When it comes to intimate moments, improvisation might seem like a good idea when proper lubricants aren' t available. Many people consider using saliva as a substitute, but health experts strongly advise against this practice.

Despite its ready availability, saliva poses several significant health risks that could turn a moment of passion into a prolonged health concern.

This information comes from a recent Health. com article published on August 4, 2024, which was medically reviewed by Dr. Soma Mandal. The report highlights three major reasons why using saliva during sexual activity can be harmful, despite some evidence suggesting that certain individuals actually prefer saliva over commercial lubricants.

The first concern involves the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Many people don' t realize that various infections can spread from the mouth to the genitals through saliva. Herpes is a primary example— a person with oral herpes can pass the virus to their partner' s genitals even when no visible cold sores are present.

Dr. Felice Gersh, an OB- GYN quoted in the article, explains that " Herpes can present with blisters or sores, but it can also present asymptomatically. " This means the infection can spread even when the person with herpes shows no symptoms whatsoever.