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Effects of Hyperosmolar Lubricants on Vaginal Tissue

Use of personal products that are not iso-osmolar to the vagina is an under-recognized promoter of BV. Using products that have the same osmolality protects the vaginal lining from damage and inflammation.

 

Types of Osmolality

Hyper-osmolar (high osmolality) lubricants draw water out of cells, shrinking them until they slough off the surface. As the cells shrivel, they send out pro-inflammatory cytokines to the immune system and reduce anti-inflammatory signals. Rapid shedding of the outer layer of epithelial cells make the tissue susceptible to infectious agents like bacteria and viruses.

Iso-osmolar (balanced osmolality) lubricants, on the other hand, do not change anything.

When hypo-osmolar (low osmolality) lubricants are applied, fluid is drawn into the epithelial cells, causing them to swell.

How Does the Osmolality of a Lubricant Affect Epithelial Cells? 

Histology Reports show that just 4 hours of hyperosmotic lubricant application can cause death and sloughing of vaginal epithelial cells in a 3D cell culture model.

 

Source: https://linkinghub.elsevier.com/retrieve/pii/S221475001730118X

 

In a 2018 study by Dr. Melissa Herbst-Kralovetz's group, researchers examined the effects of lubricants on vaginal epithelial cell expression of immune markers and barrier function molecules. The results show that hyperosmotic lubricants alter the pattern of inflammatory markers and barrier function of epithelial cells. Good Clean Love's lubricant, an iso-osmotic product, does not alter these patterns. In this study, Conceptrol N-9 (containing known cytotoxin nonxynol-9) was used as a positive control for immune markers.

 

Source: https://academic.oup.com/jid/article/220/12/2009/5563809#168537494

“I have a patient who has gone through vaginal radiation and had persistent dryness that was painful. She says your products have allowed her not to have ongoing pain and to resume a sexual relationship with her spouse, which she feared was over.”

Sarah C. Wilson, MSN, RN, CNP  GYN Oncology Nurse Practitioner

“I have had so many positive responses to this product from my patients. I am so excited with the response. I do know that several of my patients have switched from [popular OTC lubricant brand] to this product after using the samples we provided them with... they say there is no comparison!”

Harry W. Kuberg, MD  Kuberg Clinic

“Your lubricant has been a lifesaver for many of my patients - the best lubricant ever! Thank you, Good Clean Love! I'm relieved that there has not been one patient who has been "allergic" to it!”

Debra M. Cunningham, WHNP  Alton OB/GYN Associates

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