Natural Support for an Unspoken Condition

 

“While Life Choice is not known for servicing this category, we felt the need to create a natural product because there are really no natural based lubricants in the natural health food industry. Nature’s 4Play is a personal body lubricant designed to bring peace of mind.”

 

There are some topics that are more difficult to discuss because somehow they are still considered taboo—sex is definitely one of them. It is even hard to provide health-related advice and solutions because some would think it is wrong to think of them in this capacity, like this part of them is not like everyone else. When it comes to doctor visits our sexual parts are one of the most common health concerns, mainly for women. Sadly, we have been indoctrinated to refer to our sexual parts as our private areas, when in practice some women became embarrassed discussing urinary tract infections or yeast infections, yet these are some of the most common health conditions. On the other hand, if they have a yeast infection in their mouth, they had no apprehension in sticking out their tongue.

Obviously, sex is a large part of our lives, gratefully, normally done in private. Its obvious purpose is to keep humanity alive and it is also a pleasant activity. Unfortunately, not everybody experiences it as such, instead, more unpleasant symptoms emerge. One might think that this is part of life, maybe part of aging that needs to be accepted but this is far from being true, there are natural solutions.

The question of quality comes up regardless the type of product one creates, as a supplier to the health industry we must consider the abundance of poor-quality alternative products. We know there is a dire need for higher quality standards and we took the risk of creating an improved formula for licensing. One such product is Nature’s 4Play. While Life Choice is not known for servicing this category, we felt the need to create a natural product because there are really no natural based lubricants in the natural health food industry. Nature’s 4Play is a personal body lubricant designed to bring peace of mind. We use 100% pure pharmaceutical grade ingredients and it is 90% organic.

Personal body lubricants are widely used products because they are effective at reducing discomfort at the time used. When applied vaginally or rectally, they increase lubrication but health professionals and researchers are becoming increasingly concerned about the possible health risks with their long term use. Natural lubricants, on the other hand, are particularly beneficial for women, as—mainly during sex—they provide short-term relief from vaginal dryness and increased pain that could occur with prolonged sex.

The key ingredients

Water-based lubricants have the advantage of being non-staining and water soluble. An internet-based, double-blind, prospective study[1] found that water-based lubricants are associated with fewer genital symptoms in women, compared with silicone-based lubricants. In a 2010 study, researchers at Indiana University’s Kinsey Institute asked 2,500 women to rate their sexual activities with and without a lubricant. The women involved completed a 5-week internet-based, double-blind prospective study in were they used one of six water- or silicone-based lubricants. According to the results, “water-based lubricants were associated with fewer genital symptoms compared with silicone-based lubricants. Water-based lubricant use was associated with higher ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction for penile-anal sex as compared with no lubricant use.”[2] The study showed that both water- and silicone-based lubricants “were associated with significantly higher reports of sexual pleasure and satisfaction and rarely associated with genital symptoms.”[3]

We decided to make our lubricant water-based but we have also added a minimal amount of vegetable glycerin, enough to help with lubrication and sweetness to the palate, while considering its versatility with the right dosage. The water base makes it safe to use with latex, polyisoprene, and polyurethane condoms[4], unlike oil-based lubricants, which can degrade latex and cause breakage. Glycerin-based lubricants are also generally safer to use with various sex toys, as silicone-based lubricants can damage silicone toys. In addition, these lubricants are typically easy to clean up and are widely available, with many of the most popular brands being glycerin-based.

Glycerin itself acts as a humectant, drawing moisture to the skin’s surface, which can help reduce friction and provide a slippery feel. Some users may also prefer glycerin-containing lubricants for their slightly sweet taste, and Natures 4Play’s natural ingredients are safe to consume. For individuals sensitive to irritation or prone to yeast infections, we have used the minimal amount of glycerin needed. While glycerin itself may not be harmful, its use in properly formulated, high-quality products is especially important to ensure safety and effectiveness.

Aloe vera is one of those that serve well as a lubricant if 100% pure and without any additives. Its antimicrobial, antifungal, and antiseptic properties are beneficial for the skin and its pH is around 4.5, which is perfectly matched to that of the vagina. Flax seed is a less commonly used ingredient compared to aloe vera but its properties show positive effects on health in many different ways.

When do we recommend using a lubricant?

Nature’s 4Play can be especially helpful for vaginal atrophy, also known as atrophic vaginitis, which is the thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls due to decreased estrogen levels. This condition is now more broadly categorized under genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM), which includes both vaginal and urinary symptoms resulting from estrogen deficiency. Common symptoms include vaginal dryness, itching, burning, irritation, soreness, dyspareunia (painful intercourse), postcoital bleeding, and urinary symptoms such as frequency, urgency, urge incontinence, recurrent urinary tract infections, and dysuria.

After menopause, estrogen levels drop significantly from premenopausal levels (40–200 pg/mL) to 5–18 pg/mL. This sharp decline in estrogen leads to structural changes in vaginal and urinary tissues, which in turn contributes to the symptoms associated with GSM.

Aloe vera, flax seed (or flax gum), citric acid, and glycerin are commonly formulated to address symptoms of GSM such as vaginal dryness, itching, and painful intercourse. Aloe vera and flax gum are natural ingredients known for their hydrating and soothing properties, helping to improve moisture retention and tissue elasticity in the vaginal lining. According to a study from 2015[5], Linum usitatissimumm (flax seed extract) showed to be a proper alternative for the currently available treatments for vaginal atrophy. Citric acid is often included to help maintain an optimal pH level, ideally close to the natural vaginal pH range of 3.8–4.5, which supports a healthy microbiome and reduces irritation.

To further minimize irritation and maintain vaginal health, Nature’s 4Play is fragrance-free. Another important factor is osmolality—the concentration of solutes in the solution. Vaginal moisturizers with osmolality close to that of natural vaginal secretions are less likely to cause cellular damage and are considered safer and more effective for long-term use. For best results, regular use is recommended, typically 3 to 5 times per week, to maintain tissue health and comfort.

The benefits of Nature’s 4Play:

  • usable both during intercourse, oral sex and for vaginal dryness,
  • non-sticky and non-staining,
  • unscented,
  • balanced pH,
  • water based and water soluble,
  • alcohol free,
  • paraben free,
  • non-GMO
  • cruelty free.

 

Helpful additions to Nature’s 4Play:

 

Whether you are the one who uses condoms or someone experiencing discomfort or pain during sex, you should use a natural and safe lubricant without side-effects.

 

References:

  • Edwards, David, & Panay, Nick. 2016. Treating vulvovaginal atrophy/genitourinary syndrome of menopause: how important is vaginal lubricant and moisturizer composition? Climacteric: the journal of the International Menopause Society, 19(2), 151–161. doi:10.3109/13697137.2015.1124259
  • Herbenick, Debra et al. 2011. Association of lubricant use with women’s sexual pleasure, sexual satisfaction, and genital symptoms: a prospective daily diary study. The journal of sexual medicine vol. 8, 1: 202-12. doi:10.1111/j.1743-6109.2010.02067.x

 

 

 

[1] Edwards, David, & Panay, Nick. 2016.

[2] Herbenick, Debra et al. 2011.

[3] ibid.

[4] Proper lubrication reduces the risk of condom breakage or slippage and helps improve comfort during penetrative sex.

[5] Namjoyan, Foroogh et al. 2015.