Is your lube causing a UTI?
Your private parts are no place for harsh, synthetic chemicals.
So much so, that research now suggests that some ingredients in conventional lubricants can put you at a higher risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STI’s), urinary tract infections (UTI’s), and may throw off the delicate bacterial balance of your vagina.
You’ve probably heard about the microbiome in your gut. It’s the collection of tiny microorganisms such as bacteria, yeasts and fungi that have a powerful effect on your health and wellness. But, most don’t know that a similar ecosystem lives in the female vagina. It is known as the vaginal microbiome, and it plays a significant role in keeping women healthy.
An imbalance in the vaginal microbiome is the cause of many common symptoms such as excessive or abnormal discharge, itchiness, redness, irritation and pain. This occurs when one specific bacteria or yeast becomes overgrown. The most common example of vaginal microbiome imbalance is called thrush. It occurs when a yeast, Candida, grows in excessive amounts, and is often due to a lack of good bacteria keeping numbers in check.
An imbalance in bacteria can be caused by multiple factors such as antibiotic usage, the oral contraceptive pill, diet, sexual intercourse and products including douches, feminine wipes, soaps and yes, lubricants!
“There are more than a few reasons why conventional lubricants can cause disharmony within the vagina.”
But firstly, let’s talk about harmful ingredients.
Conventional lubricants commonly contain harsh ingredients that are less than ideal for the delicate environment that is the vagina. Most of these ingredients are cheap additives that help to create slip, stability, preservation or add a pleasant scent or flavour.
The lubricants in question will contain ingredients such a propylene glycol, glycerol or glycerin which are known to dry out the vagina. In turn, this can weaken the body’s natural defence against bacterial and yeast infections. These ingredients are also known to be a food source for yeast, so if you are already prone to yeast infections (thrush) it may be an ingredient you want to stay away from.
Fortunately, there are many natural alternatives that work just as well without negatively impacting vaginal health.
The vagina is absorbent.
The vagina is a very absorbent membrane, meaning that the ingredients it comes in contact with will be absorbed through the vaginal wall and transported into the blood stream. In fact, the vagina is so absorbent that researchers have experimented with delivering drugs vaginally. One study demonstrates that inserting medication into the vagina resulted in blood levels 10x higher than those taking oral doses of the same drug 1 . This is a really important fact to consider when choosing a lubricant, as you don’t want to expose your vagina to anything you wouldn’t want to eat. I particularly suggest you avoid parabens, as these are chemicals that are known to disrupt hormone function, harm fertility and increase the risk of breast cancer.
Some ingredients may disrupt bacterial balance in your vagina.
Certain ingredients in lubricants may reduce levels of Lactobacillus species. Lactobacilli are bacteria that play a role in keeping the vagina acidic, which is key in keeping infections at bay. Known ingredients to disrupt bacterial balance are nonoxynol-9, which is mostly found in lubricants containing spermicides.
Why does a PH-balanced lube matter?
The normal pH of the vagina is between 3.2 and 4.5, which is actually quite acidic. An acidic environment prevents the growth of unwanted bacteria and yeasts. If a lubricant has a higher pH, it can make the vagina more alkaline, which increases risk of infection. Yikes!
In summary, the key things to look out for when picking a personal lubricant:
Does not contain harsh ingredients such as glycerin (may be listed as propylene glycol, glycerol), parabens, nonoxynol-9 or chlorhexidine gluconate.
Does not contain any fragrances (aroma, scent)
Does not contain flavours
Is pH balanced
We respect and admire the vagina, so Come Clean is a natural lubricant that ticks all of the boxes above.
You can click here to purchase our natural lubricant that is free from nasties and guarantees a groovy good time.
Written by natural health guru, Lucy.
Lucy is a certified and registered naturopath based in NSW, Australia.
She’s passionate about helping ladies and gents with libido and fertility issues through safe, effective and holistic treatments.
Find out more about Lucy here.
References:
Krause M, Wheeler TL 2nd, Richter HE, Snyder TE. Systemic effects of vaginally administered estrogen therapy: a review. Female Pelvic Med Reconstr Surg. 2010;16(3):188-195. doi:10.1097/SPV.0b013e3181d7e86e