If you purchase an independently reviewed product or service through a link on our website, SheKnows may receive an affiliate commission.
This probably isn’t news to you at this point, but both your body and your vulva change throughout every stage of your reproductive health, including menopause. With that, there may be some additional changes in your sex life. If you’ve already reached menopause (meaning you haven’t had your period in over a year), then you probably already understand where we’re going with this. While yes, it sucks to know that physically, you may experience uncomfortable symptoms such as vaginal dryness during sex, also know that it doesn’t mean the end of intimacy, at all.
Best Lubes for Menopause, at a Glance
Best Silicone-Based Lube: Sliquid Silver Luxury Silicone-Based Lubricant, $40
Best Waterproof Silicone-Based Lube:Wet Platinum Lube, $29
Best Water-Based Lube:Bloomi Smooth Personal Lube, $10
Best Oil-Based Lube:Foria Awaken Arousal Oil with CBD, $48
Best Gel Lube: Replens Long Lasting Estrogen Free Vaginal Moisturizer, $13
Best Organic Lube: Maude Shine Organic Lubricant, $20
Best Prescription-Strength Lube:Premarin, $125 (estimated insurance price)
Best pH-Balanced Lube:LOLA Personal Lubricant, $14
Best Lube for Sensitive or Easily Irritated Skin: Uberlube, $30
Best Moisturizing Lube for Vaginal Atrophy:Hyalo Gyn, $30
Best Non-Staining Lube:Champ Water-Based Personal Lubricant, $18
There are ways to combat sexual and intimate health symptoms associated with post-menopause, and one of those ways is experimenting with some seriously amazing lubricants. Keep on reading if you’re looking to get it on and want to know more!
How Menopause Changes Sex
The transition from premenopause to post-menopause can be pretty obvious to you, especially in the vulva area. For instance, you might notice your vagina is drier than usual in general. That signals that “the vaginal tissue that normally is very estrogen-rich is decreasing in terms of that estrogen content,” says Taraneh Shirazian, MD, a board-certified gynecologist at NYU Langone, who specializes in menopause, and director of Global Women’s Health in NYU’s College of Global Public Health. Less estrogen can also mean painful sex without proper lubrication.
So, you’re going to want to seek assistance from a lube that works well. Now that you’ve reached menopause, you should also know that not just any lube will do the trick.
Some Lubes Work Better Than Others for Menopause
You typically want to seek a lubricant that better clings to the walls of your vagina, advises Dr. Shirazian. In other words, you’ll need something that isn’t going to wash away quickly and doesn’t need to be continuously applied. However, it’s totally okay to reapply as needed! This translates to silicone-based lubes and those that contain hyaluronic acid.
If you’re not on the drier side, however, but do still require assistance from a lubricant, Dr. Shirazian recommends those that are water-based. Just be sure to avoid those that contain chlorhexidine, an ingredient known to kill lactobacilli, bacteria necessary to prevent infection and maintain vaginal health. You may also want to avoid glycerin, a common water-based ingredient that can pose as an irritant.
Hormonal Remedies Are Also Available
In addition to using a lubricant, you might also want to consider a topical estrogen that comes in the form of a cream, suppository, ring, and tablet. Estrogen topicals may be the most effective treatment because they replace what’s missing in postmenopausal women: estrogen, says Howard Zacur, MD, PhD, director of reproductive endocrinology and infertility fellowships and professor of gynecology and obstetrics at Johns Hopkins Medicine in Baltimore, Maryland. If you want to give this method a try, discuss options with your OB-GYN, who will write you a prescription if you both decide this option is best for you.
If you also want to shop for an over-the-counter product, we’ve done some pre-shopping for you. Without further ado, here are our best lube picks for sex after menopause.
Sliquid Silver Luxury Silicone Intimate Lubricant
Sliquid Silver Luxury silicone-based lubricant has a long-lasting formulation that’s great for menopause-related vaginal dryness. This Lovehoney favorite is gentle on your delicate parts, too — it’s hypoallergenic, non-toxic, vegan and fragrance-free. And since it’s waterproof, you can even use it in the shower. More sensitive people tend to prefer silicone-based lube. As one reviewer put it, “I struggle to use water-based lube or even vaginal moisturisers, as they always sting or burn. This lube is perfect as it doesn’t contain water, so I find it doesn’t sting. It also doesn’t get sticky and has more of a slick texture that doesn’t get absorbed very quickly, so it lasts longer too!”.
Pros:
Long-lasting
Intense lubrication
Clean and hypoallergenic
Doesn’t get sticky
Cons:
Can’t use with silicone toys
Some customers say cleanup can be tricky
Type: Silicone-based
Ingredients: Cyclopentasiloxane, Dimethicone, Dimethiconol
Maude Shine Organic Aloe-Based Personal Lubricant
As its name implies, Maude Shine organic lubricant is free of icky stuff like parabens, fragrances and glycerin. The water-based lube can be a pH-balanced personal lubricant or a handy way to make partnered sex hotter (and wetter), as its safe to use with condoms, on bare skin or with toys, and won’t get sticky. Sizes include an 8-ounce pump bottle and a 4-ounce pump bottle. “This lube lasts a long time, it’s not irritating, it’s not sticky, and it just plain old works. The little bottle I got lasts way longer than any other larger bottle of another product because it only requires a few drops,” wrote a fan.
Pros:
Organic and hypoallergenic
Cleans up easily
pH-balanced
Not sticky
Can use with toys and condoms
Cons:
May not last as long as silicone-based lube
Some sensitive reviewers say it burns
Type: Water-based
Ingredients: Aloe Barbadensis Leaf Juice, Propanediol, Tremella Fuciformis (Mushroom) Extract, Gluconolactone, Sodium Hyaluronate, Chenopodium Quinoa Seed Extract, Hemp Seed Extract, Linum Usitatissimum (Linseed) Seed Extract, Camellia Sinensis Leaf Extract, Avena Sativa (Oat) Kernel Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Xanthan Gum, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
Bloomi Smooth Water-Based Personal Lube
Bloomi Smooth personal lube is water-based and fragrance-free, which can prevent irritation. It also eliminates glycerin, which Dr. Shirazian says can pose as an irritant. The lube has a pH-balanced formula (between 4.0 and 4.5) to support your microbiome, and you can use it with toys, condoms, and solo or partnered intimacy. “Just the right amount of slick we needed with no mess,” wrote a customer.
Pros:
Plant-based and hypoallergenic
pH-balanced
Safe to use with toys and condoms
Company is Latinx-owned
Sustainable, recyclable packaging
Cons:
Some find it slightly irritating
Type: Water-based
Ingredients: Purified Water, Organic Helianthus Annuus (Sunflower) Seed Extract, Cyamopsis Tetragonoloba (Guar) Gum, Organic, Camellia Sinensis Leaf (Green Tea) Extract, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Hyaluronate, Sodium Benzoate, Potassium Sorbate, Citric Acid
Foria Awaken Arousal Oil with CBD
For those of you who experience a little more than just discomfort during the deed, give this organic, all-natural, plant-based (and did I mention CBD-infused?) option a go! CBD properties have been reported to relieve pain and reduce inflammation when used topically. Just be sure you test Foria Awaken Arousal Oil on an area other than your vag first, recommends Dr. Shirazian. It’s possible to develop allergies to botanicals in that area too, she says. Lots of customers also report more intense orgasms with Foria lube. “I had a 3 minute orgasm and then a 5 minute orgasm. All I know is that I had transcended and felt like I was surfing in a perpetual wave pool of pleasure,” wrote a pleased shopper.
Pros:
Organic and plant-based
Great for sensitive skin
Customers report better orgasms
Made of sustainably harvested ingredients
Eco-conscious, recyclable packaging
Cons:
Bottle is small for the price
Type: Oil
Ingredients: Organic MCT Coconut Oil, USDA Organic-Certified Broad-Spectrum Hemp Extract (THC ≤ .3%), Botanical Infusions (Organically-Grown Kava Root, Organic Cinnamon, Organic Ginger, Organic Vanilla); Organic Essential Oils (Cardamom, Peppermint, Cacao Absolute)
Uberlube
This glycerin- and paraben-free vegan formula is silicone-based and contains added vitamin E to comfort skin without sticky residue. Plus, its thin and silky texture doesn’t dry out quickly, making it “perfect for those experiencing more severe vaginal dryness caused by menopause,” says Lisa Finn, brand manager and sex educator of sex toy shop Babeland. And unlike a lot of silicone-based lubes, this one is water- and latex-compatible. “It is so smooth and doesn’t dry out. My boyfriend literally calls it olive oil because of the softness of it. Also if you’re sensitive this is the best! There’s no irritation afterwards and keeps you feeling good throughout,” wrote one shopper.
Pros:
Clean, vegan and fragrance-free
Not sticky
Won’t stain
Long-lasting
Can be used in the shower
Safe to use with latex condoms
Cons:
Can’t be used with silicone toys
Type: Silicone
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Dimethiconol, Cyclomethicone, Tocopheryl Acetate (Vitamin E)
Champ Water-Based Personal Lubricant
Champ is a newcomer in the sexual health world, and it’s one we wish we had sooner. In addition to their top-notch (and discreet!) condoms, the brand offers a water-based lubricant made just for sensitive skin. It’s ultra soft, and best of all, it’s non-staining so you can keep your sheets looking new. “The consistency is simply perfect – not too thick or runny – just right for smooth gliding and enhanced pleasure,” wrote a reviewer.
Pros:
Great for sensitive skin
Glycerin- and paraben-free
Cleans up easily
Safe to use with toys and condoms
Discreet delivery
Cons:
May not last as long as silicone-based lube
Type: Water-based
Ingredients: Water/Aqua/Eau, Butylene Glycol, Carboxymethylcellulose, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Ammonium Acryloyldimethyltaurate/vp Copolymer, Peg-45m, Citric Acid, Sodium Benzoate
LOLA Personal Lubricant
LOLA first revolutionized the period products industry with its subscription model, and now the brand serves up a silky water-based lubricant that’s pH-balanced and designed to mimic your body’s natural lubrication, so you’ll be less prone to infections. The hypoallergenic lube is made without parabens or glycerin and is, needless to say, gynecologist-approved. The bottle boasts a one-click pump so you can get to it without the hassle. “I’m post menopausal (but still a hot 51 year old!) but sex was becoming painful and I kept having to reapply, repeat and reapply again every 2 minutes with other brands,” wrote a customer. “Put this in once (didn’t even put on partner) and it lasted the whole session.”
Pros:
Non-staining
Easy, no-mess pump
Non-toxic
Gynecologist-approved
Cons:
May not last as long as silicone-based lube
Type: Water-based
Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Propanediol, Gluconolactone, Hydroxyethylcellulose, Sodium Benzoate, Citric Acid.
Replens Long Lasting Estrogen Free Vaginal Moisturizer
If you’re looking for a long-lasting lubricant for serious dryness, this one by Replens is up to the challenge: it last three days! Not only is it paraben- and fragrance-free, but the formulation is also estrogen-free, so it’s safe for anyone on looking to avoid hormones. You should use it every day according to the included instructions, but be sure to use it at least two hours before sex. “Ive been using Replens now for about three months, every three days. I feel amazing. Moisture is back and the comfort I have that wasnt there before is incredible. No more BV, no more itch, no more pain, inflammation, etc. This has been like a miracle to me,” wrote a reviewer.
Pros:
Super long-lasting
Recommended by doctors
Comes with pre-filled applicators
Best for severe dryness
Cons:
Since you insert it with an applicator, customers say you must be prepared for it to drip out
You only get eight uses out of a box
Type: Gel
Ingredients: Purified Water, Glycerin, Mineral Oil, Polycarbophil, Carbomer Homopolymer Type B, Hydrogenated Palm Oil Glyceride, Sorbic Acid, Sodium Hydroxide.
Hyalo Gyn
Hyaluronic acid-based lube like Hyalo Gyn is pretty much the holy grail of lubricants, according to Dr. Shirazian, who says it’s one of the best options to improve symptoms of vaginal atrophy. In addition to its vaginal tissue preservation abilities, hyaluronic acid conserves water molecules, which makes it more of a vaginal moisturizer than a lubricant. So, you may not want to inject (with an applicator) this one just before sex, but rather, hours before.
Pros:
Contains hyaluronic acid
Comes with 10 handy applicators
Helps with vaginal atrophy
Cons:
Lasts for only 10 applications
Type: Hyaluronic Acid
Ingredients: Hydeal-D® (hyaluronic acid derivative), Propylene glycol, Methylpropanediol, Hexanediol, Caprylyl glycol, Carbomer, Sodium hydroxide, Purified water.
Wet Platinum Lube
If you want to take your session to the tub, this waterproof silicone-based lube is perfect for the occasion. It’s also been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as compatible with all condom materials. It’s hypoallergenic and paraben-free, too.
Pros:
Long-lasting
Compatible with all kinds of condoms
Safe to use in the shower
Hypoallergnic
Paraben-free
Cons:
Can’t be used with silicone toys
Type: Silicone
Ingredients: Dimethicone, Cyclomethicone, Dimethiconol
Premarin
This estrogen-based cream is prescription-only (you can also get it on Amazon Pharmacy), but it’s worth it! It was designed specifically to treat symptoms associated with menopause such as vaginal dryness, diminished vaginal flow, and painful intercourse. So, if over-the-counter lubricants really aren’t doing it for you (our CBD option included), Dr. Zacur recommends discussing Premarin (or another estrogen option) with your gynecologist.
Pros:
Prescription-strength
Can help with severe dryness and vaginal atrophy
Helps if you’re deficient in estrogen
Cons:
Requires a prescription
Pricey, with or without insurance
Type: Cream
Ingredients: Conjugated estrogens, cetyl esters wax, cetyl alcohol, white wax, glyceryl monostearate, propylene glycol monostearate, methyl stearate, benzyl alcohol, sodium lauryl sulfate, glycerin, and mineral oil.
Leave a Comment