Can Lube Throw Off Your pH Levels?

Short answer – yes!

I was so excited to see this question, because I so rarely get asked about lube. Most people assume that using lube is easy. And the using part is easy, you just apply it where you want it to go. But knowing which lube to use can actually be more complicated than most people realize.

I know the question is about pH but I want to back up and do a brief  overview of lube.

There are basically three types of lube. They are oil-based, water-based and silicone. Oil-based lubes shouldn’t be used with latex or polyisoprene condoms. These two materials are what most external condoms are made of. Oil-based lube is okay to use with nitrile condoms. This is what internal condoms are made of.

Silicone lube is a bit thicker and people may prefer it for anal sex. One of the big drawbacks of silicone lube is that it can’t be used with silicone toys.

So on to pH. (I know that was a really brief overview, if you have specific questions about lube just ask!)The normal pH of the vagina is around 3.8 – 4.5. It’s a bit higher as women start moving through menopause, so for those who are around or past midlife, keep that in mind.

If you use a lube in your vagina that is higher than 4.5 it will make the pH of the vagina more alkaline, at least for a short period of time. This may not seem like a big deal, but it can lead to burning and irritation of the vagina. It can also lead to increased risk of vaginal infection.

If you’re having anal sex, you also need to think about the pH of lube. The pH of the rectum is somewhere in the 7 – 8 range. So if you use a lube that’s too low (or too high) it can impact your rectal pH. This can lead to burning and irritation of the rectum. It can also lead to an increased risk of infection.

This means that if you’re planning on doing anal play and vaginal play you’re going to need to use two different lubes.

One of the big problems with pH of lube (other than the fact that we don’t  really talk about it) is that it’s not something most manufacturers put on the label. So you may have to do some online searching to see what you can find out. You can also try to reach out directly to the manufacturer.

If you started using a new lube and you’re noticing that there’s burning or irritation, definitely stop using it. Then take a look at the label. It could be you’re allergic or sensitive to a specific ingredient. It could also be the pH is causing the problem.

If you want more information about pH of lube, check out this article.

And if you’re digging the science aspect of this, you might want to check out this article on the osmolality of lube.

Until next time, be safe and have fun!

Have a question you want answered? Submit it here: https://milsteinhealthconsulting.com/heydrsue