Читать книгу Ridley's The Vulva - Группа авторов - Страница 191

Lubricants are widely used for intercourse, and patients feel very positive about their use [21]. Patients report that they prefer a feeling of wetness, and this is reported more in those over 40 years of age. Lubricants are helpful in patients with vaginal dryness as part of the genitourinary syndrome of menopause, especially if they are not happy or able to use topical oestrogens. They are available as water‐, oil‐, or silicone‐based preparations, but water‐based preparations are better tolerated and give less genital side effects [22]. However, the use of any formulation of lubricant gave increased rates of sexual pleasure.

There is a wide variation in pH and osmolality between products, and changes in these outside the normal physiological range for the vulva and vagina can cause epithelial damage and irritation [23]. Ideally, a product that is most similar to the physiological environment should be recommended. When formally tested, many have an acidic pH and high osmolality, but individual components may be more relevant on in vitro testing [24]. Excipients, perfumes, microbiocides, and preservatives such as parabens may be added to lubricants, and so it is always important to consider an allergic contact dermatitis if symptoms occur with their use.