In:
Sexually Transmitted Diseases, Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health), Vol. 48, No. 1 ( 2021-1), p. 63-70
Abstract:
Vaginal lubricants are commonly used during gynecological examinations, during sexual activities, or to alleviate vaginal dryness. Many lubricants contain potentially bacteriostatic or bactericidal agents (parabens, chlorhexidine gluconate, nonoxynol-9). Our objective was to evaluate the impact of lubricants that vary in formulation on the growth and viability of vaginal Lactobacillus species and vaginal epithelial cell (VEC) colonization in an in vitro model. Methods Growth curve, disk diffusion, and minimal inhibitory assays were used to determine the impact of lubricants or excipients on the growth of Lactobacillus crispatus , Lactobacillus gasseri , Lactobacillus jensenii , and Lactobacillus iners . L. crispatus strain was used in VEC colonization assays. Statistical differences were determined by analysis of variance. Results Lubricants containing chlorhexidine gluconate or nonoxynol-9 (N-9; Conceptrol, K-Y Jelly, and Surgilube) significantly inhibited Lactobacillus species growth ( P 〈 0.05). In contrast, other clinical lubricants (E-Z Lubricating Jelly, McKesson Lubricating) and personal lubricants (Astroglide Liquid, Good Clean Love Almost Naked, K-Y Warming Jelly) did not exhibit this effect. Chlorhexidine gluconate had a detrimental effect on Lactobacillus growth and exhibited stronger antimicrobial activity compared with methylparaben and propylparaben ( P 〈 0.0001). There were lubricants that did not induce cytotoxicity in VEC (Good Clean Love Almost Naked, E-Z Lubricating Jelly, McKesson Lubricating Jelly), but these products did substantially decrease the attachment of L. crispatus to VEC, particularly when VEC were preexposed to lubricants before inoculation with bacteria ( P 〈 0.0001). Conclusions This in vitro model indicates that select vaginal lubricants, particularly those with chlorhexidine gluconate, have potentially adverse effects on women’s health by reducing growth and recolonization of vaginal Lactobacillus species.
Type of Medium:
Online Resource
ISSN:
1537-4521
,
0148-5717
DOI:
10.1097/OLQ.0000000000001272
Language:
English
Publisher:
Ovid Technologies (Wolters Kluwer Health)
Publication Date:
2021
detail.hit.zdb_id:
2055170-8
