One part of healthcare that often falls short is sexual health. We get tested for STIs, but sometimes that is the full extent of it. Sex can be taboo and uncomfortable to talk about, which can leave us in the dark. Chronic or lingering vaginal pain and discomfort is common, and there can be many different things going on varying from hormonal to infectious. Personal lubricants are often overlooked, but they too can contribute to vaginal discomfort and pain. You want to feel your best, but first you need to know what to look for and what to avoid. So, let’s dive in!

Understanding Vaginal Ecology

We’ve all heard about the microbiome on our skin and in our gut, but maybe not the microbiome of the vagina. Similar to other sites in the body, the vaginal microbiome is made up of a balanced ecosystem of bacteria, yeast, and other organisms. While vaginal flora varies individually, and even by ethnicity, the major player in the vaginal microbiome is Lactobacillus.

Lactobacillus bacteria get their name due to their ability to produce lactic acid, which then keeps the pH of the vagina at an optimal low range. This low pH keeps the ecosystem balanced. When out of balance, yeast and other bothersome bacteria can take over, leading to a disruption in the flora causing itching, irritation, and even pain. This is all to say that vaginal health is important! We should be talking more about our experiences so that we can start feeling better.

Disrupting the Vaginal Microbiome

The vaginal microbiome is a pillar of our sexual health. Whenever the the flora is out of balance, then symptoms may arise leading to bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, or other vaginal infections. There can be many different contributing factors, one of which includes the use of personal lubricants. We see them in the store and we know they exist, but many of us don’t know how they affect our bodies. Lubricants can do a world of good, but they can also cause quite a bit of pain and irritation.

The Negative Effects of Lube

Let’s start with the positive…lubricants can be great, especially for those who may have vaginal dryness. But, lubricants can also cause a great deal of irritation due to the negative effect on our vaginal ecology and overall vaginal health.

Disrupting the pH

As mentioned earlier, Lactobacillus bacteria contribute to the optimal vaginal pH. When the pH is disrupted or changed, then it allows for the overgrowth of harmful microorganisms. This ultimately disrupts the delicate balance of “good bacteria”. Many lubricants we find in the sexual health aisle have a pH that is not ideal for the vaginal ecosystem. Additionally, we now understand that vaginal pH can interfere with fertility and conception by making it less habitable for sperm.

dysbiosis of the microbiome

The vaginal flora is affected not only by pH, but by ingredients as well. Many lubricants contain glycerin, which is a sugar alcohol. Bacteria feed on sugar, so the use of this ingredient can cause the growth on unfavorable bacteria.

Irritation of the Tissue

Many of the ingredients found in lubricants can be damaging to the tissue. Ingredients like glycerin, propylene glycol, and sodium hydroxide have shown to be irritating to other tissues in the body. We also know that damaged tissue is not only uncomfortable, but also more susceptible to infection.

Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals

Endocrine disrupting chemicals (EDCs) are chemicals that impact our hormones. These EDCs are found in many cosmetic and beauty products, including lubricants. The problem here is that the vaginal tissue absorbs things very well, meaning that any lubricants are going to be absorbed into the body. The most concerning EDCs are parabens and pthalates. Parabens specifically mimic estrogen in the body and may increase your risk for hormonal related conditions.

Finding a Better Option

We made it to the other side! The dangers of lube can be scary, but there are plenty of easy to find options that may work better for you and your body. In summary, we want to use lubricants that are supportive of our pH and microbiome, all while containing less harmful ingredients. So we need to drop the KY Jelly stuff! The lubricants that check all these boxes include Good Clean Love, Sliquid, Maude, and Sustain. Try them out and see what you like! These are all water based lubricants, meaning that they are safe for use with condoms. Anything that is oil based can degrade latex condoms, making them ineffective.

About the Author

Dr. Hannah is a naturopathic doctor providing whole body adjunctive healthcare to patients in Maine and Massachusetts. She believes every patient has their own unique health journey, which influences her personalized treatment approach. She has a passion for helping women, mothers and families heal and thrive, all while uncovering the root cause of whatever ails them. Her goal is to empower and guide her patients on the path towards healing the mind, body and soul through natural methods of healing. Dr. Hannah sees patients locally in Portland, Maine. Through telehealth, she is happy to serve the people of Lewiston, Ellsworth, Belfast, Bangor, and all the towns in between! She now sees Massachusetts patients through telehealth as well!

Disclaimer

The information provided on or through this website is for educational and informational purposes only. This information is not a substitution for proper and personalized medical diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or trusted healthcare provider before making an adjustments or changes to your healthcare regimen. Natural medicine is not inherently harmless, and therefore it is important to speak with your healthcare providers for personalized medical advice.