WHO recommendations on self-care interventions: availability of lubricants during sexual activity

Overview

Lubricants (also called personal lubricants) are usually liquid gels that can be used by individuals during sexual activity. There are many reasons that people of all ages, gender identities and sexual orientations may opt to use lubricants, including to enhance the ease and comfort of intimate sexual activities, such as vaginal or anal sex.

Lubricants, including topical vaginal lubricants (for use during sexual activity), are listed as interventions for “care of sexual functioning and well-being” in in WHO’s UHC Compendium and they play a role in sexual and reproductive health and rights. A variety of lubricants in sachets or bottles are generally available without a prescription from health-care facilities, pharmacies and drug stores.