What to replace the intimate lubricant?

When we welcome you to our store, we have noticed that intimate lubricant still suffers from a stigmatizing reputation for women and people with vulvas. Some people may be reluctant to use it, their first reaction being "I don't need it, everything is fine for me on that side." There are still There is a big taboo surrounding lubricant , yet it can significantly increase sexual comfort and pleasure.

So what lubricating gel Is it really useful? Is natural lubrication sufficient? Can we do without lubricant? When should we use it? What can we use instead of lubricant? All these essential questions that we have asked ourselves one day while having difficulty finding the answer, so no more taboo, we answer them here!

The natural lubricant

Natural lubrication of the vagina and penis is often not sufficient during intercourse and masturbation.

In people with a vulva, Cyprine is secreted by the Bartholin glands, particularly during sexual arousal . It can also be mixed with vaginal secretions depending on the period of the cycle. It is a transparent and more or less viscous liquid that is commonly called “wetness”. It is produced by the body when it prepares for sexual intercourse. Be careful, It is not always linked to desire or pleasure , during a sexual assault or rape, the production of cyprine can be automatic or linked to fear. Cyprine is composed mainly of water, acetic and lactic acid (prevents the good balance of the vaginal flora), urea, aldehydes and ketones.

In people with penises, Pre-seminal fluid is the one that will lubricate the penis during erection . Like cyprine, it is also transparent and viscous, it is produced by the Cowper glands. We cannot control its output, unlike ejaculation. The amount of pre-seminal fluid produced depends on the size of the Cowper glands, their size varies depending on the person and this is normal. Pre-seminal fluid serves for lubrication and also to remove urine residue before the rise of sperm.

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Is saliva a good lubricant?

In porn culture, we're used to seeing a lot of scenes where saliva serves as lubricant, good idea? Despite its erotic potential, we regret to inform you that Saliva dries more than it lubricates . “Yes, but saliva thread is so hot” as they say Jüne Plã in her book Jouissance Club, a map of pleasure . We're following you, so sex... so we don't hesitate to use it, because yes, it has to slide (be careful, it promotes the transmission of STIs, safety first, we protect ourselves above all), but to moisturize and not dry out the mucous membrane, we use an intimate lubricating gel ;)

What is lubricant used for?

Sexual lubricant helps prevent discomfort and friction during sexual intercourse and masturbation. It helps the body stay lubricated during sex. It can be used in all situations, regardless of the practices. The lubricant can be applied to the entire vulva, penis, anus . It can be used during non-penetrative sex, inside the vagina or anal canal. Most are also edible, we advise you to check the instructions for use before ;). If you are prone to intimate dryness, using lubricant will increase your comfort during intercourse and during masturbation. However, note that there are different types of lubricants and not all are compatible with condoms and intimate accessories, only water-based lubricants are.

Which lubricant for which use?

As we explained above, there are three types of lubricants:

- Water-based lubricants :

The most : they are Compatible with latex condoms and all types of intimate accessories . They can be used for all types of intercourse, whether penetrative or not. Their textures are non-greasy and do not leave marks on your sheets.

The least : some can dry faster, it depends on the formulation, at Gapianne we have chosen the My Lubie lubricant, made in France and odorless which dries less quickly than most water-based lubricants on the market.

-Oil-based lubricants :

The pros: Perfect for intimate massages, they can be applied to the entire vulva and penis, and are ideal for giving your partner a sensual massage. Plus, they leave the skin soft and moisturized, a real treat. At Gapianne, we fell for the Libertine lubricating oil with CBD. which has a cocoa smell.

The disadvantages: Please note that oil-based lubricants are not compatible with latex condoms or intimate accessories made from non-natural materials (wood, glass). Their fatty substances can make the materials porous and therefore deteriorate.

-Silicone-based lubricants:

The pros: Thanks to the silicone, they last longer than water- and oil-based lubricants. They are often recommended for the anal area, as this part of the body does not self-lubricate.

The disadvantages: They are not compatible with silicone intimate accessories.

For the moment, we have not referenced any, If you have any advice, we'll take it!

How to choose your intimate gel?

There are still many lubricants with controversial ingredients, so we choose them with a minimalist composition, a few natural moisturizing ingredients (calendula etc.) whether they are water-based, oil-based or silicone-based.

There are now water-based and oil-based lubricants with a natural composition and without controversial ingredients, Gapianne offers you its selection of the best lubricants available on the market . We have also selected for you lubricants with CBD which allow you to relax and have a vasodilatory effect.

How to increase natural lubrication?

Certain lifestyle factors can have an impact on the natural lubrication of the vagina. Stress, drinking too much coffee, too much alcohol (yes, it dehydrates!), smoking, taking medication/contraceptives can, for example, alter the production of cyprine. It can also vary according to different periods of the cycle and this is normal! There is no magic recipe, however, avoiding processed foods in favor of fresh products will facilitate the supply of nutrients to the blood and blood flow to the vulva. Drinking plenty of water (1.5 to 2 liters per day) also helps to further dilute vaginal secretions.

What are the alternatives to lubricant?

Some treatments for balancing intimate flora and anti-dryness can also be used as lubricants. This is the case for this hydrating and rebalancing intimate gel with organic prebiotics and probiotics selected by Gapianne and compatible with sex toys and condoms, as it is water-based. If you do not wear condoms (oil damages condoms), you can go for an oily base for a natural lubricant, coconut oil can be used. The little vulva balm selected by Gapianne with its combination of natural and organic ingredients (coconut, calendula, jojoba and avocado) can also be used as a natural lubricant.

We ban oils that are not specifically dedicated and other unnatural moisturizing treatments (Vaseline etc.) for the body which can disrupt the balance of the intimate flora and facilitate the appearance of infections and mycoses.

Is lubricant compatible with fertility?

There are lubricants specially designed to facilitate sperm mobility. We have selected them for you. a natural, water-based lubricant whose very light texture facilitates the passage of sperm. Why is it more effective than "standard" lubricants? Because it mimics the properties of cervical mucus which promotes sperm survival and mobility. In addition, the fructose in this lubricant is a source of energy for sperm. Note that there are also design cuts which after intercourse allow sperm to be kept closer to the uterus to facilitate their ascent by more than 40%.