K-Y Jelly

Generic name: Lubricating Jelly
Drug class: Topical emollients

Usage of K-Y Jelly

KY jelly is a water-based, personal lubricant that is usually used as a lubricant for sexual intercourse or masturbation. Unlike petroleum or oil-based lubricants, it does not react with latex condoms, diaphragms, or sex toys. Sometimes KY Jelly may be used as a substitute for ultrasound gel, to aid insertion of suppositories or tampons, during medical examinations, or for other reasons.

KY Jelly is water-soluble and its main lubricating ingredients are glycerol (glycerine) and hydroxyethylcellulose. Antiseptic and preservative additives include chlorhexidine gluconate, gluconolactone, methylparaben, and sodium hydroxide. Ingredients may vary slightly between the different KY products. KY Jelly does not contain any added colors or perfumes.

KY Jelly is non-greasy but may dry out during use. The lubricating effects can be reactivated with the addition of water or saliva. Because glycerol is one of its ingredients, KY Jelly has a slightly sweet taste. It does not stain fabric.

K-Y Jelly side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of a severe allergic reaction when using KY Jelly: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using KY Jelly and rinse the affected area with water if you develop severe burning, stinging, redness, or irritation where the product was applied. Call your doctor if the irritation persists.

Stop using KY jelly if you develop vaginal thrush (candida) after using the product. For some women, the glycerol contained in KY jelly can trigger such infections. Seek treatment for the vaginal thrush from a pharmacist or doctor and talk to them about alternative lubricants. KY Jelly is odorless, colorless, and alcohol-free.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking K-Y Jelly

You should not use KY Jelly if you are allergic to it. KY Jelly will not prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or reduce the risk of pregnancy.

Use of personal lubricants that contain glycerol (such as KY Jelly) may trigger yeast infections in women who are prone to them.

Ingredients such as methylparaben (contained in KY Jelly) may cause skin irritations in some people.

Ask a doctor or pharmacist if it is safe for you to use KY Jelly if you:

have any type of allergy
have any cuts, irritation, sores, or wounds near your genital area or near the area where you plan to use KY Jelly
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have a sexually transmitted infection (also called a sexually transmitted disease or STD).

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Warnings

Follow all directions on the label and packaging. Tell all your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all the medicines you use.

What other drugs will affect K-Y Jelly

KY Jelly, which is applied topically, is unlikely to interact with drugs that you take orally. However, it may alter the effect of other topical agents which are applied to the same area. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

KY Jelly is safe to use with latex and polyisoprene condoms, diaphragms and silicone sex toys.

Remember to keep KY Jelly all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and to use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Disclaimer

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