There can be many causes of vaginal dryness, including stress, birth control pills, menopause, breastfeeding, and thyroid issues. Vaginal dryness can cause discomfort during intercourse and decreased libido.1 There is a wide variety of both over the counter and prescription options for dealing with vaginal dryness, including the relatively new entry to the market – vaginal moisturizing melts. They are also known as flavored vaginal melts. Here’s everything you need to know about this innovative product.
What are Vaginal Moisturizing Melts?
Vaginal moisturizing melts are suppositories made up of natural oils that contain some added flavors and scents. Usually, vaginal moisturizers or suppositories are used during the night to help the body produce moisture in the vagina, but these moisturizing melts are different. These melts are supposed to be used just before intercourse to add artificial moisture to the vagina, to make it easier to have intercourse in women who suffer from vaginal dryness. Apart from improving vaginal dryness, these moisturizing melts also add a burst of flavor and scents to the vagina for added pleasure during intercourse.2
However, while these moisturizing melts have become extremely popular on various social media platforms, are they safe, necessary, even healthy?
Should You Use Vaginal Moisturizing Melts?
According to the many websites selling these vaginal moisturizing melts, the ingredients used to make these are all-natural oils, which are said to be safe for use in the vagina. However, as per the recommendations of gynecologists, it is better to use natural oils like olive oil or coconut oil as a vaginal lubricant instead of using such untested products. It is believed that the downside to using such types of oil-based moisturizer melts is that they can cause damage to latex condoms and make them less effective.
Additionally, vaginal moisturizer melts and other such products are not regulated by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), especially the products that are sold on sites like Etsy. This is why you should be using these products with extreme caution. If you do decide to try them, always start with just a small part of a suppository first to ensure there is no irritation or allergic reaction.3,4
Most of the websites that sell vaginal moisturizing melts claim to be manufacturing them from all-natural health products. However, one of the biggest concerns doctors have about using any unregulated vaginal products is that it may impact the pH of the vagina, which could have a direct effect on the microbiome of the vagina. This makes you more susceptible to bacterial or yeast infections.
While these products claim to be having the right pH, but most doctors remain hesitant in recommending these products to women who have a history of recurring yeast infections or if they are already predisposed to infections. For example, women who are taking immunosuppressant medications have diabetes or HIV/AIDS.
It is also possible that whatever ingredients are included in the moisturizing melts to lend the smell and flavor to the product could also cause irritation to the sensitive skin of the vaginal area.
After all, the big question you should ask yourself before using vaginal moisturizing melts is not whether the product can enhance the smell and flavor of your vagina but whether you should be doing this in the first place. Remember that the highly sensitive skin of the vagina is prone to infections, and whatever products you use that involves direct insertion in the vagina always carry a high risk of infection. Also, there is a difference between products that are actually needed for the betterment of your sexual life and those that imply that your vagina is stinky and gross and requires sprucing up.
It is important for women to remember that a healthy vagina has a natural odor, and it is perfectly normal. While vaginal moisturizing may be a good product for women who want to relieve dryness and pain during intercourse, but at the same time, it is a better option to use products that have been approved for use and recommended by your doctor. There are many vaginal suppositories in the market that can be inserted into the vagina with the help of a special applicator. Your doctor can recommend which vaginal suppository would be the best option for you.
- Leiblum, S.R., Hayes, R.D., Wanser, R.A. and Nelson, J.S., 2009. Vaginal dryness: a comparison of prevalence and interventions in 11 countries. The journal of sexual medicine, 6(9), pp.2425-2433.
- Kurobe, T., Kasai, M. and Kayano, M., Eisai Co Ltd, 1989. Stable, effervescent vaginal suppositories. U.S. Patent 4,853,211.
- Pichler, W.J. and Campi, P., 1992. Allergy to lysozyme/egg white-containing vaginal suppositories. Annals of allergy, 69(6), pp.521-525.
- Lauriola, M.M., De Bitonto, A. and Sena, P., 2010. Allergic contact dermatitis due to cinnamon oil in galenic vaginal suppositories. Acta dermato-venereologica, 90(2), pp.187-188.
Also Read:
- What Causes Vagina to be Wet & Moist?|Normal and Excessive Vaginal Secretion
- Home Remedies to Get Rid of Vaginal Skin Irritation
- Causes of Vaginal Sweat or Crotch Sweat & Ways to Stop it
- What Is Vaginal Laser Therapy & Why Is It Done?
- Vaginal Dryness: Causes, Treatments, and Natural Remedies To Moisturize It
- Vaginal Pressure During Pregnancy: When to Expect, Causes, Treatment, Warning Signs
- Is It Normal To Have Orange Vaginal Discharge?
