Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 13, 2026

Povidone Iodine Rectal Preparation at Time of Prostate Needle Biopsy is a Simple and Reproducible Means to Reduce Risk of Procedural Infection
Published on: September 21, 2015
Preference and practices relating to lubricant use during anal intercourse: implications for rectal microbicides
Marjan Javanbakht1, Ryan Murphy, Pamina Gorbach
1School of Public Health, Department of Epidemiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Box 957353, 10880 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 1800, Los Angeles, CA 90095-7353, USA. javan@ucla.edu
Background:
The importance of the acceptability of rectal microbicides for HIV and sexually transmissible infections (STIs) prevention is widely recognised. Given relatively consistent use of lubricants for anal intercourse (AI) and the potential for lubricant-like rectal microbicides, understanding barriers to lubricant use may help inform hurdles likely to be encountered once a rectal microbicide becomes available.
Methods:
We conducted an internet-based survey using a 25-item questionnaire to assess AI and lubricant use, including lubricant preferences and barriers to use.
Results:
The majority of the 6124 respondents who reported AI were male (93%), 25 years or older (80%) and from North America (70%). Consistent condom use during AI was reported by a minority (35%) and consistent lubricant use was reported by over half of respondents. Reasons for non-use differed by age and region. Among men, those <25 years were more likely to report barriers around cost compared with those 45 and older (odds ratio (OR) = 6.64; 95% confidence interval (CI) 3.14-14.03). European men (OR = 1.92; 95% CI 1.50-2.45), Latin American women (OR = 3.69; 95% CI 1.27-10.75) and Asian women (OR = 4.04; 95% CI 1.39-11.78) were more likely to report sexual preference as a reason for non-use.
Conclusions:
Rectal lubricants are widely used, but barriers to use vary by age and region for dry sex. A lubricant-like rectal microbicide would potentially be acceptable and such a product may be useful as a method of HIV prevention. However, targeted marketing and educational approaches may be needed to enhance use and acceptability of such a product.
Related Concept Videos
Assessment of the Rectum and Anus
Rectal Inspection
Begin by inspecting the perianal and anal areas for color, texture, rashes,...
Assessing Body Temperature - Rectal
Follow these steps for rectal temperature assessment:
Step 1: Perform hand hygiene and don clean gloves to prevent cross-infection.
Step 2: Position the patient in a side-lying position to better visualize the rectal...
Surface Membrane Barriers
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis, is a robust barrier comprising layers of closely packed keratinized cells. This dense arrangement prevents microbes from penetrating the body. The periodic shedding of epidermal cells...
Amebiasis
Drugs Affecting GI Tract Motility: Other Laxatives
Osmotic or saline laxatives, like magnesium hydroxide or milk of...
Microbiota of the Urogenital Tract
