Hey Dr Sue — Can Lube Throw Off Your pH Levels?
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…