No, saliva is not a good lubricant. Multiple sources confirm that saliva lacks the necessary qualities for effective lubrication during sexual activity.
Why Saliva is Not a Suitable Lubricant
Several factors contribute to saliva's inadequacy as a lubricant:
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Consistency: Saliva is thin and watery, lacking the slippery consistency of proper lubricants. It doesn't provide sufficient lubrication for comfortable sexual activity. As stated by Dr. Gersh, "[Saliva] has no innate qualities that would make it a good lubricant. It does not have the slippery consistency; it evaporates and dries more quickly, and further, it's irritating."
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Evaporation: Saliva evaporates quickly, leaving surfaces dry and potentially irritated. This rapid drying further diminishes its lubricating capabilities.
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Irritation: Saliva can be irritating to sensitive tissues, potentially leading to discomfort or even minor injury.
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Lack of Protective Properties: Unlike commercially available lubricants, saliva doesn't offer a protective barrier against friction and potential abrasions.
Many sources, including articles from Health.com, Men's Health, El País, HealthShots, and the Times of India, all advise against using saliva as a lubricant. These articles emphasize the drawbacks of using saliva and recommend using commercially available lubricants instead. Research even indicates that the use of saliva as a lubricant during anal sex is prevalent but not ideal (see the studies in the references detailing saliva's use in anal sex). While some may use saliva as a lubricant during masturbation, it is not a recommended practice.
While some may find saliva usable in a pinch, it's crucial to remember that proper lubricants are designed for this specific purpose and provide superior lubrication and protection.
