Olive Oil as a Personal Lubricant?

Vaginal dryness is a common problem for women during and after menopause due to a decline in estrogen. Along with vaginal dryness, you might also have itching around the vaginal opening and in the lower third of the vagina. It is also common for women to experience pain and irritation during intercourse to the point where some women avoid sexual activity altogether. This can be a very frustrating and discouraging time for women, especially when Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) is not an option. However, while exploring ways to ease the pain of vaginal dryness, you need not go any further than your kitchen cabinet.

Olive oil, besides being a healthy choice for cooking, can also be an option as a natural lubricant. The consistency of olive oil is very close to the natural lubricant excreted from a woman's vagina. It's rich in squalane, a natural emollient that penetrates skin without leaving a greasy film behind. Plants and animals produce squalene including the humanvagina so it makes sense to use olive oil as a personal lubricant. It also contains Vitamins A & E and a number of polyphenols, which have recently been termed "lifespan essentials". Like antioxidants, polyphenols actively work in the body to prevent certain diseases such as cancer.

Many couples use olive oil during intimacy with no ill effects, but if you have an allergy to eating olives, do not, I repeat, do not use it as a personal lubricant. You will have the same reaction as when ingested in your mouth.

Unfortunately, olive oil or any other oil-based products are not compatible with latex condoms. Oil based lubricants will deteriorate the latex causing the condom to tear or break. Water based products are the safest choice for latex condoms. Attempting to go the natural route is not worth risking unwanted pregnancy or disease. Only use olive oil if you are in a long-term monogamous relationship where a condom is not needed.

Some of you may be thinking that using olive oil for a vaginal lubricant might cause an odor, however, the most inexpensive, low-grade olive oil is said to be almost completely odorless, therefore, keep the good stuff in your kitchen cabinet and the cheaper brand in the bathroom or bedroom.

Sure, you can buy over the counter personal lubricants but why pay for something extra when you already have what you need right in your kitchen cabinet.