Studies Find Lube Can Increase Likelihood of STI, HIV Infections

by Todd A. Heywood · 2010-05-27 13:31:00 UTC
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AstroglideIs that lube you use during those "special" moments putting you at additional risk for a sexually transmitted infection, including HIV?

I am sad to say a new study, reported in Science Daily, says the answer is probably yes. Now to be fair, it appears the studies looked only at anal sex without condoms. But the findings are nonetheless troubling.

The study found that those who used lubricants were three times more likely than those who didn't to have an anal infection caused by one of the lovely STI agents. The study looked at sexual behavior of about 900 people over a two year period. Of those 900, about 421 reported engaging in anal sex within the year prior to the survey. Of those, 302 were able to provide researchers with information such as use of lubricants.

The results of the study are pretty stunning, with 8.3 percent testing positive for rectal STI infections. Here's the real catch though: of those who did not use a lubricant for anal sex, their infection rate was 5.1 percent, while those who said they used lubricants had an 11.7 percent infection rate.

This study was combined with a second study that showed many of the best known over the counter brands of water-based lubricants actually destroy rectal cells, beneficial bacteria and more, making a lovely site for infection by the STIs and HIV.

Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

Todd A. Heywood is an investigative reporter based in Lansing, Michigan. He works for the American Independent News Network. He is HIV-positive and openly gay.
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