Because I am a Woman
This blog is about sex-positivity, sex-ed, feminism, reproductive justice, birth justice, intersectionality, and activism.
Feel free to send me a message with your questions about sexual health, feminism, or anything else!
For more information about any of these things please check out the resources tab or leave me a question in my ask box! I would love to talk to you!
If you have anything you would like to bring to my attention or ask that you do not feel comfortable submitting to this page send me an email at: becauseiamawoman.tumblr@gmail.com
Many thanks to Susan of susanharkins.com for designing my logo!
Here is a really wonderful article that gives the specifics on what toxins to avoid in your lubricant. I suggest everyone check it out! If you haven’t already been there, Skin Deep is a database with information about what ingredients are most harmful to the body. You can look up information on the majority of your personal care products so you can eliminate anything that is actually a major health risk.
Anonymous Asks:
becauseiamawoman Said:
Here is a really wonderful article that gives the specifics on what toxins to avoid in your lubricant. I suggest everyone check it out! If you haven’t already been there, Skin Deep is a database with information about what ingredients are most harmful to the body. You can look up information on the majority of your personal care products so you can eliminate anything that is actually a major health risk.
Lube loves you! THIS MUCH!
You can now find out how much every day here: https://twitter.com/lubelovesu
(Thanks to our pal Mark Price for the awesome wooing-lube illustration he made for us for this!)
(via meravisabeast)
Anonymous Asks:
becauseiamawoman Said:
I looked it up, and it seems that 2 of the tips (the soft ones) that come with the Tri·Phoria Intimate Massager are silicone. From what I can tell, the rest of the product appears to be made of hard plastic, but I cannot verify that as the product specs are missing materials on every major site I looked through.
Since silicone can bond with and/or ruin your silicone toy its better you try a water-based lubricant to extend the life of your toy.
Although I’m not totally sold based on ingredients, if you are in a financial pinch free lube is better than no lube!
Anonymous Asks:
becauseiamawoman Said:
Hey anon! Without knowing what kind of selection your drug store has, it is hard for me to give you a specific product you should try. Instead, I will simply provide some basic shopping points that will hopefully help you determine what will work best for you.
- Check the ingredients: If you have a vagina or are having sex with someone who has one, you will want to stay away from glycerin. It can cause irratition and infection in those who are already predisposed to yeast infections or UTIs. If possible, try to get something that is also paraben free.
- Skip the oil: Oil based lubricants should not be used with condoms, as they degrade latex and are not vagina-friendly. If you are using it only for masturbating with a penis or anal then this is an option. Otherwise, stay away from it.
- Make sure it is compatible with your toys: If you will be using lube with sex toys, make sure they are compatible with the lube you pick out. Otherwise, you risk ruining your toys. As a general rule, don’t use silicone lube with a silicone toy.
For more information about lube, you can check out my post about it here. I hope you find what you are looking for!
How often do you check the ingredients on your lube beyond the labels “silicone” or “water-based”? Today we take a look at glycerin.
Glycerin is a compound which the body processes as sugar. It’s typically added to water-based lubes to make your naughty bits taste sweet when lubed up. A lot of people like glycerin lubes because they complain about the bitter/bad taste of unflavored lubricant.
However, here’s why you might want to stay away from it:
- For Vaginas: If you’re already prone to yeast infections, using glycerin lubes increases your chances of getting them. Yeast feeds on sugar, and that’s what glycerin is. If you don’t get frequent yeast infections, you should still be able to use glycerin lubes…but there is literally no benefit to glycerin other than what we’d argue is an unnecessary “taste factor”, so we’d still advice against it.
- For Anuses: Do you know what else contains glycerin? Anal suppository laxatives! If you’re using lube for anal play (which you should be!), we’d steer clear of the glycerin lubes unless you plan on dropping some major deuces post-play.
What are your alternatives? There are lots of glycerin-free water based lubes on the market, just read the label carefully! You could also opt for silicone-based lubes. And if the taste factor of your lube is a big deal for you, there are ways to get yummy lubes WITHOUT glycerin in them. Just reach for a flavored lube (Sliquid carries a good line) that specifically notes it uses non-sugar artificial flavorings.
Note: KY Jelly, although one of the most sold lubes in Walgreens/convenience stores, is STUFFED with glycerin. Stay away from this!
