Pregnancy, menopause, recurring irritation, thrush or cystitis can all make you think a little more carefully about what goes on, and around, your vulva and vagina.

The good news? Lube can be one of the simplest ways to make sex and toy play more comfortable. It reduces friction, adds glide and means you don’t have to rely on your body producing a particular amount of natural lubrication.

But when things are feeling sensitive, choosing the right formula matters.

Here’s what to look for.

What Lube Is Best for Sensitive Skin?

There isn't one lubricant that's perfect for every body. If you know you're sensitive or have experienced irritation from lubes before, we'd generally suggest starting with a simple water-based lubricant.

Water-based lube is easy to wash away and compatible with most sex toys and condoms. There are also plenty of formulas designed specifically with sensitive bodies in mind.

You may want to look for:

• Glycerine-free lube if glycerine seems to cause irritation for you
• Fragrance-free and flavour-free formulas
• Paraben-free options if you know you're sensitive to particular preservatives
• Lubricants specifically formulated for sensitive skin
• A simple ingredient list rather than lots of added sensations

Sh! tip → If a lubricant stings, burns or makes you uncomfortable, wash it off and stop using it. Pleasure products should make things feel better, not give you something to endure.

Can Lube Help With Vaginal Dryness?

Absolutely.

Dryness can happen for all sorts of reasons, including hormonal changes, medication, stress, pregnancy, breastfeeding, menopause or simply because your body isn't producing much lubrication at that particular moment.

And being aroused doesn't guarantee being wet - just as being wet doesn't necessarily mean you're aroused.

Lube adds moisture and reduces friction, making vulval touch, penetration and sex-toy play feel smoother and more comfortable.

If dryness happens regularly rather than only during sex, you may also want to explore a vaginal moisturiser. Unlike lube, which is used when you want extra glide, vaginal moisturisers are designed to provide ongoing moisture.

What Lube Can I Use During Pregnancy?

Pregnancy can change how your vulva and vagina feel. Some people experience more natural lubrication; others notice dryness or increased sensitivity.

A straightforward water-based lubricant can be a good place to start.

If your skin has become more sensitive during pregnancy, you might prefer a simple, fragrance-free formula without warming, cooling or tingling ingredients.

Pregnancy is also a time when it's sensible to be a little more cautious about unfamiliar active ingredients.

Sh! tip → If you're unsure about a particular ingredient or you've been advised to avoid sex or penetration during pregnancy, check with your midwife, GP or other healthcare professional first.

What About Lube During Menopause?

More lube, please.

Falling oestrogen levels during perimenopause and menopause can cause vaginal tissue to become drier, thinner and less elastic. Penetration that previously felt comfortable may start to feel irritating or painful.

A generous amount of lubricant can make a big difference to friction and comfort.

Try:

• A thicker water-based lube for more cushioning (these are often marketed as anal lube)
• A long-lasting lubricant if you find yourself needing to reapply frequently
• A vaginal moisturiser for ongoing dryness between sexual activity

And don't wait until something starts rubbing.

Lube before friction. Apply plenty at the beginning and add more whenever you want it.

If vaginal dryness or painful sex persists, it's worth speaking to a healthcare professional. There are treatments for menopausal vaginal changes as well as products you can use at home.

Can Lube Cause Thrush?

Lube doesn't automatically cause thrush.

However, bodies are individual, and some people who experience recurrent vaginal irritation or yeast infections find that particular lubricant formulations don't suit them.

Glycerine is one ingredient frequently discussed in relation to vaginal sensitivity. If you repeatedly notice irritation after using a lube containing glycerine, you might want to experiment with a glycerine-free lubricant and see whether it suits your body better.

Don't assume that recurring itching, soreness or unusual discharge is being caused by your lubricant, though. Similar symptoms can have several causes.

Sh! tip → Recurrent or unexplained vaginal symptoms are worth discussing with a healthcare professional rather than repeatedly changing products and hoping for the best.

I Have Diabetes. Do I Need a Special Lube?

You don't necessarily need a lubricant labelled specifically for people with diabetes.

The more useful question is whether your skin and vaginal environment are sensitive to particular ingredients.

If you're prone to irritation, thrush or other vaginal symptoms, a simple water-based, fragrance-free or glycerine-free formula may be worth exploring.

If you have recurring infections or aren't sure what's causing your symptoms, speak to your healthcare professional for individual advice.

Can Lube Help Prevent Cystitis After Sex?

Lube can help reduce friction around the vulva and urethral area, which may make sex more comfortable — particularly if dryness or prolonged penetration causes rubbing.

Use plenty from the start and reapply before friction begins.

But cystitis and urinary tract infections can have several causes, so lubricant isn't a treatment or guaranteed preventative.

If you frequently experience cystitis or UTI symptoms after sex, speak to your GP or another healthcare professional.

What About Sex Toys and Cystitis?

Keeping sex toys clean is particularly important when they're being used around the vulva, vagina and anus.

A few simple habits help:

• Clean toys before and after use according to their material and instructions.
• Don't move a toy from anus to vagina without washing it thoroughly first or changing the condom covering it.
• If sharing toys, clean them between users or use a fresh condom/barrier.
• Allow cleaned toys to dry thoroughly before storing them.
• Don't assume every toy can be boiled or submerged. Check its care instructions first.

Our non-vibrating Sh! silicone dildos can be sterilised; vibrating toys need different care.

Sh! tip → A condom over a toy can make switching between partners or types of play much simpler — just use a fresh one each time.

Which Water-Based Lube Should I Choose?

Think about your body and how you want to use it, rather than looking for one universally "best" lube.

For everyday sex & toy play → Try a versatile water-based lubricant such as Sh! Pure.

For sensitive skin → Look for simple, fragrance-free formulas and explore glycerine-free or paraben-free lubricants if those ingredients don't suit you.

For anal play → A thicker, more viscous lubricant usually provides more cushioning and longer-lasting glide.

For pregnancy → A simple water-based formula can be a good starting point; ask your healthcare professional if you have any concerns about ingredients or penetration.

For menopause & vaginal dryness → Try a thicker lubricant for sex alongside a vaginal moisturiser if you experience ongoing dryness.

Your Body Gets the Final Say

There isn't a gold-standard lubricant that every vulva will adore.

A product your best friend swears by might not suit you at all, and that's completely normal.

Start with a small amount, notice how your body responds and change products if something doesn't feel right.

Most importantly, lube isn't something you only reach for when your body isn't "wet enough." It's a pleasure product in its own right.

More glide. Less friction. Better sex.

And absolutely no prizes for doing it dry.