What causes vaginal irritation?

Contributor: <3BF <3BF
What are things to avoid that can cause vaginal irritation? I've heard many things referenced in other posts: lubes, condoms, seamen, shaving, certain toys, etc. and would like to know what we should avoid so we can keep up the sex without causing any trouble down there.
06/18/2012
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Contributor: GingerAnn GingerAnn
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06/18/2012
Contributor: blondie blondie
I think it's different with everyone. Some women are just more prone to irritation and infections from certain things.
06/18/2012
Contributor: - Kira - - Kira -
I have a very sensitive vagina so I'm extra careful about certain things. For me some things that will cause irritation are glycerin and parabens which can be found in many lubes and body products. I use Sliquid lube and don't take bubble baths.

We don't use condoms (we're fluid bonded), but back when I did they caused a lot of irritation for me.

In terms of toys pretty much anything lower than a seven or eight on the safety scale will cause burning. Jelly and latex are the worst for me.

I always go use the restroom after sex. If I don't, I'll get a UTI a day or so later.

Mileage may vary on a lot of that. Plenty of women can use plain lube with no issues. Many can use jelly toys, but I wouldn't recommend it from a safety standpoint. Using the restroom after sex is always a good tip though. If you're prone to UTIs cranberry juice helps to prevent them.
06/18/2012
Contributor: solitudinarian solitudinarian
I urinate after sex because I suspect not doing so is what caused my last UTI. With regards to semen, I try to remember to take a cranberry tablet after seeing my boyfriend on the weekend. I think my last bout of thrush was due to using a certain soap.

I now only buy Sliquid lubricants, intimate washes and shaving gel, since they contain no glycerin or parabens. I'm perhaps a little paranoid, but better that than having to go through pain and itching again.

Condoms don't cause irritation for me, but they may be problematic for some, especially the lubricated ones.

When I wear underwear, it's made of cotton.

I had no reaction to jelly toys when I used them in the past, but choose not to use them anyway because of health concerns/porosity.

It is different for everyone though.
06/18/2012