"Yet Another Best Lube...."

[BrittanysDance]

Been a while since I've posted but wanted to share some info with those of you on here that have Vulvodynia. I was just dx'd last week with a bad case of it along with a few other things (derm related) down there and upon my derm dr. asking questions (and surprisingly knowing quite a bit about IC and pelvic floor disfunction) - one of her questions was about lube. I told her I used KY or Astroglide and she told me to stop using both of them - that they were very irritating to VV / vulvodynia and suggested Albolene. It is a moisturizing face ointment ($11.00 at the drug store) and melts on contact with your skin. At first I was like :loco: HUH? But...she explained that there are no perfumes, dyes or anything irritating in it and it lasts for a long time. It also helps with the dryness and skin irritation even if you're not having sex but just have the irritation down there. Dr. said it lasts a VERY LONG TIME in the lubrication dept - which is great - because as you all know with this condition as well as with IC, we tend to become very dry very quickly and it can be very painful.

She also told me to buy 1% hydrocortisone ointment *not cream or gel* (OTC) to help with the itching (no yeast on the culture so that was good) and do sitz baths as often as needed. We're not doing lidocaine yet - but a few other things we're trying first.

I applied the Albolene tonight and must say - it has that "ahhhhhhhh" feeling :rolleyes: about it - soothing to burning tender skin "down there". She did mention however that you should not use condoms with this as it does have petroleum bases in it, so keep that in mind if you decide to give it a try.

Hope this helps some of you if you are having difficulty. I'm very optomistic! :)

Brittany

[BrittanysDance]

Sorry - I tried to edit and it wont let me... The title SHOULD have read

"Yet Another Best Lube...." Not like it does...like Albolene is THE best lube LOL. It's a mere suggestion... didnt want to sound the way it did.

Also - my doc said that she's found that KY and Astroglide can be irritating to some patients with VV / vulvodynia; thats how that was supposed to read. The way it reads above makes it sound like both ARE always irritating and thats not the case - just that they can be in some patients.

Sorry... hope that clarifies it better!

[leelee88]

Thanks for the Info Brittany..:smile tee

[JKL]

Thanks for the suggestion, Brittany.

I might have to try that out!

[Missmissy]

Is it ok to use if you are easy to get a yeast infection?

Melissa

[ICNDonna]

I changed the title for you.

:)
Donna

[BrittanysDance]

Thanks Donna! :)

As for the yeast infection thing - I am super prone to them and I havent had any problems with it. My dermatologist is the one who recommended it because it lubes better (and longer, stays in place) and protects against little cuts and fissures. She just said not to use it with any latex condoms if you're using that for birth control. Other than that.... those were her only warnings with it.

It really does make a huge difference for me, my VV and vulvodynia is not as bad or irritated.

[OrlandoP]

That's very interesting about the Astroglide, too bad, because it's an excellent thing. I tried the Emerita products. They dry up quickly, and are expensive.

I've heard that all oil based lubes are a big no-no for intra-vaginal use, as they hold bacteria and can cause infections...just throwing that out there.

[JKL]

Is Albolene oil or water based?

[BrittanysDance]

Albolene is both oil and water based, its really very different. Kind of like a cross between KY and neosporin. ?? I dont know how to explain it but on contact with your skin (your hands, face, whatever) it just melts into a substance just like KY, however it stays longer and washes off easily.

OrlandoP - both my dermatologist and my gyno have okay'd the use of it - the only precaution both gave was with any latex products. I dont think any derm or gyno would give the okay for a product, especially for Vulvodynia and fissures, tears, etc if it was going to cause more harm. It actually causes less harm for ME personally (and their patients that use it who also have some of my issues apparently as thats what they told me). Its been around forever (like since the 60's I believe)

It may not be for everyone - but I wanted to put it out there for people to try if they are having issues with other lubrications. If you dont want to try it, simply dont try it :) Or better yet, if you have concerns - then please by all means, ask your doctor.

Just trying to help those of us with issues in this department with any and all information I have that I can pass along.

[OrlandoP]

Didn't mean any harm, and I'm totally up for new things always. In fact, I'll probably try it! I just know some folks have a horrible time with yeast, and petroleum can be problematic. Just wanted to let people know that to talk to docs.

Just a reminder to all: I am eternally grateful to ALL suggestions! Thank you, BrittanysDance.

[BrittanysDance]

Oh sweetie I didnt take ANY offense to anything you said by any means - I hope you didnt take it that way! Sometimes the written word doesnt connotate what the spoken word implies :rolleyes:

No harm..no foul LOL. :smile tee

[harleybluz]

My GYN told me that vegetable oil is also good to use. I haven't tried it because I already bought Astroglide and it works fine for me, thank God, but everyone has it and it may be worth a try.