Saliva as a Lube during sex: Safe or Risky?, Alternatives

Saliva as a Lube: Saliva helps us with everything from digesting food to strengthening emotional bonds, and some people even use it as a lubricant.

Surprising? Isn’t it?

Saliva is a readily available bodily fluid that plays many roles in our lives, from digestion to lubrication. But today, we’re focusing on its more controversial and lesser-known use as a natural lubricant.

Yes, many people use spit during intimate moments as a quick and free alternative to commercially available lubricants. But the real question is: is this method effective or risky? Is it okay to use saliva as a lubricant, or can it cause infections or other health problems? In this article, we’ll explore the science behind using saliva as a lubricant.

What are Lubricants?

Lubricants are a type of gel or liquid that is applied to the genitals during sex. They help increase wetness and prevent excessive friction. This makes sex more comfortable and less painful, especially when you’re dealing with vaginal dryness or engaging in anal sex. According to a 2022 study review published in Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters, some people prefer to use saliva instead of lubricant. It’s easy to use and always available. However, saliva is not considered a safe or effective lubricant for vaginal or anal sex. Using saliva as a lubricant can be unsafe.

Read Also: Orgasm gap: What you need to know

Can Sexually Transmitted Infections be transmitted through Saliva?

Saliva increases the risk of spreading or contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs). If you have an STI in your throat or mouth, it can spread to your genitals through saliva. This includes infections like herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis. It’s important to understand that many of these infections are asymptomatic, meaning the infected person may not even know they have an STI. Infections like genital herpes can be spread through contact with saliva or the skin in the mouth. Therefore, if a person or their partner has an active herpes sore and uses saliva for lubrication during sex, they can spread genital herpes.

Can Saliva increase the risk of vaginal infection?

Saliva contains bacteria and enzymes that help digest food. When you apply these bacteria and enzymes in the form of saliva to your genitals, it can disrupt the balance of your vaginal microbiome. This increases the risk of developing a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. According to a 2020 study published in the journal Obstetrics & Gynecology, saliva can sometimes cause inflammation in the vagina, leading to symptoms like itching and burning.

Is saliva a good Lubricant?

Besides increasing the risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STIs), saliva itself isn’t a good lubricant. It doesn’t have the same slipperiness as personal lubricants, which are specifically formulated to mimic your body’s natural lubrication. Saliva evaporates and dries quickly, which can cause uncomfortable friction during sex.

Other Alternatives to Saliva as a lube

If you want to use lubricant during intercourse or masturbation, there are many types of lubricants available. Three types are generally available: oil-based lubricants, silicone-based lubricants, and water-based lubricants. Additionally, some products found in our homes and kitchens, such as coconut oil, can also be used as lubricants.

A Note from Kamarth – Saliva as a Lube

Saliva may always be available, but it’s not safe to use as a lubricant during sex. We recommend that the next time you plan to have sex, avoid using saliva to avoid dryness, and instead use a commercial lubricant. It’s often difficult to avoid the exchange or contact of saliva during sex, so it’s recommended to use condoms and dental dams during oral sex to reduce the risk of infection.

Some Additional doubts

Question: Is it safe to use saliva as a lubricant?
Answer: No, it may cause infection.

Question: Can Saliva transmit STIs?
Answer: Yes, it can transmit Herpes, gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, etc.

Question: What problems can saliva cause in the vaginal area?
Answer: Saliva disturbs vaginal microbiome balance and increases yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis risk.

Question: Why is saliva not an effective lubricant?
Answer: Saliva is not an effective lube as it dries quickly.

Question: What are safe lubricant alternatives to saliva?
Answer: You can use oil-based lubricants, coconut oil, etc.

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Saliva as a Lube during sex: Safe or Risky?, Alternatives

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