The slippery slope: Why you should ditch saliva as lubricant during coitus

Let’s face it—sex is supposed to be enjoyable, but sometimes things don’t go as smoothly as we would like it to be. Take Angie and Frankie, for example, after not seeing each other for a while, they were more than ready to get down to business. But when the moment arrived, Angie found herself drier than the Kalahari Desert—literally.

Maybe you’ve been there too: a little drier than Chalbi Desert, and the nearest bottle of lube is nowhere to be found. What do you do in a pinch? For many, the answer is simple- turn to saliva. It’s free, easily accessible, and always right there when you need it. But is this natural alternative as safe as it seems?

Recent viral videos, such as those featuring the so-called Equatorial Guinea’s “Casanova” Baltasar Egonga, have sparked a conversation about using saliva as a lubricant during sex, with many questioning whether this world’s oldest lube practice is really a good idea. Here’s the truth: while it may seem convenient, using saliva as a lubricant can come with serious health risks.

Dr Kireki Omanwa, an obstetrician gynaecologist says while saliva might seem like an innocuous substitute for commercial lubricants, it’s actually not a good idea for several reasons. The most concerning of these is the potential for infection.

Saliva and STIs

The human mouth, or oral cavity, is a complex and vital part of the body. Not only does it play a central role in the digestive and respiratory systems, it also harbors vast and diverse community of microorganisms. While the mouth is designed to help us chew, taste, and swallow food, it also hosts over 20 billion bacteria—many of which can be harmful when introduced to other parts of the body, particularly the genital area. Saliva, produced by the salivary glands, is full of microorganisms, including bacteria, yeasts, and protozoa. Some of the most common bacteria in the human mouth, include Streptococcus mutans, a primary contributor to dental plaque, Porphyromonas gingivalis and Tannerella forsythia, both of which are linked to periodontal disease, and Prevotella intermedia, which is involved in tooth decay. Other pathogens, such as Treponema denticola and Fusobacterium nucleatum, are known to contribute to gum disease and dental plaque formation.

These bacteria are part of the oral microbiome, a complex ecosystem that is essential for oral health when kept in balance. However, when these bacteria are transferred from the mouth to the genitals—whether through kissing or using saliva as a lubricant—they can cause serious health issues.The oral microbiome’s bacterial composition typically, includes Lactobacillus species, which is 40.9 per cent, followed by Streptococcus salivarius, which is 31.94 per cent and Streptococcus parasanguinis that is 5.41 per cent.

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Saliva is a bodily fluid, and like all bodily fluids, it carries the risk of transmitting infections. Even if your partner doesn’t have visible sores or symptoms, certain infections, such as oral herpes, can still be passed on through saliva.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) and other sources say that saliva can transmit a number of infections and diseases during oral sex, including: Herpes,Hepatitis B, Chlamydia, among other STIs.

The risk of getting or spreading an STI depends on several factors, including the type of sex, the number of sex acts, and the particular STI. It’s also possible to have an STI in more than one area at the same time. Many STIs are symptomless, so it’s possible to spread them even when you don’t have any signs or symptoms.

“Herpes simplex virus (HSV), which causes cold sores, is one of the most common viruses transmitted this way. It can be passed from the mouth to the genitals during sex if one partner uses saliva as a lubricant. This can result in genital herpes, a condition that has lifelong implications,” said Dr Kireka.

In addition to herpes, other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, and even HPV (human papillomavirus), can also be transmitted via saliva.In fact, recent studies suggest that oral transmission of STIs is becoming more common, especially with the rise in cases of orogenital transmission. This means you could unknowingly spread an STI to your genitals simply by using saliva as a lubricant.

The reality is, even if you don’t have symptoms, saliva could be carrying harmful bacteria or viruses. A 2023 study published in the Journal of Sexual Medicine found that over 70 per cent of people with oral herpes can transmit the virus even if they’re not showing visible symptoms. This underscores the importance of being cautious when it comes to using saliva during sexual activity.

Beyond STIs, the gynaecologist explains, saliva can also disrupt the delicate balance of bacteria in the vagina.

Disrupting microbiome

“The mouth contains a wide range of bacteria and enzymes that are not typically found in the vaginal environment. When saliva comes into contact with the vagina, it can alter the microbiome, potentially leading to infections, such as bacterial vaginosis (BV) or yeast infections,” he shares.The doctor further adds that saliva also contains digestive enzymes that are designed to break down food, and these enzymes can interfere with the vaginal flora. “Saliva can trigger inflammation in the vagina, leading to discomfort, such as burning, itching and irritation. In fact, studies have shown that saliva can increase the likelihood of developing a yeast infection or BV by changing the pH levels of the vagina,” he says.

This is particularly concerning since both BV and yeast infections can lead to unpleasant symptoms, such as odor, discharge, and painful urination, and they can be recurrent if left untreated.

Even beyond health risks, saliva simply doesn’t perform well as a lubricant. It may feel slick initially, but it dries out quickly and doesn’t provide lasting lubrication. Unlike commercial lubricants, the gynaecologist says, saliva lacks the necessary slip and friction-reducing properties that are crucial for comfortable, safe sex. “The fact that saliva evaporates quickly means it doesn’t offer prolonged moisture, which can increase friction and lead to discomfort or even microtears in the skin,” he notes.

These microtears can create an opening for bacteria or viruses to enter the body, increasing the risk of infections. The lack of adequate lubrication also increases the chance of vaginal dryness, which can be painful and unpleasant for women. In addition, friction from insufficient lubrication is one of the leading causes of vaginal irritation and trauma during sex.

The gynaecologist further notes that vaginal dryness is a common concern for women of all ages, particularly during menopause or perimenopause when estrogen levels decrease. However, vaginal dryness can also occur due to stress, medications, such as birth control or antihistamines, or insufficient arousal. “While dryness is typically more associated with women, men are not immune to genital dryness either. In fact, men experiencing issues , such as erectile dysfunction or reduced testosterone levels may also suffer from dry skin around the penis, making lubrication important for both genders,” he explains.

According to a study published by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, approximately one in three women experience vaginal dryness during sex. In contrast, men report less frequent issues with dryness, but it is still a significant concern for those dealing with erectile dysfunction or other sexual health challenges.

Despite the known risks, many people still turn to saliva during sex, often because it’s easy, free, and readily available. A recent survey conducted by the American Sexual Health Association (ASHA) revealed that nearly 35 per cent of respondents admitted to using saliva as a lubricant in the past. The survey also found that 28 per cent of participants felt that saliva was just as effective as commercial lubricants.

Safer ways

If you’re looking for a safer, more effective lubricant, consider going for water-based, silicone-based, or oil-based lubricants, which are specifically designed for sexual health.These products are carefully formulated to reduce friction, enhance comfort, and protect against irritation and infection.

Water-Based Lubricants, are the most common type of lubricants and are safe to use with most condoms and sex toys.

Silicone-based lubricants are ideal for people with sensitive skin, they provide long-lasting moisture and are safe to use with condoms, though they should not be used with silicone-based sex toys as they can degrade the material.

Coconut oil is a natural option and is known for its moisturising properties and can help treat vaginal dryness.

Oil-based lubricants are also effective and long-lasting, but like coconut oil, they can cause latex condoms to break.