The relationship between personal lubricants (lube) and self-reported sexual health outcomes in NSW : a cross-sectional study

Abstract

Background: Personal lubricant (Lube) is widely used to increase the effectiveness of condoms and reduce discomfort associated with sexual activity. While it is thought that friction reduction from Lube outweighs any potential negative effects, there is limited evidence for this besides isolated in-vitro studies. There are limited studies examining the effect of Lube on sexual health across a population. This project was designed to assess the Lube usage habits of people in NSW by distributing a cross-sectional survey to determine if there was an association between participants' Lube use and self-reported sexual health outcomes. This study also provides an overview of the physical and chemical aspects of Lube that may affect sexual health outcomes in a cross-sectional population in NSW. Lube is an intervention that requires more formal understanding. By reviewing relevant elements of Lube's effects and determining if widely used Lube is associated with sexual health, this project provides a grounding for future research. Aim: To establish if the use of Lube has any association with the sexual health of a population (in NSW). Methods: A quantitative approach was used for this research by developing and distributing a valid and reliable internet based cross-sectional survey to assess usage and importance of Lube during sexual activities. A total of 308 participant responses provided descriptive data on the target population and were evaluated for associations or relationships between the use of Lube and the perception of physical discomfort, reduction of pain and sexual satisfaction using Spearman's correlation coefficients. Results: Individuals that used Lube identified it as an important part of their sexual health. Significant positive correlations were identified between the use of Lube and physical aspects of sexual health. A wide range of Lube is used in NSW with over 30 different kinds identified. Conclusion: The use of Lube is common in NSW and many individuals that use it consider it an important component in their physical and sexual health with or without a condom. The use of Lube in this study has provided some preliminary evidence about the physical and chemical aspects of sexual health in a NSW population sample. This cross-sectional study demonstrates that for a proportion of the population of NSW, Lube is fundamental in enabling the possibility of safe and pleasurable sexual activity and provides evidence for further investigation.

Date of Award	2019
Original language	English