Vaginal lubricants: efficacy, tolerability, safety and functionality

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Abstract

A systematic analysis of the information available in modern literature (Medscape, Medline, PubMed, eLibrary, CyberLeninka, Google scholar databases in 2010–2022) on the safety, tolerability, efficacy and features of the use of vaginal lubricants was carried out. The main types of chemical composition and physiological characteristics of vaginal lubricants are presented; targeted lubricants are considered in the light of clinical situations. A number of studies have convincingly shown that the intrinsic toxicity of individual components of lubricants, in addition to pH and osmolality, are of great importance for the their safety. When developing lubricants, special attention is paid to safety issues, not only from the point of view of the impact on the mucous membrane and microbiota of the woman's vagina, but also compatibility with germ cells, fertilization and embryos for couples who are not protected from pregnancy, as well as for use by medical workers during manipulations in assisted reproductive technology programs. For patients with symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy (VVA), lubricants are an alternative to hormone therapy; when applied to the tissues of the vulvovaginal region, they eliminate the effects of dryness, provide moisture to the mucosa, and increase the index of vaginal health. The osmolality of the gel does not affect the viability of lactobacilli. Lubricant microbiocides are the most convenient way to use special antiseptics against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) with proven activity. Some lubricants contain special additives enhancing the genital sexual response during sexual intercourse.

Conclusion: The analysis of scientific data confirms the feasibility of widespread use of lubricants for sexual dysfunction, as moisturizers for VVA, as well as the possibility of their using during pregnancy, for postcoital cystitis, to reduce the risk of infection with STIs during sexual intercourse.

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About the authors

Natalya N. Stenyaeva

Academician V.I. Kulakov National Medical research Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology and Perinatology, Ministry of Health of Russia

Author for correspondence.
Email: nataliasten@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0002-6495-3367

Ph.D., Senior Researcher at the Department of Andrology and Urology

Russian Federation, Moscow

Valeria V. Sattarova

"Biorhythm" Laboratory LLC

Email: SVV73@yahoo.com

Chief Specialist

Russian Federation, Yekaterinburg

Kazimir I. Pashkevich

"Biorhythm" Laboratory LLC

Email: info@bior.ru

Dr. Sci. (Chemistry), Professor, Director

Russian Federation, Yekaterinburg

Dmitry F. Khritinin

I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Ministry of Health of Russia (Sechenov University)

Email: nataliasten@mail.ru
ORCID iD: 0000-0001-9107-2357

Corresponding Member of RAS, Dr. Med. Sci., Professor at the Department of Psychiatry and Narcology, Faculty of Medicine

Russian Federation, Moscow

Olga A. Osipova

"Biorhythm" Laboratory LLC

Email: formulator@bior.ru

Ph.D., Head of the Quality Control Division

Russian Federation, Yekaterinburg

Evgeny Yu. Stenyaev

Belarusian State Medical University

Email: nataliasten@mail.ru

5th year student of the Medical Faculty of Foreign Students of the Educational Institution

Belarus, Minsk

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