Not a few couples who use saliva as a lubricant during sexual intercourse. The use of saliva is often considered more practical than lubricants sold in the market. But actually, is saliva safe to use as a sex lubricant?
Every woman produces natural fluids that lubricate the vagina to facilitate the penetration process during sexual intercourse. But in some conditions, the production of this fluid may decrease, making the vagina dry and painful during sexual intercourse.
In order for sexual intercourse to be comfortable, the use of lubricants can be an option. Vaginal lubricants are available in various types, some are water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. In addition, saliva is also often used as a sex lubricant.
Risks of Using Saliva as a Sex Lubricant
The use of saliva as a sex lubricant should be avoided, yes. The reason, saliva tends to be more watery and not slippery. This is not an ideal criterion for sex lubricants. The nature of saliva also dries faster so it can cause discomfort and pain during sexual intercourse.
In addition to making the vagina dry quickly, there are some bad risks that may occur if you frequently use saliva as a lubricant. Among others are:
Increase the risk of getting sexually transmitted diseases
The risk that may occur if you often use saliva as a sex lubricant is getting sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). For example, if your partner has herpes in the mouth and uses their saliva as a lubricant during sex, you are more likely to catch herpes in the genital area afterwards.
Not only herpes, gonorrhea, syphilis, chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are also forms of sexually transmitted diseases that can be transmitted by saliva.
Causes vaginal infections
Saliva contains bacteria and digestive enzymes that work to break down the nutrients in food. If bacteria and digestive enzymes enter the vagina, the balance of microorganisms in the vagina can be disturbed. This condition can cause you to experience vaginal candidiasis and bacterial vaginosis.
Decrease the ability of sperm to move
There is a study which states that using large amounts of saliva as a sex lubricant can reduce the ability of sperm to move. This will reduce the chances of successful sperm to get to the fallopian tube and fertilize the egg.
But in most cases, this condition only occurs in men who have experienced a decline in sperm quality. In men who still have good quality sperm, this may not be the case.
Saliva is not a safe lubricant to use during sexual intercourse. Besides being able to have an impact on vaginal health, the use of saliva as a lubricant can also reduce sperm quality. This is not recommended, especially if you want to get pregnant quickly.
So, it's better to use vaginal lubricant products that have been sold in the market, yes. Make sure you and your partner have sexual intercourse that is safe and comfortable for each other.
If an infection or irritation occurs in the intimate organs due to using saliva as a lubricant, immediately consult a doctor for proper treatment. You can also consult about what lubricants are safe for you to use during sex.
