extremely sensitive. Inside is a vaginal microflora that can easily become unbalanced, causing even more problems. Therefore, we must bear in mind that homemade lubricants can affect vaginal health.
Risks of using homemade lubricants
Moisturizer and lubricant are not the same
Many women decide to opt for moisturizing body creams thinking that their texture may favor penetration or sex without discomfort. However, this is a serious mistake.
Indeed, moisturizers are usually quickly absorbed by the skin, so that lubrication will last for a minimum time, after which irritation may even appear. Furthermore, given the chemical composition of this type of cream, they can affect the integrity of the condom, damaging the latex and causing breaks.
They can cause infections
The use of saliva, for example, can lead to bacteria from the mouth reaching the most intimate area, if we use it as a lubricant.
Similarly, you should keep in mind that the use of other homemade lubricants such as yogurts, eggs, or cooking oil may not be eliminated after sexual intercourse. In fact, despite taking care of subsequent hygiene, there may be remains that cause infection.
They can cause condom breakage
Condoms are normally made from latex, which, although it is resistant, can be negatively affected by the use of other products.
Thus, while the lubricants on the market ensure the integrity of the condom, we cannot be sure concerning homemade lubricants. For example, the use of cooking oil or body creams can cause latex deterioration and condom breakage.
On the other hand, petroleum jelly, well known and used as a lubricant, presents numerous risks. It is not only made from petroleum and, therefore, can favor the breaking of the condom, but also can even cause bacterial vaginosis.
They can affect sperm
In general, commercial lubricants can affect sperm, so they are not usually recommended for couples trying to have children. Indeed, its composition and chemical characteristics (pH, osmolarity) can become toxic to sperm.
Fortunately, there are also specific lubricants on the market that promote the survival and vitality of sperm.
In the case of homemade lubricants, we cannot be sure that their composition or chemical characteristics are not counterproductive for fertilization. Furthermore, its texture is usually quite thick, making it difficult for sperm to rush to the egg.
Therefore, homemade lubricants can hinder fertilization, not being recommended for couples looking to have children.
Beware of allergic reactions
We have previously indicated that the vagina is a really sensitive area. In this sense, we must be very careful before applying a homemade or natural remedy in this area. Indeed, some kind of allergic reaction may start, causing more discomfort, discomfort, and irritation.
For this reason, we should always consult the doctor before applying remedies of this type in such a delicate area.
In short, it may seem a priori that homemade lubricants are cheaper and more natural than commercial ones. However, the vagina area is highly sensitive and we run the risk of infections, allergic reactions, irritations, and other imbalances. Besides, the risk of breaking the condom.
For all these reasons, it is better to avoid applying in such a delicate and sensitive area products whose adverse effects are unknown. Therefore, it is always better to opt for scientifically proven products.
