DALLAS — Sliquid is spreading the word about a recent study showing that using saliva for lubrication during anal sex increases the risk of rectal gonorrhea transmission.
The company explains that the report’s findings support the importance of using personal lubricants for smooth and safe anal intercourse, recommending its clean formulations to add just the right amount of glide to anal sex without the need for saliva.
“Before I knew better and had pleasure-focused sex education, I had used saliva and even dish soap as lube for anal sex — that was a poor choice,” said Hunter Riley, Store Manager/Sex Educator at Self Serve Toys in Albuquerque, N.M. “Each of those times ended in a painful experience that wasn’t fun for me or my partners, and could have caused damage to my body.”
“Not all lubes are created equal for butt play,” Riley adds. “[A] thick, gel-like lube is best for any anal play, and Sliquid’s Sassy has always done a great job of cushioning any penetration to make it more comfortable and pleasurable.”
The study, published this week in the journal of Sexually Transmitted Infections, found that receptive partners who used their partners’ saliva for lube during anal intercourse were twice as likely to have rectal gonorrhea. Researchers even estimated that nearly half of all rectal gonorrhea cases may be eliminated by eradicating the use of saliva during anal intercourse — all the more reason to find a safe alternative made specifically for safer sex.
“The anus does not self-lubricate, which means lubrication is essential to prevent chafing or micro-tears to delicate anal tissue, which can increase risk of STI transmission,” Los Angeles-based sex educator and coach Elle Chase said. “Saliva does not provide the same level of slickness and skin protection during intercourse that personal lubricants can, and it’s important to note that our mouths are not sterile environments. I always recommend that people and couples use a thick and reliable lubricant [such as] Sliquid for safer sex — especially safer anal sex.”
Sliquid creates body-safe personal glides, with several specifically for anal intercourse.
Sliquid Organics Natural Gel and Sliquid Sassy are clean, simple glides featuring extra-thick formulations for long-lasting slickness and maximum comfort. Ideal for use on delicate body tissue, these two Sliquid varieties are recommended especially for sensitive skin.
“Using saliva or other bodily fluids as lubricant risks introducing bacteria into the body and increases your risk of sexually transmitted infections,” said Dr. Justine Huey, a board-certified sexologist and AASECT-certified sexuality educator. “The only thing you should be using as sexual lubrication is a personal lubricant intended for such purposes. Lube is love.”
“Anyone can use lube and lubricants must be used for anal sex, as the anus does not naturally lubricate itself,” Huey adds. “Silicone- and water-based lubricants are safe for use with condoms and most condoms even come pre-lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant.”
And for men who have sex with other men, Sliquid has formulated the Ride BodyWorx series that adds just the right amount of glide to enhance any sexual encounter. Ride Silk Hybrid is recommended most for its blend of cream emollients and 12 percent silicone, resulting in long-lasting results and easy clean-up for the best of both worlds.
“Many people don’t know that using lube is an important risk-reduction practice for HIV and STI prevention,” said Raul M. Quintero, HIV/PrEP Educator, PrEPare.LA. “While spitting onto a partner before anal sex is admittedly hot for those of us who enjoy man-on-man action, it’s important to consider that spit may play a significant role for rectal gonorrhea transmission.”
“Using lube not only reduces painful friction caused by dried-up saliva, it reduces risk for HIV and other STIs, too,” Quintero adds. “When using condoms, try dropping a little lube in the reservoir tip to add extra pleasurable sensation to the glans (or tip) of the penis.”
For more information, email sales@sliquid.com.
