A medical expert, Diran Ojelakin says using saliva as lubricant during sexual intercourse is not safe.
Ojelakin, a physician at the Life Goal Hospital, Ilorin, Kwara State said on Tuesday that such practice was capable of increasing the chance of Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI), like herpes.
Although using saliva might seem harmless and natural, the medical expert said “any STI, either in the mouth or throat, could easily be introduced into the vagina through saliva.
”Some herpes are not visible on the lips or mouth for one to know if one’s partner has it or not. So, the best thing to do is to avoid it. Herpes can be present with blisters or sores, but it can also be transmitted asymptomatically,” he said.
”And it is not only herpes that can be transmitted this way. Others are gonorrhea, trichomoniasis, and syphilis, while others can also be transmitted to the genitals through saliva,” he said.
The physician said the bacteria in the mouth is different from the one in the vagina, which exposes a woman to yeast infection when saliva is introduced to her genitals.
Saliva, he said, also contains digestive enzymes that break down food, and when one introduces these bacteria and enzymes into one’s vagina, the result could upset one’s vaginal microbiome.
”This leaves one susceptible to developing a yeast infection or bacterial vaginosis. Apart from the health implications, saliva doesn’t have slippery consistency, as it dries up easily. So, it’s not even enjoyable.
”So, the best thing is to get a water-based lubricant in any pharmacy, so as to reduce the risk of infection and also reduce friction,” the medical expert said. (NAN)
