Using saliva as a lubricant can subject you to STI even if you wear condom!

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By: Francis Adusepoku K. Appiah, ND  (candidate)

Saliva is not a lubricant! The result can upset your vaginal microbiome and leave you susceptible to developing yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. “Any STI in the throat or mouth can be transmitted to the genitals through saliva.

Saliva contains digestive enzymes that could prove dangerous to the ecosystem of the sexual organ. Bacterias in saliva is different from those in the vagina, and its introduction to the reproductive organ could lead to yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis.

There have even been individuals who prefer to use saliva over lubricants, according to a review of studies on lubricant use published in 2022 in Sexual and Reproductive Health Matters.

However, saliva is not considered to be a good alternative to use during vaginal or anal sex if you or your partner don't have any lubricants on hand.

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD NOT USE SALIVA AS A LUBRICANT

Sexually Transmitted Infections Can Be Spread Through Saliva

Using saliva can increase the risk of transmitting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) between partners. "Any STI in the throat or mouth can be transmitted to the genitals through saliva,"

For example, if your partner has an active herpes lesion, using their saliva for lubrication could leave you with genital herpes.

This scenario happens more than you might think—and it's an increasingly common way genital herpes is contracted, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Even if you don't see a cold sore on or around their mouth, the virus can still be transmissible, per the CDC.

"Herpes can present with blisters or sores, but it can also present asymptomatically,"

Herpes isn't the only oral STI you could contract. "Gonorrhea, chlamydia, HPV, syphilis, and trichomoniasis can also all be transmitted to the genitals through saliva," And like herpes, these infections may not have any symptoms.

Both of these curable infections develop when the balance of yeast and bacteria that naturally exist in the vagina is thrown off. "Using saliva as lube provides a perfect storm to alter the vaginal ecosystem enough to trigger one of these infections,"

In addition, saliva can sometimes set off a process of inflammation that leads to itching and burning, according to an American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology bulletin published in 2020 in the journal Obstetrics and Gynecology.

DOES SALIVA HAS QUALITIES OF LUBRICANT?

NO, Saliva Does Not Have the Qualities of a Lubricant

Even if you remove the risk of contracting an STI or vaginal infection, saliva is still not advised. "It has no innate qualities that would make it a good lubricant,"  

"It doesn't have the slippery consistency, it evaporates and dries more quickly, and further, it's irritating."

Personal lubricants, on the other hand, are designed to create slickness that's very similar to the lubrication your own body produces. "Lubricity creates a 'glidey' feel, which helps to decrease friction,"

Friction can cause small nicks or tears in the vagina or the anus, which, besides being painful might allow harmful microbes into the body—something you definitely don't want.

The bottom line: "99.9% of people have probably used spit or saliva as lube with a partner at some point, but it is not the best or safest choice,"  

Consider that a reason to stock up on water- or silicone-based personal lubricants so you'll be prepared whenever the mood strikes.

TAKE HOME

Though saliva may always be available to you, it shouldn't be used as a lubricant during sexual activity. It's possible for STIs, such as herpes or syphilis, to be transmitted through saliva, and saliva can lead to vaginal infections or irritation. Furthermore, saliva does not have the same properties as a lubricant as it dries quicker than lubricants and is less slick. Therefore, it's best to have lubricants on hand (made with water or silicone) to use instead of saliva. Example of such lubricants are K.Y. Jelly, Coconut oil, Durex etc.

About the author:

The writer, Francis Adusepoku K. Appiah is a medical student reading Doctor of Naturopathic Medicine ND at the Nyarkotey University of Holistic Medicine and Technology who's also a Medical Journalist and a Laboratory Technologist.

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