While it’s much more fun to talk about the “do’s” of sex, there are some questions Fascinations associates are frequently asked that require a more nuanced explanation of why you should “just say no.” Vaginal tightening creams are one of the items we are asked for in our stores, and many people are confused when they find out that we don’t carry any tightening gels, creams or sprays. If you are interested in why Fascinations doesn’t carry these products anymore, or are thinking about trying a tightening cream, read the following information before making that choice.
The basic premise of a vaginal tightening cream is that it is applied inside the vaginal canal before intercourse, and as it takes effect, it causes the vagina to tighten. Over time, the effect wears off, so more cream must be applied. Extended use of a tightening cream does not permanently strengthen the PC muscles, or result in a “tighter” vagina. While the concept of tightening cream is appealing to many people, it’s important to question why our society feels the need to produce products that promote an unrealistic image of vaginas that doesn’t live up to reality. Additionally, the question of how these creams work brings up some safety and sexual health issues to be aware of.
Every person’s vagina is different in lots of ways including shape, color, hair (or lack-of), and tightness. Promoting an ideal that vaginas are only good if they are “tight” fails to acknowledge the diversity of different vaginas and creates a false ideal which creates insecurity in people who have vaginas, and unrealistic expectations in people who like vaginas. So, let’s get this out of the way here: No matter what you (or someone else’s) vagina looks or feels like, it’s awesome and shouldn’t be any other way. There has never been a universal vagina mold that all vaginas aspire to imitate, and however tight, hairy, or colorful your vagina is, it’s cool just the way it is. This is not to say that vaginas don’t change over time, and become less tight than they used to be; this is a fact of life, and is generally caused by weakened PC muscles due to childbirth or age. However, the use of a tightening gel isn’t going to solve these common health problems, and there is a much better long term way to strengthen the PC muscles, without the possible negative health effects.
Besides the more theoretical implications of the demand for tightening creams, it’s also important to understand how these creams work, and why they might not be the best choice if you want to strengthen your PC muscles. Almost all tightening gels and creams contain alum, which is the same ingredient in most deodorants. This means that every time you apply a tightening cream, it is “tightening” the vagina by absorbing all the natural moisture. This can mean pain with any sort of penetration (since there’s little to no natural lubricant), which doesn’t sound too fun. Additionally, alum has been known to irritate people who have sensitive skin, and can be painful if your body is not compatible with it. On a more serious health note, alum may contribute to an increased risk of Alzheimer’s, and while there is no conclusive link, it’s often best to avoid items that contain ingredients that might be bad for you, especially if you’re using that item internally, and if there are other alternatives available.
On a more economic note, it ends up costing a lot of money to keep buying a tightening gel for every sexual encounter, since it has no permanent effect, so you have to keep using it no matter what to keep the same results. Anyone can strengthen their PC muscles (which will help with vaginal tightness, orgasm control, and incontinence prevention) permanently by investing in a good set of Kegel Balls (like the Ami, or Smartballs) and some water-based lube. You can also use a graduated bar like the NJoy Fun Wand or Icicles No 8 to aid in the strengthening of the PC muscles as well. These toys have the added effect of permanently strengthening the vaginal muscles, meaning the results will be evident over time, and not something that lasts for a few minutes at a time. If you want more detailed information on PC muscle exercise, you can refer to our blog post here.
In the end, the short-term advantages of tightening gels don’t seem outweigh the other issues that may arise when using them, so it’s recommended to exercise your PC muscles the traditional way (with a Kegel bar or Kegel balls) that will lead to long-term health benefits and a happier sex life. Generally, if something seems like a quick fix to a sexual health concern, it’s probably too good to be true. Improving your sex life and/or sexual health almost always requires some time and energy.
