Intimate well-being: what is it?

Intimate well-being: definition

Sexual health is defined by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a state of physical, emotional, mental, and social well-being in relation to sexuality. It is not limited to the absence of disease or dysfunction — it involves a positive and respectful approach to sexuality and the possibility of having safe and pleasurable sexual experiences, free from coercion, discrimination, and violence.

Intimate well-being rests on three interdependent dimensions:

• Biological: hormones, anatomy, reproductive organ function, lubrication, erection
• Psychological: self-esteem, desire, emotions, stress, body image
• Social: relationships, communication, cultural norms, access to information

Intimate wellness products — lubricants, condoms, hygiene products, and stimulants — are tools that support this balance. When chosen appropriately, they prevent discomfort, reduce the risk of infection, and enhance intimate life. When chosen poorly, they can disrupt the microbiome, damage condoms, or cause irritation.

Prevalence of sexual disorders: figures that normalize

Sexual dysfunctions are far more common than people think — and are often underreported due to shame or a lack of information.

In women

A 2025 global meta-analysis estimates that the prevalence of female sexual dysfunction (FSD) ranges from 25.8% to 67% depending on the populations studied. One significant protective factor was identified: among physically active women, prevalence is 47%, compared with 64.6% among sedentary women. Decreased sexual desire (hypoactive sexual desire disorder) affects approximately 10% of premenopausal women and 15% of postmenopausal women.

In men

More than 50% of men experience some degree of erectile dysfunction between the ages of 40 and 70. This figure — based on epidemiological data — is often higher than self-reported estimates because many men do not seek medical advice. Erectile dysfunction can be an early marker of cardiovascular disease — medical consultation is recommended in cases of persistent dysfunction.

What these data mean

These figures are not alarming — they normalize. Intimate health issues are common, often temporary, and in most cases can be addressed with simple solutions: lubrication, appropriate hygiene, information, and communication. Intimate wellness products directly address these needs for a large part of the population.

Intimate wellness product categories

Lubricants

Lubricants reduce friction, prevent microtears in the mucous membrane, and improve comfort. They are useful for relieving vaginal dryness, facilitating anal penetration, enhancing comfort when using sex toys, or simply intensifying sensations. A 2025 study showed that five WHO-compliant water-based lubricants significantly improved sexual function and reduced pain in all participants, with no serious adverse effects.

The main lubricant categories:

• Water-based: compatible with all condoms and sex toys, easy to clean — the universally reliable choice
• Silicone-based: long-lasting, water-resistant — incompatible with silicone sex toys
• Water/silicone hybrids: a compromise between glide and compatibility
• Organic and natural: free from parabens and colorants — check that they contain no vegetable oils if used with latex condoms
• With warming/cooling effects, CBD-infused, flavored: for more varied sensations
• Formulated for anal use: balanced pH (5.5–7), thicker texture, long-lasting

→ See our complete guide to lubricants and our selection of water-based lubricants.

Intimate hygiene

Gentle, appropriate hygiene is essential for maintaining the balance of the vaginal microbiome and preventing infections. The vagina naturally maintains an acidic pH (3.8–4.5) thanks to lactobacilli — harsh products and douching disrupt this balance.

Two important facts:

• A 2024 study showed that 69.6% of young women practice vaginal douching — a practice associated with high rates of bacterial vaginosis (41%), gonococcal infection (5%), and pelvic inflammatory disease (73%). Douching should be avoided.
• Regarding sex toys, 81.8% of users clean them regularly — but 18.2% rarely or never do. Cleaning a sex toy before and after every use is not optional.

→ See our complete guide to intimate hygiene and our selection of sex toy cleaners.

Condoms

Male and female condoms are essential tools for preventing unintended pregnancies and STIs. With perfect use, the pregnancy rate with a latex male condom is approximately 2% per year — it rises to 15% with typical use (user errors). The breakage rate is approximately 2%.

Available materials:

• Latex: the most common — effective, affordable, compatible with water- and silicone-based lubricants. Allergy affects 1 to 6% of the population.
• Polyurethane: non-allergenic, compatible with all lubricants — slightly more rigid and with a higher breakage rate than latex
• Polyisoprene: more flexible than polyurethane, compatible with water and silicone — not compatible with oils
• Natural membranes: natural sensation — do not protect against STIs

→ Consult our complete guide to condoms and our complete selection of condoms.

Stimulants and supplements

Sexual stimulants cover a very broad spectrum — from prescription medications to natural supplements and topical gels. Their effectiveness varies considerably:

• PDE-5 inhibitors (sildenafil, tadalafil): proven effectiveness for erectile dysfunction in 60 to 80% of cases — available by prescription
• Flibanserin and bremelanotide: medications for female hypoactive sexual desire disorder — modest effectiveness (+0.5 to +1.2 satisfactory encounters per month), available by prescription
• Ginseng: an average gain of 3.5 points on the IIEF index according to a 2021 Cochrane review — considered modest and probably not clinically significant
• Maca, L-arginine, fenugreek: limited evidence, moderate improvement for some profiles
• Pheromones: primarily anecdotal data, with no robust study demonstrating their effectiveness

→ Consult our complete guide to male stimulants and our guide to female stimulants.

Comparison table of the main intimate wellness products

Who it’s for: recommendations by profile

Women experiencing vaginal dryness

Prefer low-osmolality, water-based lubricants without glycerin or fragrance—they respect vaginal pH and reduce pain during intercourse. Consult a doctor in cases of persistent dryness, particularly after menopause, when local hormone therapy may be considered.

Men with erectile dysfunction

Consult a doctor to assess the causes before any treatment—erectile dysfunction may indicate underlying cardiovascular disease. PDE-5 inhibitors are effective in 60–80% of cases. Beware of unapproved supplements sold online.

People who practice anal sex

Use a lubricant specifically formulated with a suitable pH (5.5–7), preferably silicone-based for long-lasting glide. Apply generously and reapply regularly. Change condoms when switching from anal to vaginal sex—every time.

Postmenopausal people

Use hyaluronate-based vaginal moisturizers or long-lasting lubricants. Discuss local hormone therapy with a doctor if dryness persists and is uncomfortable.

Sex toy users

Prefer non-porous materials—medical-grade silicone, borosilicate glass, stainless steel. Clean before and after each use. Use only water-based lubricant with silicone sex toys.

The fundamental rules of intimate well-being

Choose suitable products

Choose certified products free from irritants (glycols, parabens, fragrances) that meet the recommended pH and osmolality levels. For vaginal lubricants: pH 4–5, osmolality below 1,200 mOsm/kg. For anal lubricants: pH 5.5–7.

Sex toy hygiene

Clean sex toys before and after each use with mild soap or a suitable cleaner. Glass and stainless steel sex toys can be boiled or placed in the dishwasher. Sex toys made of porous materials (TPE, jelly) cannot be sterilized—use a condom over them.

Condoms: proper use

Check the expiration date and that the packaging is intact. Put the condom on an erect penis before any genital contact. Never use two condoms simultaneously—friction increases the risk of breakage. Never use oil-based lubricants with latex condoms.

Never douche inside the vagina

The vagina cleans itself naturally. Douching disrupts the vaginal microbiome and is associated with high rates of bacterial vaginosis, infections, and obstetric complications. Wash externally only, with lukewarm water or a mild soap with a pH of 4–5.

Consult a healthcare professional

If you experience persistent pain during sex, ongoing sexual dysfunction, recurrent irritation, or before taking stimulants—a medical consultation is essential. Intimate wellness products complement medical care; they do not replace it.

Common mistakes to avoid

• Using an oil-based lubricant with a latex condom: oils damage latex and significantly increase the risk of breakage.
• Sharing sex toys without washing them or using a condom: sex toys can transmit bacteria and STIs from one person to another.
• Practicing vaginal douching: the vagina cleans itself. Douching is associated with high rates of bacterial vaginosis (41%) and pelvic inflammatory disease (73%).
• Taking unregulated supplements without medical advice: some supplements interact with cardiovascular medications or blood thinners.
• Ignoring signs of pain or discomfort: pain during sex is not normal—it warrants medical consultation.
• Using silicone lubricant with a silicone sex toy: it irreversibly damages the material. Always use a water-based lubricant with silicone sex toys.
• Storing a condom in a wallet: heat and friction damage latex and reduce the condom’s effectiveness.

Our product-specific guides

This guide covers the fundamentals of intimate wellness. To learn more about each product category, see our dedicated guides:

• Lubricant guide — types, selection criteria, comparisons by user profile
• Intimate hygiene guide — microbiome, douching, sex toy care
• Condom guide — materials, sizes, effectiveness, proper use
• Guide to male stimulants — PDE-5 inhibitors, ginseng, maca, delay sprays
• Guide to female stimulants — flibanserin, stimulating gels, natural supplements

In brief: what is intimate wellness?

• Intimate wellness is a state of physical, emotional, and social health related to sexuality — as defined by the WHO
• Sexual dysfunctions affect 25.8 to 67% of women and more than 50% of men aged 40 to 70 — figures that help normalize them
• Water-based lubricants are the universal safe choice — compatible with all condoms and sex toys
• Vaginal douching is associated with high rates of bacterial vaginosis and infections — avoid it completely
• 18.2% of users never clean their sex toys — a hygiene mistake with real consequences
• Natural supplements have limited evidence — consult a doctor before any treatment for persistent dysfunction