Imagine this scenario: you’re with your partner, and as things heat up, you realize you aren’t as lubricated as you’d like to be. With no commercial lubricant in sight, you decide to use saliva, thinking it will provide the moisture you need. It seems harmless, right? After all, saliva is a commonly used body fluid during sexual activities, whether it’s during kissing or more intimate acts. However, while saliva might seem like a convenient option in the heat of the moment, using it as a lubricant can actually bring more harm than good.
The Risk of Infections
One of the major reasons why using saliva as a lubricant is a bad idea is the risk of infections. Saliva can transmit a variety of infections, including sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If your partner has an active infection, even if they aren’t showing symptoms, their saliva can carry bacteria and viruses that can lead to serious health issues. One of the most common infections contracted through saliva is genital herpes. This virus can appear as blisters and sores, or it can be completely asymptomatic, making it harder to detect. But that’s not the only risk. Using saliva as a lubricant can also expose you to other STIs such as gonorrhea, chlamydia, human papillomavirus (HPV), syphilis, and trichomoniasis.
It’s also worth noting that oral sex doesn’t exempt you from the risk of STIs. If either partner has an STI, even something as seemingly harmless as a sore throat could transmit the infection. This makes it crucial to get tested for STIs regularly, even if you are only engaging in oral sex.
Disrupting the Vaginal Microbiome
The bacteria in your saliva are vastly different from the bacteria in the vagina. Introducing foreign bacteria into the vaginal area can disturb the delicate balance of the vaginal microbiome, making it easier for infections like bacterial vaginosis (BV) to develop. BV occurs when the normal bacteria in the vagina are disrupted, leading to symptoms such as unusual discharge, itching, and an unpleasant odor. So while using saliva may seem like a quick fix, it can actually cause long-term damage to your vaginal health.
The Ineffectiveness of Saliva as a Lubricant
Even from a purely practical standpoint, saliva is not an effective lubricant. Lubricants are designed to reduce friction and make sexual activity more comfortable. Saliva, on the other hand, is more watery than slippery, and it dries out very quickly. This lack of slickness can increase friction during sex, leading to discomfort, irritation, and even small tears in the genital tissue, which can further increase the risk of infection.
Saliva and Fertility
For couples trying to conceive, using saliva as a lubricant can be particularly problematic. Studies dating back to the 1980s have shown that saliva can significantly reduce sperm motility. In fact, exposure to saliva can decrease sperm motility by 50% within just five minutes, and after 15 minutes, the motility can drop to zero. This is because saliva contains substances that can damage or “knock out” sperm, making conception more difficult. So if you’re trying to get pregnant, using saliva as a lubricant could be counterproductive.
Scientific Evidence
Several studies have explored the impact of saliva on sperm health. In one study, scientists placed drops of sperm and saliva side by side under a microscope. They observed that sperm motility decreased within five minutes of exposure to saliva, and after 15 minutes, sperm motility dropped to zero. The sperm also exhibited a “shaking movement” when exposed to saliva, suggesting that saliva can have a detrimental effect on sperm health. This evidence further highlights why saliva should not be used as a lubricant, especially for couples trying to conceive.
Saliva and Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)
Sexual hygiene becomes even more important when you’re not in a committed, long-term relationship. If you’re single or in a casual relationship, it’s essential to be aware of the risks of using saliva as a lubricant. Saliva can transmit several STIs, including herpes simplex virus (which can cause genital warts), gonorrhea, and chlamydia. The latter two infections can be transmitted through kissing or oral-genital contact, further increasing the risk of contracting an infection.
A study conducted in Australia, known as the HIM study, found that both gonorrhea and chlamydia can be transmitted through saliva. During sexual activity, the body produces saliva in significant amounts, often 4-5 ml per minute. This saliva can aid in the transmission of STIs, making it crucial to avoid using saliva as a lubricant during sexual activity.
The Dangers of Using Saliva When Either Partner Is Ill
If either you or your partner is experiencing any kind of oral infection, such as a sore throat, it’s essential to avoid using saliva during sexual activities. The bacteria and viruses present in the mouth can easily be transferred to the genital area, leading to infections. Whether it’s a simple cold or a more serious infection, it’s best to keep your spit away from your partner’s genitals during illness.
Why You Shouldn’t Swap Lube with Saliva
To summarize, here are two key reasons why you should avoid using saliva as a lubricant:
- The Risk of STIs: If your partner has oral herpes or any other infection, their saliva can transmit the virus to your genital area, even if they don’t have visible symptoms. STIs such as genital herpes, gonorrhea, and chlamydia can all be transmitted through saliva, putting you at risk of contracting a serious infection.
- Saliva is Not a Good Lubricant: From a purely functional perspective, saliva is not a suitable lubricant. It is too watery and dries out quickly, increasing the risk of friction, irritation, and infection during sexual activity. Saliva lacks the necessary slickness to provide adequate lubrication, which can lead to discomfort and even damage to the genital tissues.
Conclusion: Choose the Right Lubricant
While lubricants can enhance sexual pleasure and comfort, it’s important to choose the right type of lubricant for your needs. Commercially available lubricants, such as K-Y jelly or coconut oil, are specifically designed to reduce friction and protect your genital tissues. These options are much safer and more effective than saliva, especially if you’re trying to conceive or want to avoid the risk of STIs.
So the next time you find yourself in need of lubrication, resist the temptation to use saliva. Instead, reach for a commercial lubricant that will enhance your experience without putting your health at risk.