You’ve had a great night. There was chemistry, connection, and your favorite lube made things extra smooth. Then — ugh! — you wake up a few days later feeling itchy, irritated, or noticing a weird discharge. Cue the spiral: Was it the lube?
You’re not alone. Many people worry that lube can cause BV or yeast infections. To clear things up, we asked Annette Benedetti, a sex and intimacy coach and host of the podcast Talk Sex With Annette, to explain how lubricants interact with your vaginal microbiome — and how to pick one that keeps things balanced and blissful.
Does lube actually cause infections like BV or yeast?
“Lube doesn’t cause infections all by itself,” says Benedetti. “What can cause problems are the ingredients or how they interact with your body.”
When a lubricant throws off your vaginal pH or irritates tissue, it can disrupt your natural microbiome, creating a playground (pun intended) for yeast and bacteria to overgrow.
So, the fix isn’t avoiding lube altogether—it’s choosing one that plays nice with your body. That’s why Playground’s lubes are pH-balanced, microbiome-friendly, and gynecologist-approved.
How lube base affects vaginal pH and microbiome
“Water-based lubes are the go-to for most people,” Benedetti explains. “They’re great as long as they’re pH-balanced and not too concentrated. If they are, they can pull moisture out of the tissue, leaving things dry and cranky.”
Playground’s Free Love delivers that silky, long-lasting slip that supports sensitive skin.)
On the other hand, silicone lubes stay on the surface and don’t absorb as much as water-based ones, which can be a game-changer for folks who struggle with dryness or irritation. Oil-based lubes, meanwhile, can trap bacteria and are hard to wash off.
“They can throw your vaginal ecosystem into chaos and even weaken latex condoms,” says Benedetti.
And hybrid lubes? “They combine features of both, but you’ve got to read the ingredients label like it’s a dating profile.”
We recommend sticking with water-based lubricants to start.
Watch out for these irritating lube ingredients
Certain ingredients are more likely to cause irritation or an infection risk. Benedetti calls them the “usual suspects”:
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Parabens
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Sugars
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Warming or tingling agents
Another one to know: high-osmolality. “That just means the lube is super concentrated with things like sugars or salts,” she says. “It can pull moisture out of vaginal cells, leaving tissue dry, irritated, and more open to infection.”
Playground’s formulas are low-osmolality and pH-balanced, meaning they’re designed to support your vaginal tissue, not sabotage it.
Why pH balance and osmolality matter so much
“Your vagina is its own self-cleaning ecosystem,” Benedetti says. “If a lube is too basic or too concentrated, it can strip that natural protection and irritate the lining, which makes it easier for yeast or bad bacteria to take over.”
A healthy vaginal pH sits between 3.8 and 4.5. The World Health Organization even has standards for low-osmolality, pH-balanced lubricants — because those are the ones proven to protect vaginal tissue.
That’s exactly the range Playground’s lubes are formulated to match.
Why BV or yeast can flare up after sex — and where lube fits in
Sometimes, it’s not the lube — it’s the whole combo.
“Semen has a higher pH than the vagina, friction causes microtears, and some toys or condoms carry residue,” Benedetti explains. “Add a harsh or unbalanced lube to that mix, and you’ve got a perfect storm.”
Anal play can also introduce bacteria. “If you’re switching between anal and vaginal play without changing condoms or cleaning toys, that’s one of the fastest ways BV or yeast infections show up uninvited.”
Using a protective, body-safe lube can prevent these issues, though. Using a water-based formula like Playground Love Sesh can help prevent microtears and irritation — keeping your pH steady and your tissue happy.
Can lube actually help prevent infection?
Absolutely. “The right lube can actually be protective,” says Benedetti. “It reduces friction, dryness, and the microtears that give bacteria and yeast a way in.”
This is especially important for people in menopause, on certain medications, or anyone whose vaginal tissue is more delicate. “Using the right lube is self-care, not just foreplay.”
For example, Free Love is an excellent choice for sensitive skin! It’s scientifically proven to help reduce and prevent UTIs, bacterial vaginosis, and other common vaginal health issues so you can play all day, worry-free. And it’s specially formulated without glycerin or fragrance for those who are extra-sensitive.
What to look for (and avoid) if you get BV or yeast often
Look for:
✔ pH-balanced (3.8–4.5)
✔ Low-osmolality formulas
✔ No fragrance, flavor, or warming ingredients
✔ Glycerin-free if you’re yeast-prone
Avoid:
✖ Sugary or sticky lubes
✖ Long ingredient lists
✖ Anything that leaves irritation afterward
“Simpler really is sexier,” Benedetti says.
Top myths about lube and infections, debunked
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Myth: Glycerin always causes yeast infections.
Reality: “Not true,” Benedetti says. “Some people are sensitive, but others handle it just fine.” -
Myth: Natural equals safer.
Reality: “Coconut oil and aloe sound wholesome, but they can still mess with your pH or trap bacteria. ‘Natural’ doesn’t mean tested.” -
Myth: Lube is only for people with problems.
Reality: “Lube isn’t a backup plan—it’s part of a great sex plan,” Benedetti says. “It makes sex smoother, safer, and more satisfying for everyone.”
Your post-sex care routine: Keep it simple and pH-safe
After sex, a few small habits can make a big difference:
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Pee after sex. It flushes bacteria that could cause UTIs.
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Rinse gently with warm water. Skip soaps and douches.
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Clean your toys (especially after anal play).
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Try a vaginal probiotic if you’re prone to imbalance.
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Consider boric acid suppositories post-sex to restore pH (if not pregnant).
“Lube should support your body, not sabotage it. The right one protects your tissue, reduces irritation, and keeps your pleasure life as healthy as it is hot.”
The TL/DR?
Lube doesn’t cause BV or yeast infections — but the wrong ingredients can. Choosing a body-safe, pH-balanced formula helps your vaginal microbiome stay calm, clean, and comfortable.
Playground lubes are designed to support your pH and keep things feeling good before, during, and after sex.
