Vaginal lubrication

Braunstein, S., and van de Wijgert, J. (2005), Preferences and practices related to vaginal lubrication Imphcations for microbicide acceptability and clinical testing, J. Womens Health (Larchml.), 14,424-433. 

Hexachlorophene in vaginal lubricants is variably absorbed from the vaginal mucosa, and hexachlorophene can be identified in maternal and cord serum in an appreciable number of women in whom vaginal examinations during labor were carried out with a hexachlorophene-containing antiseptic lubricant (25). Because of the potential for neonatal hexachlorophene toxicity, the use of alternative lubricants for pelvic examinations is recommended. 

Oestrogen deficiency in postmenopausal women. This leads to thinning of the endometrial tissue with increased susceptibility to irritation and trauma and cystitis-like symptoms. It can be corrected by hormone replacement or topical oestrogen therapy. Vaginal lubricants can be used if symptoms are caused by intercourse. Honeymoon cystitis may occur in younger women as a consequence of increased sexual activity. 

Sexual function in alcohol-dependent women is less clearly understood. Many female alcoholics complain of decreased libido, decreased vaginal lubrication, and menstrual cycle abnormalities. Their ovaries often are small and without follicular development. Some data suggest that fertility rates are lower for alcoholic women. The presence of comorbid disorders such as anorexia nervosa or bulimia can aggravate the problem. The prognosis for men and women who become abstinent is favorable in the absence of significant hepatic or gonadal failure. 

The use of estrogenic and other hormone-containing preparations in medical and cosmetic applications could constitute another form of exposure to EDCs. One of the main medical applications of the synthetic hormones is in the female contraceptive pill. The detergent nonoxynol, whose main component is nonylphenol (an estrogen mimic), is used as a vaginal lubricant and spermicide. 

Phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors such as sildenafil are effective for MS-induced erectile dysfunction.14 In women, vaginal dryness or dyspareunia may respond to lubricating jellies. 

Dyspareunia may result from vaginal dryness. Water-based lubricants may provide relief for several hours after application. Moisturizers may provide relief for a longer period of time and potentially can prevent infections by maintaining the acidic environment in the vagina. Both these treatments require frequent application. 

Increased incidence of vaginal yeast UTIs, TSS Efficacy affected by oil-based lubricants Cervical irritation... 

Vaginal Acid stable Adherent Does not liquify at bodytemperature Slow dissolving Lubricating Greaseless and non-tacky Non-irritating... 

Postmenopausal symptoms, such as hot flushes and vaginal dryness, remain a valid indication for hormone therapy in the absence of contraindications. For short-term use of hormone therapy for the relief of menopausal symptoms, the benefits for many women generally outweigh the risks. For symptoms of genital atrophy alone, local estrogen and/or nonhormonal lubricants should be considered. 

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