HIV/Herpes-blocking Lube!

[Einhander Sn0m4n]

Sex lubricant could stop HIV and herpes

July 24, 2007 06:23pm

AN experimental sex lubricant designed by Australian researchers could help block both HIV and genital herpes, a study suggests.

Tests on lab animals have shown that the microbicide gel, called Viva Gel, inactivates the HIV virus and another responsible for genital herpes.

Lead researcher Dr Jeremy Paull from Melbourne-based pharmaceutical company Starpharma told the International AIDS Society conference in Sydney the gel would be used by heterosexual men who apply it directly to themselves before sex.

It would be most useful in sub-Saharan African nations where the HIV epidemic is mostly seen among heterosexuals.

The active ingredient in the microbicide is dendrimer, a molecule which binds itself to the viruses and prevents them from infecting healthy cells, Dr Paull said.

Recent trials on animals have shown it is between 85 and 100 per cent effective at blocking both viruses.

Safety trials of the gel are now underway in humans. The first results, presented at the congress, show it is safe and well tolerated in healthy men, uncircumcised or not.

Dr Paull said the gel's ability to prevent genital herpes was particularly positive.

"The prevention of herpes indication, given the level of the epidemic in the developed world, perhaps gives us a different angle," he said.

The gel was described as "unique" by Roberta Black from the US National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, who chaired the conference session.

"I believe it may be unique in terms of development for two different indications, both genital herpes and HIV," Dr Black said.

The gel is currently being trialled on women as a contraceptive.

Fundies to commence raising seven by seven kinds of Hell in 5.. 4.. 3.. 2..

[Havok]

This is all well and good, but will it TASTE good?

[loomer]

Tastes can be added later. For now, woot. If it works without serious long term side effects on humans, the world may just be a better place.

[Darth Servo]

Eh, I'd still advise wearing a condom if you aren't sure your partner doesn't have those diseases.

[Jaepheth]

...
It would be most useful in sub-Saharan African nations where the HIV epidemic is mostly seen among heterosexuals.
...

I think I read (in an article posted on this forum quite awhile back) that a significant portion of sub-Saharan African males prefer 'dry' sex and that the women even had herbs or some such to prevent even natural lubrication.

So I don't think a virus blocking lube is going to do as much good in Africa as it should.

[Spin Echo]

...
It would be most useful in sub-Saharan African nations where the HIV epidemic is mostly seen among heterosexuals.
...

I think I read (in an article posted on this forum quite awhile back) that a significant portion of sub-Saharan African males prefer 'dry' sex and that the women even had herbs or some such to prevent even natural lubrication.

So I don't think a virus blocking lube is going to do as much good in Africa as it should.

Well, at least it might do a little good for women in abusive/ controlling relationships where they have no say over whether their partner uses a condom or not.

[Solauren]

Hey, if there that stupid to know about the options and consciousless choose not to use them, that's there problem.

However, great news for people that do use protective options, and are looking to try something more suitable to themselves.

[Howedar]

Well, at least it might do a little good for women in abusive/ controlling relationships where they have no say over whether their partner uses a condom or not.

Yes, because the big danger of STDs definitely lies in long-term relationships.

[Justforfun000]

Yes, because the big danger of STDs definitely lies in long-term relationships.

Actually, in many cases it CAN!

Yes, because the big danger of STDs definitely lies in long-term relationships.

Ironically, you can be safer having protected, anonymous encounters then being in a long-term relationship with someone you 'trust' where condoms are not supposed to be an issue. Welcome to our wonderful world of irony.

[Justforfun000]

Ghetto Edit: The line I copied was supposed to be a link:

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/17/world ... 36&ei=5070

[Darth Servo]

Unfaithful long-term relationships. Yes, I've known a few women who got STDs from their cheating husbands.

[Howedar]

No shit, Sherlock. Some folks cheat. I'm going to go ahead and say that this is a comparatively insignificant STD vector.

[Justforfun000]

No shit, Sherlock. Some folks cheat. I'm going to go ahead and say that this is a comparatively insignificant STD vector.

Lol. I wasn't throwing that out at you as a refutation, it was more like a "But actually even when you THINK you're safe.."

[Spin Echo]

Well, at least it might do a little good for women in abusive/ controlling relationships where they have no say over whether their partner uses a condom or not.

Yes, because the big danger of STDs definitely lies in long-term relationships.

Obviously you missed the bit where I said it would do a little good. I might be going out on a limb here, but the type of man that does not let his partner have a say with regards to protection is also less likely to consider fidelity important. Lest you not believe me, here's a study regarding women, violence and HIV. First of all, it shows that in abusive relationships, a woman's requrest to use a condom is often met with violence. Second, women in abusive relationships are much more likely to have male partners with high HIV risk behaviours, such as drug use, multiple partners, or having sex with prostitutes.

[The Duchess of Zeon]

No shit, Sherlock. Some folks cheat. I'm going to go ahead and say that this is a comparatively insignificant STD vector.

Actually it is a primary vector in Africa because traditionally there only the woman has to be faithful, men are encouraged otherwise. The HIV infection chain in Africa is from prostitutes to men to their wives.

[Howedar]

Yes, but the original point is that it would be useful outside of Africa for that reason. I took no account of Africa, as that wasn't the point.

[Zed Snardbody]

Eh, I'd still advise wearing a condom if you aren't sure your partner doesn't have those diseases.

Yes, but now the lubricated condoms will be using this stuff!

Double whammy....so to speak.

[ArmorPierce]

wait, is it a lube or a gel that you insert like spermicide? I've tried the spermicide with my girlfriend (while she is waiting to get on the pill) and for her he feels the same as for having sex without a condom but for me it feels like sticking it into a pile of gel. Still better than a condom though.