Lubes and Infections: PLEASE help!

Contributor: itismedi itismedi
For over half my life I have been prone to yeast infections. I swear if I look at something funny I get one. I have tried various lubes and have yet to find something that does not upset the delicate balance. I REALLY want to find a good water based lube (for silicone toys) AND a silicone based (for my husband). The silicone based is technically for anal play, but I still have to be careful just in case some gets in the wrong place. I do not mind spending the money as we don't use lubes ever single time we have sex, I just want to find something that doesn't require a 2 week recovery time afterwards. I have stopped using my LELO balls, as well as all my other penetrating toys and I am sick of it!

Anyone that is super sensitive and has found something that works, please help!

THANK YOU!!!!
08/11/2012
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Contributor: Ryuson Ryuson
Though I am not prone to yeast infections (My body makes it up to me by giving me bladder and kidney infections if I sneeze wrong) I really love my Sliquid Sea lube. I have also heard that a LOT of sensitive ladies really like it, and it makes everything so soft after it gets absorbed! No glycerin or parabens, it's pretty much just cotton seed and seaweed.
08/11/2012
Contributor: Kindred Kindred
Quote:
Originally posted by itismedi
For over half my life I have been prone to yeast infections. I swear if I look at something funny I get one. I have tried various lubes and have yet to find something that does not upset the delicate balance. I REALLY want to find a good water based ... more
Infections from lubricant use are typically associated with glycerine or parabens, so I would look for a lube that does not contain either. The Sliquid line of water based lubes are generally very good. I've used both the Sassy Booty Formula and the Sliquid Ride and like both. My only complaint is they tend to dry quickly and need either reapplication or reactivation with water/saliva.

I have not heard of any issues with silicone lubricants before, although I'm sure it's possible. Silicone lubes are typically limited to just silicone ingredients, so if you try other brands and you continue to have issues, you may simply react to all silicone and may not be able to use it. There are also thick, water based lubes that could be used for anal such as the two I named above.
08/11/2012
Contributor: Zandrock Zandrock
I disagree with the fact about parabens. Parabens are a preservative. They prevent microbial growth. If you are not sensitive to preservatives (do not have an allergy to them), then I would pick one with them in it. This way there is a lower chance of yeast or bacteria using the lubricant to grow. Pick something with parabens, with Benzylalkonium chloride, or something else that is going to prevent the yeast from growing.

Preservatives are only bad if they cause an allergic reaction. Otherwise they are good and necessary.
08/11/2012
Contributor: travelnurse travelnurse
I would try one of the organics/sliquids. I like their sassy booty.
08/11/2012
Contributor: itismedi itismedi
It seems sliquid is a popular choice. I will look it up. Thanks everyone. Paraben or no paraben...I will have to research this. If anyone else has anything to offer, THANKS!
08/11/2012
Contributor: Woman China Woman China
I have discovered I am very prone to yeast infections due to various lubes.

Sliquid Organics would be my number choice for you, but it dries up pretty quick.

Probe would be my next choice

And the one I like best overall because it is a little longer lasting and makes my labia feel so soft is the Lelo Personal Moisturizer.

For anal I would strongly suggest using coconut oil as it is probably the best lube going. The only problem is, it is not compatible with many toy materials. I just bought the Sensuous Beauty coconut oil based lube, but the raw organic, 100% cold pressed coconut oil from the health food store would work just as well. If you use glass toys, coconut oil would work as well.
08/11/2012
Contributor: charletnarouh charletnarouh
This is the only lube I use, YES. I'm not overly sensitive to lubes, but have gotten infections from ones in the past, plus I've just become super hyper careful about what I put on my body. Parabens have repeatedly been been found in cancerous tumors during cancer studies. Yikes! Why would I put that near my lady bits? And the fact that other lubes can cause infections just seems to me like it indicates that those substances just aren't supposed to go there! "Yes" is the best lube I've ever found and I can't rave about it enough. It feels like a woman's real natural fluids, has no taste or smell, never leaves any residue or stickiness on skin except that my skin feels super soft and dries on fabrics like water, no staining or residue. It's organic, vegan and all natural. Plus, and this is HUGE to me, it helps actually rebalance your pH. At the end of my period, I am prone to a little irritation from imbalance so I soak my last tampon in lube and magically, have no irritation whatsoever! I won't use anything else. It's a little on the pricey side when you include shipping but it's so worth it. The oil based is ok but not amazing. The water based is simply phenomenal though.
08/11/2012
Contributor: charletnarouh charletnarouh
Here is an EF search for water based, Hypoallergenic, Glycerin free, Paraben free, Petro-chemicals free, L-Arginine free lubricants.
This search shows 2 silicone lubes that are also Hypoallergenic, Glycerin free, Paraben free, Petro-chemicals free, L-Arginine free. My vote is still for "Yes" for your water based choice.
08/11/2012
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
I'm very prone to infections and I use the Sliquid Organics Natural. It's the only lube I'll touch for vaginal use.
08/11/2012
Contributor: SneakersAndPearls SneakersAndPearls
I second all the suggestions for Sliquid. Glycerin has been linked to yeast and urinary tract infections.

As for parabens, I believe the issue is they are a suspect carcinogen, but the jury is still out on that.
08/11/2012
Contributor: charletnarouh charletnarouh
Oh, and THIS is a link to an article about parabens. There are many on the internet with similar statements. While a direct causal link between parabens and cancer hasn't been concretely established by a large medical study, smaller studies have shown a relationship though the exact nature of it is undetermined. Parabens have routinely been shown to mimic estrogen which suggests potential reproductive problems and a possible link especially to female cancers since many are estrogen related. The possibility of this link is enough to make me swear off parabens. It hasn't concretely been shown that parabens cause cancer, but based on the evidence available, it seems highly likely that an undesirable relationship between the two exist. It is hypothesized that using parabens particularly in areas of the body where estrogenic cancers may develop may increase risks. Again, this isn't conclusive but I don't think it's worth the risk. I avoid all personal care products with parabens for this reason. Non-paraben products don't have as long of a shelf life, it's true, but I just buy in quantities I know I'm likely to use before they expire and replace them routinely. It just seems unnecessarily risky to put estrogen-mimicking chemicals that may be linked to cancers, especially female cancers, in my vagina near my cervix, ovaries, uterus, cancers of which are all already uncomfortable common. Likewise, I've switched to paraben free deodorants, body washes, shampoos, toothpaste and lotions. I don't have sex with men but adding estrogen-mimicking chemicals to the genitals of men seems like it may have potentially negative side effects as well. The possibility supported by evidence, even if it's inconclusive, is just too risky for me. If it turns out that there is a link, the lack of conclusive evidence won't make me immune to the cancers.

The way I see it:
Possibly problematic, hormone mimicking, potentially cancer-causing chemicals on my skin or even inside my body VS. somewhat less convenient products with a shorter shelf life is kind of a no brainer.
08/11/2012
Contributor: itismedi itismedi
I completely agree with organics and natural, but as far as lubes go I have been getting desperate! I will look for Sliquid and Yes. I will also look into coconut oil for toys. I am not sure why I never thought about that. I have glass toys, but I also have silicone. =+( I LOVE how well silicone cleans, again being so prone to yeast infections I boil everything, but it is a pain how careful I have to be with lubes. Hmmm, maybe coconut oil for my husband and Sliquid Organics for my toys. Ladies you have done a great job with the information and I REALLY appreciate your help!!!!!
08/12/2012
Contributor: itismedi itismedi
Okay,
One more question....I love the IDEA of coconut oil, bbbbuuuuutttt pertaining to yeast infections how does it fair? I understand that I could use something like sliquid or Yes vaginally and coconut oil for anal play, but stuff tends to migrate, even when being careful Does anyone have experience with yeast infections and coconut oil?

THANKS!
08/12/2012