Dear xsexionex,

Oil-based lubricants, such as petroleum jelly, baby oil, and cold cream, have been used as sexual lubricants for generations. While they cannot be used with latex condoms, or other barrier methods such as the diaphragm, they are still preferred by many people when condoms are not necessary.

Some health experts discourage the use of beauty products and household items — like hand lotion, Vaseline (petroleum jelly), mineral oil, and baby oil — as lubricants. They claim that these products aren't intended for use as lubricants, whereas water-based lubricants like K-Y jelly and Astroglide are made specifically for penetrative sex play, whether it's intercourse or insertive masturbation. They also claim that oil-based lubricants may increase the risk of vaginal infection for some women because they may "linger" in the vagina longer than water-based lubricants. There are, however, no conclusive studies to prove this effect.

Hope this information helps!

Take care,

teenwire.com^® Editors

This column is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you have a medical problem, please call toll-free 1-800-230-PLAN for an appointment with the Planned Parenthood health center nearest you.