New Research On Lubricant Use During Anal Sex

posted: 06/11/2010 8:03 pm

New Research On Lubricant Use During Anal Sex

New research recently presented at the 2010 International Microbicides Conference in Pittsburgh explored safety risks associated with certain types of lubricants used during anal sex. The findings were based on two different studies.  The first was a laboratory study designed to look at the way lubricants affect rectal and cervical tissue health.  The assumption was that, if skin was damaged by a lubricant then it was possible that the risk of infection by an STI was increased as a result.  This study also looked at how these lubricants affected normal, healthy bacteria.

The second study surveyed participants who reported having receptive anal intercourse on what brands of lubricants they used (or did not use), and a portion of those participants were tested for anal infection (chlamydia and gonorrhea).

The first study did conclude that some lubricants affected skin health negatively, and some lubricants significantly damaged the normal bacteria.  The second study did seem to find an increase in infection risk in the group that used lubricants during receptive anal sex, but did not have a clear explanation of why that would be, and leaves more questions than answers behind.

For an excellent in-depth analysis of the findings, see the article here:

1. "Understanding New Research on Lubricant Use During Anal Intercourse" By Cory Silverberg, About.com Guide to Sexuality

A Woman's Touch recommends the use of lubricant during anal sex, both to protect the skin from tearing, and to increase comfort and pleasure. Based on these findings, it appears that a silicone-based lubricant may be the better choice to achieve both goals. See System Jo and UberLube for more information on silicone lubricant.

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