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Some sexual lubricants damage cells – but may not increase HIV risk
Gus Cairns, 2012-11-09 09:10:00
An evaluation of 13 sexual lubricants has found that, while many are toxic to the cells that line the vagina and rectum, this does not lead to an increased rate of HIV infection – at least in test-tube experiments.
The researchers conclude that, while some of these commercially-available compounds do cause damage to the epithelium, the layer of cells that line the vagina and rectum, this may not in itself be sufficient to increase the likelihood of HIV infection. This means that although the 'lubes' that cause the most damage to cells are in the main water-based ones, they are unlikely to reduce the efficacy of the condoms they are designed to be used with. Some other water-based lubes, and the silicone-based ones, were not toxic to cells.
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