May 27, 2010 | Health Matters

The problem with anal lube

Anal lube is good because it prevents tearing. That's what we've all been taught. Use lots. And then even more.

However, there are some concerns that lube can increase one's risk for sexually transmitted infections. On Tuesday, reasearchers at UCLA's Geffen School of Medicine released a report that explained how people who use anal lube in the past were more likley to have been infected with an STI. The study is small and is based upon a sampling of individuals who were asked about their sexual practices. All participants were also tested for gonorrhea and chlamydia. The results were matched up and the results published.

According to other research, lubricants can compromise the cells that they come into contact with, breaking down cell walls and making them more susceptable to disease. The University of Pittsburgh tested six commercial lubricants in an effort to see which were safer. Both PRE and Wet Platinum were less harmful to cell walls and tissue, while Astroglide was the most toxic.

These findings are important as they do encourage people to rely on the least harmful chemicals in such a sensitive area of the body. And it is still a better choice to use lube, rather than just trying to ram it in. Perhaps the new guideline should be "a little dab'll do ya."

Lubricants may increase disease risk of anal sex, studies show [LA Times]