DALLAS – A study published this week in the journal Sexually Transmitted Infections suggests using saliva as a lubricant for anal sex may increase the risk of rectal gonorrhea transmission.

Researchers found that receptive partners who used their partners’ saliva for lube during anal intercourse were twice as likely to exhibit rectal gonorrhea. The scientists estimated nearly half of all rectal gonorrhea cases may be eliminated by eradicating the use of saliva during anal intercourse.

According to lubricant manufacturer Sliquid, the findings support the importance of using personal lubricants for smooth and safe anal penetration. The assertion appears to be backed up by testimony from adult industry workers.

“Before I knew better and had pleasure-focused sex education, I had used saliva and even dish soap as lube for anal sex. That was a poor choice,” said Hunter Riley, store manager and sex educator at Self Serve Toys in Albuquerque, N.M. “Each of those times ended in a painful experience that wasn’t fun for me or my partners and could have caused damage to my body.

“Not all lubes are created equal for butt play, either,” Riley continued. “Thick, gel-like lube is best for any anal play, and Sliquid’s Sassy has always done a great job of cushioning any penetration to make it more comfortable and pleasurable.”

Los Angeles-based sex educator and coach Elle Chase said torn or chafed skin—as often experienced during anal sex without artificial lubrication—is a leading vector for sexually transmitted infections of all kinds.

“The anus does not self-lubricate, which means lubrication is essential to prevent chafing or micro-tears to delicate anal tissue, which can increase risk of STI transmission,” she said. “Saliva does not provide the same level of slickness and skin protection during intercourse that personal lubricants can, and it’s important to note that our mouths are not sterile environments. I always recommend that people and couples use a thick and reliable lubricant like Sliquid for safer sex—especially safer anal sex.”

Sliquid specializes in creating body-safe personal glides, several of which are made specifically for anal intercourse. Sliquid Organics Natural Gel and Sliquid Sassy are clean and simple glides available in extra-thick formulations for long-lasting slickness and maximum comfort.

“Using saliva or other bodily fluids as lubricant risks introducing bacteria into the body and increases your risk of sexually transmitted infections,” said Dr. Justine Huey, a board-certified sexologist and AASECT-certified sexuality educator. “The only thing you should be using as sexual lubrication is a personal lubricant intended for such purposes.

“Lube is love,” she continued. “Anyone can use lube, and lubricants must be used for anal sex as the anus does not naturally lubricate itself. Silicone- and water-based lubricants are safe for use with condoms, and most condoms even come pre-lubricated with a silicone-based lubricant.”

For men who have sex with men, Sliquid has formulated the Ride BodyWorx series. Ride Silk Hybrid is recommended most for its blend of cream emollients and 12-percent silicone.

“Many people don’t know that using lube is an important risk-reduction practice for HIV and STI prevention,” said Raul M. Quintero, HIV/PrEP educator for PrEPare.LA. “While spitting onto a partner before anal sex is admittedly hot for those of us who enjoy man-on-man action, it’s important to consider that spit may play a significant role for rectal gonorrhea transmission.

“Using lube not only reduces painful friction caused by dried-up saliva, [but it also] reduces risk for HIV and other STIs, too,” he added. “When using condoms, try dropping a little lube in the reservoir tip to add extra pleasurable sensation to the glans—or tip—of the penis.”

For more information about Sliquid and its formulations, visit Sliquid.com.