The vaginal metabolome plays a key role in urogenital health. This study analysed changes in the vaginal metabolome before and after condomless sex with and without lubricant using self-collected mid-vaginal swabs from 44 reproductive-age women. Condomless vaginal sex and lubricant use did not significantly impact the global vaginal metabolome. However, both independently increased concentrations of metabolites indicative of oxidative stress, epithelial damage (eg, sarcosine) and host-produced antioxidants. Stress-related metabolites were positively correlated with bacterial vaginosis-associated bacteria and negatively correlated with protective lactobacilli. The findings point to the need for safer lubricant formulations that protect the female reproductive tract.
Borgogna JLC, Grace SG, Holm JB, et al. Investigating the impact of condomless vaginal intercourse and lubricant use on the vaginal metabolome: a pre-post observational study. Sex Transm Infect. 2023;99:489–96.