Can Lube Cause A UTI? (And Ones That Won’t)

How Can Lube Cause A UTI?

The genitals have a delicate microbiome that’s maintained naturally by the body, yet it’s one that can be easily disrupted by unsafe lube ingredients that cause irritation.

Additionally, a personal lubricant that has an imbalanced pH or osmolality can do the same.

Anything that causes irritation to the genital skin can increase your risk of infection by supporting the growth of bacteria on the skin’s surface — including the types of bacteria commonly responsible for UTIs.

But a lube’s pH is a major factor — especially when you consider that even the vagina’s natural pH can be problematic during certain stages of life.

One study notes that an increased vaginal pH resulting from menopause — a perfectly normal condition — can increase the risk of bacterial overgrowth (specifically Enterobacteriaceae), leading to UTIs.

Dr. Susan Milstein, a human sexuality health educator on our medical review board, said that as some women age, “they find themselves needing to use incontinence pads.”

“Using these pads can also increase the chances of getting a UTI,” Dr. Milstein said.

UTIs are infections of the urinary tract caused by bacteria (most commonly types found in fecal matter) that make their way inside the urethra and eventually, into the bladder.

The urethra lies in very close proximity to the vaginal opening and the anus.

During vaginal sex, bacteria from the anal area can transfer to the penis, fingers, or sex toy that’s penetrating the vagina, making direct contact with it and the urethra.

The distance between the opening of the urethra and the bladder itself is relatively short so once UTI-causing bacteria make their way inside, they only need to travel a short distance to reach the bladder.

When this occurs and the bacteria multiply, a UTI can develop.

As we mentioned earlier, however, penetrative sex is more likely to cause a UTI compared to lube.

That said, if a personal lubricant is made from ingredients that cause irritation or it has an improperly balanced pH or osmolality level that does the same, it can potentially lead to bacterial overgrowth — and a urinary tract infection.

How To Avoid UTIs From Lube

The best way to avoid contracting a UTI while using personal lubricant is to make sure that it contains ingredients that are safe for your body and if water-based, that it has a pH and osmolality that’s compatible with the type of sex you’re having.

Additionally, it’s important to clean your genital area properly (including after sex) and make sure that any genitals, fingers, or sex toys that come into contact with the vagina have not first touched the anus.

This will help to prevent the transfer of bacteria from the anal area to the vagina and urethra.

To avoid getting a UTI from lube, you should: 

• Select personal lubricants made from safe ingredients that will not cause skin irritation that could lead to infection
• Select water-based personal lubricants that have a safe pH and osmolality for their intended use — with a pH between 3.8 and 4.5 for vaginal sex (although Dr. Milstein advises that women should use a lubricant with a higher pH after menopause) and 5.5 to 7 for anal sex and osmolality under 1200 mOsm/kg (ideally below 380)
• Avoid lubricants that contain body-safe ingredients you are allergic to or sensitive to, as these can cause irritation on the skin and increase your risk of infection

One study found that both water-based and silicone-based lubes were “rarely associated with genital symptoms.”

Our editor-in-chief, Alison Huff, struggled with recurring UTIs as a result of menopause and personally favors silicones because they are the least likely to irritate her own skin.

Everybody is different — what matters most is that your lubricant is made from safe ingredients that are gentle to your skin and if water-based, has an appropriate pH and osmolality that won’t cause irritation.

What Is A UTI?

A urinary tract infection (also known as a UTI) is a type of bacterial infection that most often occurs from E.coli or Enterobacteriaceae.

A UTI can occur anywhere along your urinary system, such as the bladder, kidneys, ureters, and urethra (located near the vagina — and the place from where you urinate).

Most UTIs affect the lower urinary tract (urethra and bladder), however, they can travel further — affecting the kidneys and resulting in a more serious infection.

Those who are going through menopause or are pregnant may be more susceptible to UTIs due to fluctuating hormones and vaginal pH.

Symptoms Of UTI

Once you’ve had one, you’ll know exactly what to look for but if you have a UTI, there is a long list of potential symptoms and sensations to be aware of.

It’s important to note that you may not experience all of them.

Symptoms of a urinary tract infection include:

• A strong, persistent urge to urinate, during the day or night (nocturia)
• Passing small amounts of urine frequently, and feeling like there should be more
• Feeling as though you have not finished urinating after doing so — you still feel like you need to pee
• A noticeable burning sensation during urination
• Cramping or a sensation of “spasms” in the lower abdomen during and immediately after urination
• Feeling as though you have not finished urinating after doing so — you still feel like you need to pee
• Passing small amounts of urine frequently, and feeling like there should be more
• Urine that appears cloudy or milky
• Urine that appears red, bright pink, or dark colored — which can be a sign of blood present in the urine
• Traces of pink on the toilet paper after wiping — another sign of blood in the urine
• Foul-smelling urine
• General pelvic pain in women

What Does A UTI Feel Like?

A urinary tract infection can vary in sensation from person to person depending on the severity of the infection, the location of the infection, and the length of time that has passed since the initial onset of symptoms.

Although the symptom list is long, you may not experience every single one.

For many women who are prone to recurring UTIs and know exactly what to look for, the first sign involves a sense of feeling slightly “off” in the lower abdomen.

“I almost never experience a burning sensation when I pee,” our editor-in-chief, Alison Huff, said of her recurring UTIs. She continued:

“At this point, I can almost ‘feel’ one coming on before it even begins. It’s a sort of malaise in my lower abdomen…a twinge that something is wrong. 

And then it turns quickly. 

Within 24 hours, like clockwork, I’m dealing with intense bladder spasms whenever I sit down to urinate.”

For other women, however, the first symptoms often involve a burning sensation during urination, bladder spasms, and a frequent need to urinate — yet never quite feeling like they’ve “finished” doing so when they’re done.

When To See Your Doctor

If you’re experiencing any symptoms of a UTI, especially if you’ve never had this type of infection before, or you are immunocompromised, call your doctor as soon as you can.

A UTI can spread to your kidneys if left untreated.

And yes, some UTIs will go away on their own if you drink enough water to flush the bacteria from your bladder, but that isn’t true for all of them.

A urine test (performed by a doctor or lab) will show the presence of bacteria (including the type), blood, or nitrites in the urine — all common markers of UTI.

The course of treatment generally involves antibiotics and plenty of water — which helps to flush bacteria that have colonized the bladder.

There are over-the-counter (OTC) urine tests available, although these are not 100% accurate and won’t tell you much beyond showing the presence of blood or nitrites.

At the end of the day, proper testing and treatment under a doctor’s care will help you to avoid complications and recurrence.