The safety of over-the-counter and mail order lubricants commonly used in receptive anal sex needs to be comprehensively studied, says Jim Pickett from the organisation International Rectal Microbicides Advocates.

Findings presented at the M2010 Microbicides conference today suggested that some of the aqueous-based lubricants – with higher concentrations of dissolved sugars and salts than normally found in cells (hyperosmolar nature) – could increase the risk of getting a sexually-transmitted infection like HIV since they are associated with “cellular toxicity”.

Pickett said: “We need more data on lubricants which have not been tested for safety.”

This latest research was conducted in the laboratory and more trials are needed to get clear, validated information and to assess the clinical outcomes, said the investigator Dr Charlene Dezzutti from the University of Pittsburgh.

“One silicone (lubricant) tested seems to do much less damage than the aqueous lubricants,” she said.

She said the aqueous products damaged to the epithelial cells – the lining found in our mouth, nose, rectum and other parts of the body.

“This might lead to increased infection…these are not regulated compounds. If you are using a lubricant you might want to check the ingredient list and check it is condom friendly.”

The safest lubricants of the six tested were PRE and Wet Platinum.

Another study on lubricants in use by the participants seemed to confirm the lab findings.

Dr Pamina Gorbach from the University of California, Los Angeles, said: “Charlene showed in the lab what we found in large studies in two cities.”

The researchers were investigating the rectal health and behaviour of nearly 900 men and women in Baltimore and LA, in the US.

“More people who were using lubricants before their last receptive anal intercourse had sexually transmitted diseases. They were three times more likely to have a rectal STD.”

The participants were tested for the bacterial STDs gonorrhea and Chlamydia.

About half of them reporting using a lubricant when they last had anal sex and the majority preferred water-based lubricants.

Gorbach said: “So many types of lubricants were being used and they changed every day. Most men remembered the brand (not product) name and 20% were using more than one type.”

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