Intimate gel and contraceptive pills – do they conflict with each other?

A foreword from a veteran of hormonal contraception

Since my third year of high school, nearly 100 blisters of birth control pills have passed down my esophagus . Did I think it was a good decision? Sure, painful periods didn’t let me hesitate any longer. Did I do some online research and consult a gynecologist? Of course. Or did I still have a list of doubts? Oh, if only you knew!

Maybe you were, are or will be in a similar situation someday. If, for example, choosing the best form of pills for you is a bit overwhelming, read our article: " Hormonal contraception - how to choose the right one? ". I bet that Ewa's text: "Birth control pills and your period - facts and myths!" will also clarify a lot for you. And in general, it's best to talk to a trusted gynecologist; it's his job to explain to you what hormonal contraception is all about.

What puts us off in “anti-depressant” pills

At first, I didn’t know if the popular stereotype about the inevitable weight gain would come true for my body. I wasn’t convinced that the pills would help my ailments at all, or that the protection against pregnancy was as good as the pharmacists promised (spoiler alert: it is!). And – moving on to the actual topic of this article – does using a moisturizing intimate gel affect the effectiveness of the pills? To find the answer to this question, we need to briefly go through the scheme of action of lubricants and oral contraceptives.

Also check out our article about birth control pills and their impact on libido .

How does intimate gel work?

Intimate gel (or lubricant) is designed to provide slip and reduce friction during intercourse. It is applied both internally (to the vagina, anus) and externally (to the vulva or penis), which is intended to prevent unpleasant symptoms, including:

• pain during penetration or masturbation,
• discomfort resulting from dryness,
• abrasions and micro-damage.

If vaginal dryness is a topic you want to explore, I invite you to read Ewa Stanicka's article: "Vaginal dryness – how to deal with it?" .

There are water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based lubricants on the market. The latter should not be used with latex condoms, because any oil damages the latex – and that’s just a step away from an unplanned pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease , or infection. In addition, oil-based lubricants (unlike the other two types) can be absorbed into the vaginal tissue and disrupt the balance of the delicate mucous membrane.

As I mentioned above, the gel is applied topically. It does not penetrate the skin or enter the digestive system (well, except for flavored products that are designed to be consumed). It can be washed off the body, and the vagina cleanses itself of any remnants (as well as sperm if the partner ejaculates inside).

How do birth control pills work?

Birth control pills inhibit ovulation , the stage of the cycle in which an egg is released from the Graafian follicle in the ovary – this makes fertilization impossible. Why?

To get pregnant, an egg must join with a sperm. So it takes two to tango, and in people taking birth control pills, egg maturation is stopped. In addition, the pill causes the endometrium (the mucous membrane lining the uterus) to stop growing, and the cervical mucus changes composition and thickens. So the egg has no place to implant.

As a result of using this contraceptive, in people with ovaries, menstruation stops. If we take breaks between subsequent blisters, withdrawal bleeding occurs (not a period - this is explained in the article "What is the difference between withdrawal bleeding and menstruation?" ).

These processes and their course result from the hormones in the pills – progesterone and estrogen. They are the ones that block ovulation, endometrial growth and cervical mucus density, which makes it harder for sperm to travel.

Does lubricant affect the effectiveness of contraceptive pills?

No. Because intimate gels are applied topically to the skin – meaning they are not absorbed or leave a trace in the body – they cannot interact with birth control pills, which contain hormones that remain in the bloodstream and pass through the digestive system.

Using lubricant when taking contraceptive pills is actually advisable. A common effect of taking pills is vaginal dryness, and intimate gel is a product dedicated to such ailments. It moisturizes the vagina, supporting the function of cervical mucus (of course only for the time of using lubricant, not long-term), which thickens under the influence of hormones contained in pills and is produced in smaller quantities than before the treatment.

Therefore, after consulting your doctor, do not be afraid to use both methods – they will complement each other well. A sense of security, i.e. simply no fear of unwanted pregnancy, and proper vaginal lubrication are the key to enjoying sex. Mental and physical comfort – that's it!

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