There's no doubt that many people encounter obstacles when trying to enjoy sex. One of the main ones is the ability to produce a natural lubricant.
Lack of natural lubrication makes it very difficult for some to enjoy, not just vaginal intercourse, but also anal play and sex.
In order to accommodate, many different types of substances are available to enhance lubrication. Lubes make the act of sex more pleasurable. This may sound surprising to some, but for those experiencing low levels of natural lubrication, any form of personal lube becomes indispensable.
Individuals have used Vaseline as a lube since its inception. However, there have always been critics of using Vaseline as lube. Let's get the position clear so anyone put it to use and not feel any guilt or fear.
Before we begin, below are some of our favorite lubes that feel similar to Vaseline if you love that gel feeling.
What is Vaseline?
Vaseline is nothing but 100% pure and refined petroleum jelly, obtained as a by-product of the oil industry.
It's a blend of mineral oils and waxes and intends to soften up your rough or chafed skin.
Vaseline is a soft and semi-liquid mixture of hydrocarbons that is white, transparent, and mainly used for the healing of the skin.
It's clear that Vaseline is intended to be used as a topical cream, locally applied over the part of the body where the skin has become wounded or cut.
But, as is the case with other stuff commonly found in homes, many people pick up petroleum jelly and use it as a substitute for personal lube.
Petroleum jelly as lube is not uncommon around the country. Many people regularly apply it before having sex to overcome dryness and make the experience more pleasurable.
Some people go further and apply this lubricant in and around their anus when indulging in anal play or sex with their partners.
It is only natural for individuals to consider petroleum jelly a straightforward product, given that it's used on nearly everything from treating chaffed lips to diaper rashes of babies.
Considerations to Keep in Mind
If Vaseline smooth, hydrating, and rejuvenating, what could go wrong?
One main issue is that it forms a thin transparent film over the skin and clogs the pores of the skin.
It's also water repellent and does not dissolve in water.
Therefore, you cannot be entirely sure that Vaseline has been removed if you're only using water to wash it away.
The widespread use of petroleum jelly as lube is an indicator of the trust and confidence people have in its efficacy and the ability to protect the skin.
One thing that goes in favor of petroleum jelly is the fact that it stays on for a very long time.
People commonly reach for Vaseline when they need lube because of its availability. Most already have it at home and need something quick when things heat up in the bedroom.
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Can you use Vaseline as Lube?
Now, you cannot apply just anything down there since it's a sensitive part of your body.
You're risking infection and irritation if you use something that is not suitable for your skin.
It might look like some products at home are safe, but you're running the risk of infection if you don't know what's in it and how it will react with your body.
Despite its widespread use on many parts of the body, it's important to remember that is was not made to be applied in and around vagina for lubrication.
As many people have found it tends to be thick and sticky, giving an odd feeling to them while having sexual intercourse.
Also, unlike personal lubes specially made for this purpose, it's not very slippery either.
Vaseline, when used as a personal lube, also increases the chances of catching a vaginal bacterial infection.
So, while having Vaseline at home might come handy for women experiencing lack of natural lubrication, it's probably not an ideal product as a personal lubricant.
You might feel wet down there for a while, but Vaseline as lube does not last for a long time.
One downside of Vaseline as lube is its property to ruin latex condoms.
There have been a few incidents where women became pregnant despite their partners using a condom during sexual intercourse. The culprit in these cases may have been Vaseline. Beware.
Tread With Caution When it Comes to Using Vaseline as Lube
So, can you use Vaseline as lube?
The verdict is that it can occasionally be used when other lube is not available, but nearly all agree that Vaseline should not be your go-to lube.
It's better to enhance wetness and slippery-ness down there temporarily than experience uncomfortable and painful sex with your partner.
However, please keep in mind that you not only run the risk of catching a bacterial infection, but also the risk of becoming pregnant, even when your partner is using a condom.
Take a look at the pros and cons of using Vaseline as a lube and decide for yourself.
Positive Things
Things to Consider
Common Myths
Interestingly, there are some myths related to Vaseline.
Many believe that Vaseline helps in tightening a vagina that has become loose.
This is not true at all as it's only a lubricant meant to give a smooth and slippery feeling to wherever it is applied. It does not, and cannot tighten your loose vagina by any means.
Secondly, many women feel that Vaseline application makes their vagina shine. This is a false claim as well.
There is also a myth that prevents many women from using Vaseline inside their vaginas. They believe that inserting Vaseline inside causes discomfort or irritation. However, this is entirely untrue, and there is no discomfort at all when Vaseline is applied.
Conclusion
We hope this review has been helpful. If you have any experience using Vaseline as a lubricant, please be sure to drop a comment below.
“After finishing my Masters of Public Health in Human Sexuality, my entrepreneurial spirit and love for writing led me on a blissful path. I set out to create a safe space for people to learn about sexual wellness and gain sound advice on some playful toys. With some help from a few friends, Bliss Bumble was formed – I guess you could say we’re just a couple busy bees.”
I’m trying to find out if it’s ok to use vaseline on hemmoroids
Hi Pamla,
Not sure if we can confidently answer that, but this resource may help!
https://www.webmd.com/digestive-disorders/understanding-hemorrhoids-treatment-medref
I used to use vaseline as an anal lube with an old partner of mine. It seems to work quite well for anal as it doesn’t get broken down easily, so there’s no need to re apply every couple of minutes. I’ve found that water based, and even silicone based lubes can struggle for longevity during anal. Not only does vaseline last longer, it’s easier to get more of it applied to the area because of its physical properties.
Vaginal sex is a different story, though, as the natural lubrication should have taken over by the time water and silicone based lubricants are starting to wear out.
Another benefit of vaseline comes when you are using silicone toys. Water based lubricants and oil based lubricants (such as vaseline) will not dissolve silicone toys. Silicone based lubes will not only damage the toys by slowly dissolving them, but in that process the toy will also be absorbing the lube, essentially drying the toy.
I’ve seen proper oil based lubricants on the market, but the price difference between them and vaseline is ridiculous, and I doubt there’s much difference in quality, though that is merely a guess.
Overall, I would definitely recommend vaseline for anal, especially if you don’t have a good alternative. I wouldn’t necessarily advise against it for vaginal sex, but any sort of water or silicone based lube would probably do a better job for that.
So I should not use it in my pussy, but can I use vaseline for oral sex?
Why would you use vaseline for oral sex…do you mean anal?