Hate lube

[Tonra44]

I have always really hated lube which is tough because it’s all my doctors recommend. Which is related to the problem. The feeling of lube is something i associate w Pap smears and vaginal exams (the source of my trauma) so when we use it I just dissociate. I’ve been in therapy for years but they don’t seem to have a solution other than “you’ll get used to it” but it’s been years and that hasn’t happened yet. Any tips? Other than lube haha

[Cathleen Kneidl, RPA-C]

Hi Tonra44,
There are a few different options. You could try coconut oil, that has a completely different feeling. There are also personal moisturizers, inserts that you use every few days. And there are also hyaluronic acid inserts. That works by helping to retain water in the vaginal tissue and reduce dryness, as well as helping to improve the elasticity of the vaginal walls. Maybe you can give one of these options a try and see if you find them helpful.