Warning about the use of lubricant gel during pregnancy

You can safely have sex during pregnancy; unless the doctor has forbidden it for you for some reason. Being close to your spouse during this time can even be beneficial for your health. Because it reduces stress and increases the release of oxytocin hormone. Oxytocin is a hormone that improves mood and makes you feel good. Sex during pregnancy can even increase the chances of a healthy pregnancy and reduce the risk of preeclampsia. Some women face the problem of vaginal dryness during pregnancy. A simple solution to eliminate vaginal dryness is to buy lubricant gel. But can you use lubricants during pregnancy?

What is lubricant gel?

When women are sexually stimulated, their genitals produce spontaneous secretions that make intercourse easier. But in some cases, the amount of these secretions is not enough and therefore sexual intercourse is accompanied by pain and burning. Lubricating gel is often semi-solid and has a high water content. Wetness of the genitals during sexual excitement is one of the conditions for successful sex and helps women reach orgasm sooner. By using lubricant gel, you can provide enough moisture in the vaginal area and experience pleasurable and painless sex.

Sexual problems during pregnancy

Morning sickness, which is common among many women in the first 3 months of pregnancy, may cause many problems to have sex. Also, during pregnancy, there may be symptoms such as heartburn, back pain, and the weight of the uterus on the pelvis, which makes it difficult to find a suitable position for sex. Many women may experience painful intercourse due to vaginal dryness. Research shows that libido increases during pregnancy. Therefore, probably only one lubricant can solve the problem and provide enough moisture for the vagina.

Should lubricant gel be used during pregnancy?

A 2014 study found that 4.5% of pregnant women use lubricants. Whether or not you need a gel lubricant during pregnancy depends on how the surge of pregnancy hormones affects your body. Therefore, not all pregnant women need lubricant gel. During pregnancy, the level of estrogen hormone increases and as a result vaginal secretions increase. Cervical changes during pregnancy can also increase vaginal secretions. This makes the body protect the uterus and the developing fetus.

However, different people are different from each other. Hormonal fluctuations due to high progesterone in some women can lead to vaginal dryness and make sex difficult. In these cases, it is recommended to buy lubricating gel and use it.

Is it dangerous to use lubricants during pregnancy?

Doctors believe that using lubricant gel during pregnancy is safe and secure because the cervix is ​​completely closed and the lubricant will not come into contact with the fetus. But an important point is that you are allowed to use a lubricant gel during pregnancy that contains safe ingredients.

The best type of lubricating gel during pregnancy

There are different types of lubricant gels: water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based. A type of lubricating gel is suitable in pregnancy that is made based on water. Water-based lubricants are the best lubrication options during pregnancy because they don’t increase the risk of altering the microbiome that can lead to bacterial vaginosis. But lubricants formulated with an oil base increase the risk of an altered microbiome. Fortunately, most of the lubricants available at the drugstore are water-based, and you can easily choose one of them.

Benefits of using lubricant during pregnancy

According to what was said, you can safely use lubricant gel during pregnancy; Of course, if it is made based on water. Regarding the benefits of this product, pay attention to the following:

• Vaginal dryness can cause burning, pain, and even mild bleeding during or after intercourse.
• Following vaginal dryness, the possibility of urinary tract infections and vaginal infections increases. Also, the person may still have pain for a few days after sex.

Water-based lubricants can minimize the above problems because they reduce the amount of friction between the two penises during sex. In this case, sex will be much more exciting and hot. Also, pay attention to the fact that in some cases, the lubricant gel needs to be extended and used again during sex so that its effect can be felt well. When the sexual intercourse is prolonged, the lubricant is gradually absorbed by the skin and mucous membranes and therefore needs to be used again.

Which lubricant is harmful during pregnancy?

Oil-based lubricants should be avoided when you’re pregnant, as they can alter the vaginal pH balance and increase the chance of infection. You should also avoid other compounds that irritate vaginal tissues and are harmful. Even if these compounds are in water-based lubricants. Some of the compounds that should be avoided include:

additives

These types of compounds are usually added to the lubricant gel to create a feeling of heat or cold to increase sexual pleasure. But these compounds can have many negative effects on vaginal tissues and cause problems.

taste

Some additives are flavored and contain sugar. These compounds increase the risk of fungal infections. These types of infections can be very problematic during pregnancy.

Perfume or essential oil

Lubricant gel during pregnancy should not contain fragrance and essential oil because the possibility of irritation and infection will increase.

Petrochemicals

These types of compounds can destroy beneficial bacteria, change the vaginal microbiome and pH, and lead to infection. Propylene glycol, benzene and benzoic acid are among these compounds.

Paraben

It is better to avoid using paraben during pregnancy because it affects the endocrine system. Research has shown that paraben in pregnancy can increase the risk of gestational diabetes and have a negative effect on the development of the fetus.

Ingredients you are allergic to

In addition to the things mentioned above, during pregnancy you should have a list of substances you are allergic to and avoid all the compounds to which you have an allergic reaction.

When should you see a doctor?

Sex and the use of water-based lubricant gel during pregnancy is completely safe. But in some situations, complications may occur, in which case you should see a doctor:

• If you feel pain during sex despite using lubricant.
• If you experience painful and regular contractions that are long lasting.
• If the secretions after sexual intercourse are yellow, green, or gray in color, have a bad smell, and are accompanied by itching, redness, and swelling.

Final speech

If you are facing the problem of vaginal dryness during pregnancy, you can use lubricating gel. It is safe to use lubricant gel during pregnancy, but if its type is water-based. To buy lubricating gel, you can go to the online pharmacy of Positive Green and get the product you need.