Generic name: lubricating jelly
Brand names: KY Liquibeads vagin*l Moisturizer & Lubrication, KY Jelly Water-Based Personal Lube, KY Warming Jelly Personal Lube, KY Ultragel Water-Based Personal Lubricant, KY Yours & Mine Couples Lube, ... show all 8 brands
Drug class: Topical emollients
Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on May 21, 2024.
What is KY 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.
Important Information
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.
Before using this medicine
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).
How should I use KY Jelly?
Use exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor.
Apply the desired amount of lubricant directly from the tube to the skin or to a condom. Reapply as required.
If skin, penile, or vagin*l irritation develops, stop using KY Jelly immediately and wash the area with water. Seek medical attention if the irritation persists.
KY Jelly should not be ingested or allowed to come into contact with the eyes.
In case of accidental ingestion, rinse out the mouth with water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek medical attention if adverse health effects persist.
In case of eye contact, rinse immediately with water and seek medical attention if eye irritation persists.
Store in the original container in a dry, cool, and well-ventilated area between 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C) and protect from direct sunlight and heat. Keep away from incompatible materials, food and drink.
Keep the bottle, tube, or container tightly closed and sealed when not in use. Containers that have been opened must be carefully resealed and kept upright to prevent leakage. Do not store in unlabeled containers. Dispose of carefully to avoid environmental contamination.
What happens if I miss a dose?
KY Jelly can be used as needed and does not have a daily dosing schedule. Seek advice from your pharmacist or doctor if the lubricating effects of KY Jelly are not sufficient for your needs.
What happens if I overdose?
Rinse out your mouth with water if you accidentally ingest KY Jelly and seek medical attention if adverse effects persist. In case of skin irritation, wash the area with water and discontinue use. Seek medical attention if the skin irritation persists.
If you have any urgent concerns call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while taking KY Jelly?
Avoid getting KY Jelly in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If this does happen, rinse with water.
KY 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 vagin*l thrush (candida) after using the product. For some women, the glycerol contained in KY jelly can trigger such infections. Seek treatment for the vagin*l 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.
K-Y Jelly side effects (more detail)
What other drugs will affect KY 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 circ*mstances.
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Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circ*mstances.
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