If you're looking for a way to minimize your chances of yeast infections and other bacteria-related conditions while you're sexually active, you might have considered anti-bacterial lubes.
These products are a popular choice for vaginal and anal sex, but users sometimes misunderstand the meaning of lubricant manufacturers' anti-bacterial claims.
Any ingredient is anti-bacterial if it inhibits the growth of bacteria. Anti-bacterial lubes don't necessarily stop any specific type of bacteria, and they do not necessarily kill viruses or fungi.
Furthermore, it's important to note that vaginal bacteria, gynecologists often call lactobacillus, and fungi such as Candida albicans (the species that cause yeast infections).
Vaginal flora naturally limits potentially dangerous bacteria and fungi, which keeps the female body clean and healthy. Some lubricant and douche ingredients can affect microflora, increasing the chances of a yeast infection or a bacterial overgrowth; however, most commercial lubricants are completely safe for vaginal use.
Microflora--plays an important role in a woman's overall health. Bacteria of the lactobacillus genus keep pathogens out of the vagina, and there are dozens of other helpful microbes in the vaginal ecosystem.
Likewise, the anus and mouth contain beneficial bacteria, and when buying anti-bacterial products, you want to avoid anything that could damage these microorganisms.
The good news is that most of the anti-bacterial ingredients found in lubricants are completely safe, and some have shown promising qualities in laboratory tests.
Here's a look at some of the most popular additives.
Guava Bark Extract
The bark of the guava tree has anti-carcinogenic and anti-bacterial properties. Several studies show that guava is effective against many types of intestinal bacteria and pathogens. However, unfortunately, there isn't a great deal of research showing how and whether guava affects bacteria when used as a lubricant ingredient.
Carrageenan or Sea Kelp
An extract made from several seaweed species, carrageenan is a common food additive. Lubricant manufacturers sometimes claim that it inhibits the growth of Candida bacteria, which causes yeast infections. Some studies indicate that carrageenan-based products could decrease users' chances of contracting HPV, HIV, and some types of herpes. However, it is not effective as a sole method of prevention.
Jojoba Oil
Made from the Mexican jojoba shrub's wax, Jojoba oil acts as a fungicide and is often included in anti-bacterial lubricants to prevent yeast infections. It has a distinct smell, and because it is an oil, you should not use it with latex condoms.
Grapefruit Seed Extract (GSE)
GSE is made from the pulp and seed of grapefruit. While some studies initially showed grapefruit seed extract as a powerful anti-bacterial additive, many scientists believe that the antimicrobial properties of commercial GSE come from synthetic preservatives added during the production process.
Aloe Vera
The leaves and extract of the aloe plant are a popular additive. Still, unfortunately, there's not a lot of science supporting the idea that aloe aids in healing or that it has particularly unique anti-bacterial properties.
However, it's an excellent natural thickening agent, and many lubricant manufacturers use the ingredient for that purpose. Additionally, most lubricants have a few preservatives that stop microorganisms from growing in the bottle.
Examples include parabens, chlorhexidine, and citric acid. These ingredients aren't intended to kill bacteria in your body, but they're technically anti-bacterial substances.
Anti-bacterial lubricants are never an acceptable substitute for condoms. They don't provide the same protection from sexually transmitted infections or pregnancy, so you should always use condoms and dental dams during sex acts to stay safe.
If you're looking into anti-bacterial lubricants to prevent specific health problems such as recurring yeast infections, talk to your physician. Anti-bacterial lubricants are safe when used properly, but they're not intended to treat any disease.