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Trying to get pregnant but concerned about your lube causing a UTI? Rest assured, this is a common concern.
One study estimates that in the U.S. alone, 62% of women have used lube during sex. And lube usage tends to be even more prevalent among women TTC. This isn’t surprising considering another study reported 76% of women having increased vaginal dryness during baby-making time.
So it’s worth asking!
Is there any risk in using lubrication while TTC? Can lube cause a UTI?
In short, yes, lubes do come with risks. Especially when trying to conceive.
And yes, they can contribute to getting UTIs. Mainly because they alter your vaginal pH which can lead to the growth of microorganisms.
So when it comes to using lubricants, keep these two major precautions in mind. One, the natural pH of your vagina falls between 3.8 and 4.5. So go with a lube that closely matches that natural pH range. And two, water-based lubes are less likely to cause a UTI than silicon or oil-based ones.
Keep reading though, and you’ll get a full picture of how using lubricants is related to urinary tract infections and what your safest options are when trying to get pregnant.
Vaginal lubricants 101
When it comes to sex, lube refers to any gel or liquid that you apply to your genital area (the vagina, vulva, or anus).
A common reason for lube usage among women is vaginal dryness. Of course, dryness can make intercourse less enjoyable or even painful. A study showed that during intercourse, 46% of females experienced dyspareunia (vaginal pain) caused by dryness.
But what many people don’t realize is that the extra friction from dryness can also cause micro-trauma to the vagina. This trauma can then increase the chances of bacteria entering the urethra where it can cause an infection (like a UTI).
If you’ve used lube before, perhaps you know that they’re not all created equal. Typically they’re categorized into the following types: water-based, oil-based, and silicone-based. And each type has its own pros and cons. Later on, we’ll get into which types are the safest for avoiding urinary tract infections.
Read more: Lube & Fertility: Is It Safe To Use Lube When TTC?
Can lube cause a UTI?
The short answer is yes. But let’s put this question to rest for you by starting with the basics.
Urinary tract infections (UTIs) occur when bacteria gets into your urine and travels upwards towards your bladder and beyond.
If you’ve had a UTI before, you may well know that it can be uncomfortable if not downright painful. Common UTI symptoms to look out for are pain or burning during urination, peeing frequently, pain in the abdominal region, and even fever or vomiting.
Considering these undesirable symptoms, it’s wise of you to do what you can to limit your chances of developing a urinary tract infection. And what many people don’t realize is that certain lubes can actually instigate a UTI.
Here are the two main ways this happens:
1. Lubes can change the vaginal flora by affecting your vaginal pH
Your vaginal flora (vaginal bacteria) is sensitive to any type of change. Think of it as “that” friend who doesn’t get along well with others. So introducing any sort of unnaturally occurring substance to the area can cause issues.
Here’s a breakdown of what can happen:
Under normal conditions, your vagina has an acidic pH of about 4.5.
- If something alters the natural vaginal flora, Lactobacillus (the “good” bacteria) decreases, and “bad” bacteria (which are anaerobic) increases.
- If these anaerobic bacteria make their way to the urethra, you could develop a UTI.
2. Some lubes damage or irritate the vaginal wall
Depending on what the lube is made of, it could cause micro-trauma to your skin. This irritated or damaged skin then acts as a portal for bad bacteria. Once let in, the bacteria then make their way to your urethra, eventually leading to a UTI.
Safe-to-use lubes
If you do want to use a lube whether for pleasure or to avoid vaginal dryness, there’s good news. There are some that are safe to use!
So, what lubricant won’t cause a UTI? Here’s what to look for in a safe lube:
Lubes with a pH close to 4.5
Again, a healthy vagina naturally has a pH ranging from 3.8 to 4.5. So you’ll want the lube you use to have a pH that matches that number as closely as possible. This will help avoid throwing off your balance of vaginal flora.
The higher the pH of your lube, the more likely you are to disrupt your natural vaginal microbiome. And definitely avoid lubricants with a pH exceeding 7. These can put you at a higher risk for bacterial vaginosis (BV).
Water-based lubes
Opt for water-based lube over oil-based lubes or petroleum-derived oils. A study found that water-based lubricants resulted in fewer genital symptoms compared to silicon-based ones. And they also led to higher rates of sexual satisfaction. Oil-based lubricants alter the pH of the vagina and lead to bacterial growth. If you use condoms, know that the oils can also break down latex condoms.
Take a look at the table below:
Check the label of your lubricant carefully too.
For water-based lubes, aim for ones with an osmolality that’s 1200 mOsm/kg or less. The reason this matters is because the osmolality of normal vaginal fluid is 260–290 mOsm/kg. And for semen, it’s slightly higher at 250–380 mOsm/kg. But many lubes you’ll find on the market tend to have an osmolality much higher than the recommended amount. Some even as high as 6000 mOsm/kg.
Also look for the glycerol and propylene content. The glycerol content should be no more than 9.9% mass fraction. And the propylene content should be no more than 8.3% mass fraction.
Moral of the story? Read the labels carefully and know what you’re looking for.
And just a heads up! A lot of water-based lubes have glycerin as an ingredient. This isn’t an issue for most people. But if you frequently get yeast infections, try a lube free of glycerin to be safe.
Natural lubrication
A final consideration is to try out methods that enhance your vagina’s natural lubrication. One way you can do that is by not rushing to the main event. Sex can be stressful when TTC for sure. But the more you let your body “warm up,” the more time you give your natural secretions to prepare the vaginal canal. Find more ways to naturally lubricate here!
Timing intercourse with your body’s rising estrogen levels can help too. Here’s why. When you are about 3 – 4 days away from ovulating, your estrogen levels increase. This rise in estrogen boosts your cervical mucus to get your body ready for baby-making. Cervical mucus is your body’s natural lubricant. It assists in keeping your vagina moist which helps you have pain-free sex. So planning around this natural lubrication can help reduce your risk of extra friction during intercourse.
Read more: How to Increase Estrogen Naturally: 3 Simple Ways
Lubes to avoid
There are several additives in many lubes that can lead to a higher chance of UTIs, STIs, and yeast infections.
Here are some of the culprits you’ll want to avoid in your lube:
- Artificial fragrances or flavors
When you’re trying to spice up your baby-making time, it may be tempting to give pleasant-smelling or flavored lubricants a try. But the chemicals in these products can not only irritate your skin but also change your vaginal pH. And as you know by now, that’s a recipe for a potential UTI. Also, the extra sugar included for the flavor could lead to excess yeast or bacterial growth.
- Glycerin and glycerol
These ingredients are derived from plant compounds. And when it comes to lubricants, they’re usually added for their ability to hydrate and lock in moisture. Lubes with highly osmolar glycerin have been tied to BV and altered vaginal flora. So best to say no to lubes with these listed as active ingredients.
- Propylene glycol
This is a chemical compound found in many food and personal care products. The addition of this ingredient can make lubes up to 30 times the osmolality of normal vaginal fluid. After using a lube with propylene glycol, you can experience dried-out vaginal tissue which can then cause a UTI.
- Preservatives
Like many commercial products nowadays, lubes may contain preservatives (like parabens) to improve their shelf-life. Some of the preservatives used in lubricants are also included to prevent bacterial growth. But what ends up happening is the preservatives change the harmony of naturally-occurring vaginal bacteria. Thus, you could have a potential urinary tract infection on your hands.
- Sperm killers
Lubes that contain spermicides don’t just kill sperm. They also kill the good bacteria naturally present in vaginal flora. On top of that, they can create small tears in the vaginal wall. This can increase your risk of contracting an STI like HIV or gonorrhea from an infected partner. If you’re TTC, you’re likely not looking for lube with spermicide anyway. But just to be safe, the main spermicide ingredient to be on the lookout for is called nonoxynol-9.
FAQs about lubricants
What is the best lubricant to prevent infections?
Besides enhancing your natural lubrication, here are 3 main criteria to look for in a lube to avoid infection:
- Water-based
- An osmolality close to that of your natural fluids (1200 mOsm/kg or less)
- Glycerol content less than 9.9% mass fraction
- Propylene content less than 8.3% mass fraction
- A pH close to the vagina’s natural pH (~4.5)
Can saliva cause UTIs?
It’s not recommended to use saliva as a lubricant. For one, this can lead to the transmission of oral STIs to the genital area. And secondly, the digestive enzymes in saliva throw off the vaginal flora. This altering of the vaginal microbiome can cause bacterial vaginosis or yeast infections.
Can coconut oil as lube cause UTIs?
In short, it’s possible. But there hasn’t been enough research to definitively prove this one way or the other. But keep the following in mind. Coconut oil is alkaline (a pH greater than 7), while a healthy vaginal pH is acidic (around 4.5). By introducing coconut oil to your genital area, you can disrupt the natural acidity. So it’s probably safest to avoid using coconut oil and even more so if you are susceptible to yeast infections.
Can lubes cause infertility?
Read all you need to know about lubricants and fertility here!
Takeaways: How to prevent UTIs while using lubricants?
- Go with water-based lubes that have a pH close to 3.8-4.5.
- Avoid lubricants containing fragrances, artificial flavors, preservatives, spermicides, glycerin, and propylene glycol.
- Practice good urinary health and sexual health. This includes:
- Washing the vulva and vagina with soap that doesn’t alter your vaginal pH
- Peeing after sex
- Refraining from douching
- Wearing loose-fitting underwear to avoid trapping heat and moisture in the vaginal area
- Cleaning sex toys before and after using them
- Stay hydrated by getting at least 11.5 cups of water per day.
- Supplement your diet with probiotics that help bulk up your good vaginal bacteria.
- Wipe front to back to prevent harmful bacteria from entering through the urethra.
Was this article helpful?
- Effect of Vaginal Lubricants on Natural Fertility – PMC
- Prevalence of vaginal dryness in trying-to-conceive couples – Fertility and Sterility
- Use and procurement of additional lubricants for male and female condoms: WHO/UNFPA/FHI360 – Advisory note
- A Question for Women’s Health: Chemicals in Feminine Hygiene Products and Personal Lubricants – PMC
- Hyperosmolal vaginal lubricants markedly reduce epithelial barrier properties in a three-dimensional vaginal epithelium model – PMC
- How much water should I drink a day? – Harvard Health
- The restoration of the vaginal microbiota after treatment for bacterial vaginosis with metronidazole or probiotics
- Spermicide – Science Direct
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