War Over The Buggery Law

The following is an excerpt from the Gleaner's In Focus, see the full article here

Ian Boyne, Columnist

The struggle between Christians and gay-rights activists over the buggery law is more political than practical. Its repeal or retention is more symbolic than salutary.

Gay people are freely engaging in anal sex and are not worried in the least about police knocking down their doors to arrest them. Nobody is going to report them to the police if they buy their condoms or lubricants. And this argument that gay men are effectively denied health services and hence are vulnerable to HIV infection because of the buggery law seems transparently absurd to me. It is not the existence of the buggery law that prevents gay men from visiting clinics. If any gay man is intimidated to reveal his status, that reluctance has more to do with stigmatisation, prejudice and discrimination - which would remain even if the buggery law were repealed. Once our culture remains heavily influenced by fundamentalist Christianity, that stigma towards homosexuality will remain, whatever happens legally.

Changing the buggery law would be a political victory for gays, yes, and would signal some softening of attitudes towards homosexuality in 'society circles', but on the ground, once you can't eradicate conservative religious ideas about homosexuality, you are going to have stigma, exclusion and non-acceptance. Apartheid was law in South Africa but despised by the black masses of South Africa, just as slavery was law in the British West Indies but revolted against by the enslaved. We know from our history as black people that laws don't equate to popular acceptance. So the repeal of the buggery law would be political and symbolic. That's all.

On the other hand, Christian arguments for the retention of the buggery law are largely political, not philosophical or principled. Christians don't argue on the basis of the merits of the buggery law per se. Their arguments represent either slippery slope reasoning ('this will lead to that') or fear ('This will strengthen the gay lobby agenda', clearly giving them a political victory en route to full legalisation). They can't argue the virtue of the buggery law in itself. Something is just wrong with that philosophically.

Retaining the buggery law can't be justified simply because its repeal could possibly lead to certain consequences. Veronica Evelyn, writing inIn Focus on July 13 in an article titled, revealingly, 'Connect the dots: same-sex marriage and the decriminalisation of buggery', says: "The decriminalisation of buggery is a necessary condition for the legalisation of same-sex marriage. The call for the decriminalisation of buggery does not exist in a vacuum. It is but Step 1 in a downward spiral characterised by a series of decriminalisation, enactment and amendment of laws relating to sexual behaviour."

You can't argue for the retention of the buggery law on such philosophically shaky grounds. Plus, it ignores the fact that there are jurisdictions which have decriminalised buggery and that have actually amended their constitutions to specifically outlaw same-sex marriage. Christians must be honest in their debate on this issue and not obfuscate. The decriminalisation of homosexuality does not have to lead to the legalisation or normalisation of homosexuality. No more than adultery is normalised in law, though it is not criminalised.

MUDDLED REASONING

Repealing the buggery law does not necessarily lead to same-sex marriage. We must not create hysteria by muddled reasoning. That is tantamount to lying, which is forbidden in Scripture. Attorney-at-law Shirley Richards, who has quite correctly and courageously exercised her rights as a citizen to staunchly oppose homosexuality, writes in that same July 13 issue of In Focus: "Repeal of the buggery law places us on this road which, in other countries, has resulted in minority homosexual rights taking precedence over the fundamental human rights of the majority."

Make no mistake: The legalisation of homosexuality threatens civil liberties and the rights of those of us who oppose homosexuality on religious grounds. It takes away our options of exercising personal conscience once homosexuality is normalised in law and if same-sex marriage is legalised. That has been the practice and experience so far.

But it is not true to say that the repeal of the buggery law inexorably leads us down that road. Shirley is not right that "repeal of the (buggery) law will also effectively remove the philosophy that protects true marriage". As a lawyer, she should know of those states which have decriminalised homosexuality and yet have constitutional provisions protecting man-woman marriage. Why ignore that evidence? Because we are in a propaganda war?

Dr Wayne West has been another brave and outspoken soul exercising his democratic right to lobby against homosexuality. Wayne has always sought to be reasoned - whatever you think about his efforts. But his reasoning is vulnerable to serious criticism. Wayne has trotted out a lot of incontestable statistics about the dangers of male homosexuality. The truth is - and the way Wayne speaks you would not know this - gay-rights activists accept that men who have sex with men have a higher prevalence of HIV/AIDS. They accept that anal sex is a more effective means of transmitting AIDS. In fact, that is why they are (misguidedly in my view) pushing for the repeal of buggery laws to free up gays getting treatment. (I don't know of health practitioners reporting gay men who see them.)

Gay activists are saying it is because of the culture of discrimination and stigmatisation why gay men don't get treatment. Using the argument that unprotected anal sex is highly risky can't be the most potent argument against homosexuality, Wayne. Gay men can solve that problem easily by simply using a condom! So what? If gay men start using condoms regularly and the rate of infections among them goes down, would your case against homosexuality collapse?

Health reasons are not what the Bible proffers why homosexuality is morally unacceptable, Wayne. That argument leaves out lesbians. The buggery law is completely silent about lesbians. In fact, in our culture, some of the most ardent and virulent opponents of homosexuality fantasise about and some engage in threesome with women. But the Bible condemns both male and female homosexuality. The conservative Christian opposition seems more cultural than Christian and more political than philosophical. The Christians need to engage a thorough-going and rigorous apologetics against homosexuality and not engage in scattershot, slippery-slope arguments.

IMPORTANT STATEMENT

Some Christians say while it is true that the buggery law does nothing to stop people actually engaging in anal sex, at least it makes an important statement about what the society abhors. It gave Christians a basis for orchestrating the collapse of the Carolyn Gomes-founded Jamaicans for Justice (Gomes was a main agitator against Professor Bain. God, the Christians say, has brought swift judgement against her and her legacy, Jamaicans for Justice).

Christians say, let's keep this law for when buggery is illegal. Gays can't slip material into our schools, children's homes and in our media. But we could still repeal the buggery law and not have homosexuality taught as normal in our schools and public institutions.

Besides, the buggery law does not forbid homosexuality, but only anal sex - which heterosexuals can and do engage in. Our buggery law - unlike in some other jurisdictions - does not punish lesbians. So Christians are supporting a law that falls short of biblical law. Better some of it than none, some would say. But this is not a theocracy, and if adulterers and fornicators are not penalised, nor should homosexuals. It is not fair. You say that's like saying, if you can't catch all criminals, we should not catch some. No, I am saying that in a democratic society, everyone must be equal under the law and laws must be just.

The buggery law is being used as a political weapon against gay people in this culture war. Saying, "Well, adulterers and fornicators don't want to impose their views on us and take away our rights like homosexuals" is another admission that the law is being used as a weapon. A law must be inherently just. We have to do better in our argumentation against homosexuality, brethren.

Ian Boyne is a veteran journalist working with the Jamaica Information Service. Email feedback to columns@gleanerjm.com and ianboyne1@yahoo.com.

Phone Found in Prisoner’s Rectum for a Second Time in Lockup

Talk about getting to the "bottom"of it.

A bizarre situation has unfolded at the Constant Spring lock up as a cellular phone was found to be lodged in an inmate's rectum yesterday, what perfect timing for this story as the Professor Bain, buggery, homosexuality and anal sex furore rages on with church groups and self righteous folk protest in a huff over the cancellation of the contract of the Professor over his conflict of interest as head of the CHART program designed to train professionals in HIV prevention and engagement of vulnerable populations.

The prisoner was held for rape a second time but this juncture at the aforementioned lockup is to undergo surgery at a cooperate area lockup its reported that he complained of extreme discomfort and was unable to perform bodily functions he was taken to a medical institution where an x-ray was performed and a BlackBerry was shown; police sources say it is not the first time he has been caught with a phone in his body cavity. 

Perfect time to reawaken condoms policy in prisons I think: SEE MORE: Review Condom Policy for Prisoners 2011 and join both issues together in a sense.

Correctional services in Jamaica do not go as far as our north American or some European counterparts do in conducting cavity searches for contraband as the perception of homosexuality is strongly resisted as evidenced in years gone by when a major riot broke out at several maximum security facilities after a suggestion was made to distribute condoms to some inmates which led to several deaths to include non homosexuals as their enemies seized the opportunity to enact vendettas under the guise of labelling persons as gay. Then union delegates such as Lambert Brown turned current PNP Senator vehemently resisted the suggestion of condoms in prisons as a way to sneak homosexuality through the back door. 

Then first vice-president, had said that although he was still opposed to condom distribution in prisons, he had nothing against the other recommendations made.
"The fight against AIDS is not based solely on condom distribution," Mr. Brown said. "Those who are promoting condoms in prison are using the back door to promote homosexuality which is illegal." here suggesting fear.
In 1997, Lieutenant Colonel John Prescod, then Commissioner of Corrections, suggested that condoms be distributed in the prisons as a means of stopping the spread of HIV. The suggestion sparked a riot that claimed the lives of 16 prisoners, some of whom were accused of being homosexuals and as it turns out many who died weren't actually gay but prior rivalry and a golden opportunity for a disturbance led the way to the attacks. The National AIDS Committee had recommended again in 2000 to the then Peoples National Party administration launch Mandatory medical examinations for all inmates, segregation of HIV positive inmates, legal conjugal visits, a health education programme for the prison, and permission for terminally ill patients to be allowed to die at home, were also among the recommendations made to the Government which were ignored.

Dr. Raymoth Notice medical expert in the penal system had said at the time, "...We recognise that the incidence of HIV is increasing in the general population and not only that, studies have shown that the incidence of AIDS in prison is six to 10 times greater in prisons than in the general population," also he continued "the level of homophobia and ignorance as well as the lack of resources have hampered the education process a whole lot. Before we even get to the condom issue it is important first and foremost to educate the population about AIDS. But everyone has been too afraid to do anything since the riots. There is no analysis being done, no reliable data, inmates are leaving with the disease and taking it back to their communities."

Owing to the concern of weapons being found in food such as razors in chicken meat, ice pricks (without handles) in meat bones, crushed marijuana in dumplings and even phones (wrapped in plastic) in soups and other hand made foods (dumplings, festivals, meatballs, rolls and muffins or so) there has been serious changes made to visitors rules for visits to correctional facilities in as far as taking home made meals but the cavity search is hardly done on men as I feel too in my short time in prison incarcerated and also as outreach officer in my HIV prevention days their fear of being labelled gay is real for some warders and egos can be easily bruised. I have carried other stories such as this but it is no way to suggest the persons carrying such instruments in their body cavity are homosexuals either.

It is known however that some prisoners will tolerate the practice and even pay for such methods of concealment as long as no sexual connotation is hinted, persons may even suspect that the individual in question in fact is gay but will overlook that for the greater imperative which is to smuggle in the item(s) for use inside especially by more “privileged” inmates who live sometimes very comfortable lifestyles whilst serving time. One has to make sure however that the orifice is very clean or that a bag is used to protect the item(s) from faecal matter and that hands are properly washed prior to handling the item(s) for removal and transfer. Soda bottles as also used outdoors by some males are crucial for water storage as douching agents for all important flushing cycles. Then there is Vaseline or cooking oil or lube if able to get access to it, I am a bit baffled as to the ability to house a BlackBerry device no special model number was named or whether he will be charged for contraband or even buggery (self administering in this case) but the sizes are fairly wide in diameter and he must have had the device housed or inserted for an extended period.

In 2008 I carried an entry on sister blog GLBTQJA on Wordpress where a similar story appeared in the Jamaica Star, I had poked some fun at the matter suggesting the individual was really a "battyman" as in using his orifice as a storage area for concealment: PHONE FOUND IN GANGSTA, DON’S BUTT……..A REAL BATTYMAN DIS LOL 

Mobile rang in man’s body during police search!!!

At the time reputed gang leader Tesha Miller was accused of the housing of the phone in his rectum the story also said "Gloves used - This led to a further search and after combing the cell thoroughly again, it was discovered that the device was inside the accused man’s body. Gloves were said to have been requested, and the phone retrieved from the man’s body.

In a release last night, the Constabulary Communication Network said the phone was was found in Miller’s rectum.
The police also found a cellular charger and Vaseline in the cell. The call record on Miller’s phone is currently being processed by the police in order to ascertain who he had been in contact with since he was taken into custody. Prior to his latest incarceration, the accused man was out on bail and as a condition of the agreement, was required to be at home. THE STAR learnt that the police had visited his home on several occasions only to find that he was not there. He was subsequently arrested.
He was charged with four counts of murder and three counts of shooting in 2005, but fled the island for the United States. He was deported to Jamaica last year by United States authorities and later convicted for absconding bail, for which he served nine months in prison."

In 2010 another story of a phone in body cavity made the news again, this time in St Catherine.

ANOTHER PHONE ANOTHER BODY CAVITY STORY 2 YEARS LATER ….

The story read in part:

"The St Catherine South police seized a cellphone from a prisoner on Tuesday albeit in ‘dark’ circumstances. Information reaching The Star is that about 4:30 p.m. police were conducting a search of the lock-ups at the Portmore Police Station and upon approaching one of the 13 cells, a prisoner was said to have placed a phone in his rectum.

Vigilant police personnel extracted the Samsung phone from its hiding place. It is now in the possession of the police, who were shocked about the discovery. Other items seized during the search were cigarettes, matches and lighters.

In recent times, contraband in the lock-up has resulted in the injury of one inmate who was burnt with melted plastic while in his cell. Six other inmates have since been charged with assault occasioning grievous bodily harm.

The Star was informed that no cellphones, lighter, cigarettes or anything that can cause harm, should be in the possession of inmates. Meanwhile, investigations have started to determine how the contraband got into the possession of the prisoner."

ENDS

Word of advice however do not put phones up your butt, take a dick instead lol, enough said or be like porn star Shorty J if you can manage (scene pic above) who took a phone (encased in a condom) and his partner called him to let it vibrate while inside then they proceeded after removing it to penile penetration through to climax. As for me anyway is good, I wonder what Dr Wayne West would say when he sees this lol.

additional news on buggery coincidentally Dr Kevin Harvey of the national HIV response in the Health Minister weighed in on the present impasse on Bain buggery and HIV rates in MSM:

Peace and tolerance

H

An Introduction to Rectal Microbicide Clinical Trials ........

Condoms out the window soon or complimentary as a safer sex method for anal sex, more choices?? 

HIV prevention organizations debut The Rectal Revolution Is Here: An Introduction to Rectal Microbicide Clinical Trials in advance of first-ever Phase II rectal microbicide trial

[Press Release]

International Rectal Microbicide Advocates (IRMA), the Population Council, and the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) today released a collaborative video project called The Rectal Revolution Is Here: An Introduction to Rectal Microbicide Clinical Trials. The jointly produced video, the first of its kind, is designed to educate communities affected by HIV about rectal microbicide development and the importance of participating in clinical trials to help speed the search for new HIV prevention options.

"The Rectal Revolution will be an excellent tool for education and recruitment for MTN-017, the first-ever Phase II safety trial of a rectal microbicide planned to launch soon. The video will be particularly useful because it's not protocol-specific and can be used in future rectal microbicide trials as well," said Clare Collins, MTN associate director of communications and external relations and video co-producer.

"There is an engaging mixture of animation and live action with beautiful footage from Thailand, South Africa, Peru, and the United States," Collins continued, "and we showcase interviews with scientists, advocates, and an exceptional rectal microbicide trial participant, Rig Rush, who is both eloquent and entertaining as he shares his personal experience as a study volunteer."

Produced by Paw Print Productions of Cape Town, South Africa, the video is available for viewing now on YouTube in English, Spanish, and Thai.

"This educational video is a groundbreaking tool to recruit volunteers and educate public health leaders for what may be one of the most promising new methods to fight HIV," said co-producer Barbara Friedland, associate in the HIV and AIDS program at the Population Council. "It was developed through an intense consultative process to ensure accuracy and relevance to the communities where this video will be shown," she said.

"We wanted the video to be educational and engaging, and to encourage audiences to get involved in efforts to prevent HIV," Friedland continued."So we worked with an advisory committee comprising staff at rectal microbicide trial sites, scientists, advocates, and other community experts to develop the script. We screened 'rough cuts' of the video with 80 professionals in the field and pre-tested it in 13 focus group discussions with over 100 gay men and transgender women in Thailand, South Africa, Peru, and the United States," she said.

"The insights and wisdom these individuals shared with us were absolutely critical to shaping the final version of the video," said Friedland.

Major funding and support for the project was generously provided by the MAC AIDS Fund, the MTN, and the Population Council, through a grant from the Swedish Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

The video debut precedes the soon-to-be launched landmark study being conducted by MTN to test a reduced-glycerin formulation of tenofovir gel among gay men, other men who have sex with men, and transgender women for safety and acceptability. MTN-017 is not only the first-ever Phase II study of a rectal microbicide, it is also the first time rectal microbicide research is expanding outside the United States and going global, with sites in Thailand, South Africa, Peru, and Puerto Rico.

"IRMA and the Population Council enthusiastically support the start of MTN-017," said Jim Pickett, IRMA chair. "The 186 individuals who will volunteer for the trial will more than double the total number of people who have participated in rectal microbicide clinical trials to date. The study will mark a giant leap forward for the field of rectal microbicides and will set the stage for future large-scale efficacy trials," he said.

Pickett continued, "the day we have a safe, effective, and acceptable rectal microbicide as a much-needed HIV prevention option for people who engage in anal intercourse is within our sights—these are truly revolutionary times and we couldn't be more energized."

Learn more about the MTN-017 trial here.

###

Currently in development, microbicides are products (gels, lubricants, films) that could be applied in the rectum or the vagina to reduce the risk of HIV infection.

Unprotected anal intercourse is 10 to 20 times more likely to result in HIV infection compared to unprotected vaginal intercourse. Unprotected anal intercourse—a common human behavior—is a significant driver in the global HIV epidemic among gay men and transgender women as well as among heterosexuals.

The Population Council confronts critical health and development issues—from stopping the spread of HIV to improving reproductive health and ensuring that young people lead full and productive lives. Through biomedical, social science, and public health research in 50 countries, we work with our partners to deliver solutions that lead to more effective policies, programs, and technologies that improve lives around the world. Established in 1952 and headquartered in New York, the Council is a nongovernmental, nonprofit organization governed by an international board of trustees.

The Microbicide Trials Network is a U.S. National Institutes of Health-funded worldwide collaborative clinical trials network focused on preventing the sexual transmission of HIV. Recognizing the importance of microbicides research to HIV/AIDS prevention, the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), established the Microbicide Trials Network (MTN) in 2006, with co-funding from the NIH’s National Institute of Mental Health and the Eunice Kennedy Shriver National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD). The MTN brings together international investigators and community and industry partners devoted to reducing the sexual transmission of HIV through the development and evaluation of products used orally or applied topically.

Are Lubes Safe for Rectal Use? Next Steps for Researchers and Advocates ..............

Hello readers,

One more resource for you on lubricant safety – and next steps for researchers and advocates.

Check out this excellent presentation by Marc-André LeBlanc at the Microbicides 2012 meeting (April 2012)

Thanks to blogger Jim for sharing this important presentation, images only shared for preview purposes

download presentation HERE

Lube Alert Fellas for that tight ass .... certain lubes may aid in damaging anal tissues says new study

by David Evans

A forthcoming research report suggests a number of personal lubricants can damage anal tissue cells and increase HIV replication, potentially heightening the risk of contracting HIV, notably if condoms aren’t used.

The “personal lubricant” market is a thriving one. One popular website sells 53 different brands, with many boasting several varieties. If you’d like one that tastes like fruit or chocolate, or adds the sensation of heat, you’ve got multiple options to choose from. The same goes for the degree of slipperiness, the type of sex you want to have, the ease of cleanup and, most important, condom compatibility.

What sexual accoutrement retailers can’t tell you is whether a lube will increase, decrease or have no effect on your chance of becoming infected with HIV if the condom breaks or you decide not to use a condom in the first place. Until recently, it wasn’t a question high on the list of researchers’ or manufacturers’ priorities—lubes are intended to keep condoms from tearing during sex, end of story. But for scientists at thePopulation Council, a New York City–based research organization at the forefront of HIV microbicide development efforts, the positive or negative effects of lubricants on HIV transmission has been a nagging issue for years.

New research results from the nonprofit organization suggest there may be reasons for concern. According to laboratory studies the group conducted—on schedule to be published in a forthcoming issue of AIDS Research and Human Retroviruses and currently available online—a large number of popular lubes may actually make it easier for HIV to get past the body’s defenses, notably during anal sex without a condom. Even more alarming is the finding that four lubes in particular cause HIV to reproduce up to four times faster than it does in the absence of such products.

The researchers caution that the test tube study results are extremely preliminary and merely suggest a potential problem with several personal lubricants. Further studies, they say, are needed to determine the “real world” implications of these findings, including whether or not these products do in fact increase the risk of HIV transmission. One thing this study makes abundantly clear, however, is that we know very little about one of the main ingredients in the safer-sex recipe.

Lube 101

When it comes to anal sex, lubricants are a condom’s best friend, as they help reduce friction and the risk of tears during intercourse. But what about the benefits of lube alone, in the event the condom breaks or a rubber is left out of the equation altogether? In these situations, experts have reckoned, the use of a slippery substance is likely better than nothing.

Sex without lubrication can damage the epithelium—the thin membrane of mucosal cells lining the rectum and anus (as well as the mouth, nose and vagina) that keep the vast majority of unfriendly bacteria, fungi and viruses out of our bodies. So the thinking goes: The wetter the better.

If this tissue is damaged—because of physical tears, chafing, infection or inflammation from irritating substances—the epithelial cells and the chemical bonds that hold them together can fray, causing the protective system to break down. That’s where things can also go wrong with sexual lubricants. Several recent studies suggest that instead of protecting epithelial cells, lubes may actually compromising the integrity of the cells.

Enter Othell Begay and José Fernandez-Romero, PhD, from the HIV/AIDS Division of the Population Council. Begay, Fernandez-Romero and their colleagues, who are particularly interested in developing microbicide gels capable of blocking sexual transmission of HIV, were intrigued by a set of recent reports documenting problems with some of the most commonly available lubricants.

In one study, researchers partnered with the International Rectal Microbicides Advocates (IRMA) to select six of the most popular lubricants used by men and women who practice anal sex. In the process, they tested how these lubes affected epithelial cells as well as the necessary bacteria that help keep the gut and rectum healthy.

That study found that several of the lubes contain more sugar and salt than is typically found inside cells of the anus or vagina. The imbalance causes the epithelial cells to purge their water content and, as a result, become withered and die—a condition called hyperosmolarity.

The study also found that one of the lubes completely wiped out the population of beneficial bacteria in the rectum, a situation that can allow unfriendly organisms—including HIV—to flourish.

A second study looked specifically at the incidence of gonorrhea and chlamydia in people who used lube for anal sex versus those who didn’t use lube, either with or without a condom. The study found that rates of these two sexually transmitted infections (STIs) were twice as high in those who used lube compared with those who didn’t, again suggesting that lubes were causing the rectum to become vulnerable to infection.

HIV: Another Possible Risk

To explore the matter further, Begay and Fernandez-Romero’s team purchased 41 over-the-counter lubricants and pitted them against two substances with known effects on both HIV and epithelial cells. Those two substances were Carraguard, which does not harm epithelial cells and is being studied as an HIV-blocking microbicide, and Gynol II, which contains nonoxynol-9, a substance known to harm epithelial cells and increase the risk of HIV infection. They then posed the same two questions about each of the 41 lubricants: Was the lubricant potentially toxic to cells, and did the lubricant inhibit or accelerate HIV replication?

As to the first question, the researchers found that all of the lubes, compared with Carraguard, damaged epithelial cells in test-tube tissue samples.

The team was also able to test the osmolality of 32 of the 41 candidates—in other words, to what degree the salt and sugar concentrations of the lubes could cause the cells to purge or retain water. Only one of the lubricants, Probe Personal, had a neutral osmolality, similar to Carraguard. All of the others were either hyperosmolar, similar to the IRMA study findings, or hypoosmolar—capable of causing cells to swell up with water, which can cause them to burst.

More striking and surprising was the answer to the team’s second question. While none of the lubricants had HIV-inhibiting qualities that approached that of Carraguard, four Astroglide brand lubricants actually appeared to increase HIV replication in cell cultures by as much as four times, compared with cultures not exposed to lubricants. These results stood in contrast to a previous study documenting anti-HIV activity of Astroglide lubes, and the team sought an explanation.

The Population Council research team analyzed the ingredients of the lubes and found that the four lubes in question—Astroglide Liquid, Astroglide Warming Liguid, Astroglide Glycerin & Paraben Free Liquid and Astroglide Silken Secret—all shared a common ingredient that was not present in the other Astroglide formulations: Polyquaterniums, a class of chemicals commonly found in cosmetic products. Polyquaternium-15, in particular, was in three of the four Astroglide formulations.

Though the specific formulation of polyquaternium-15 is not commercially available, the team tested a very similar chemical (MADQUAT). It too resulted in increases in HIV replication, leading the researchers to suspect that polyquaternium-15 might be the cause.

How is it that we’re only coming upon this potentially important safety information now? “Lubricants are classified by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration as a cosmetic, rather than as a medical device,” Begay explains. Most people would probably assume that because they can buy lubricants in stores then the products must be safe and don’t need further testing, including toxicity testing. Not so. Begay says: "After doing microbicide research and getting all of this knowledge on microbicides and how delicate these epithelial cells are, we discovered that lubricants should be tested.”

Fernandez-Romero adds: “The FDA requires that lubricant manufacturers tests lubricants for vaginal irritation. They might consider adding a similar requirement to assess product safety for rectal use.”

To Lube or Not to Lube?

The Population Council’s results are preliminary, and Fernandez-Romero stresses it remains unclear whether any lubricant might increase the risk of HIV transmission. “The bottom line,” he says, “is that more research is needed.”

What the paper implies is that not all lubes act the same in cells and tissues in the anus, which could be an issue with respect to HIV transmission. “I think our paper is good,” adds Fernandez-Romero, “because it is saying, ‘There could be a problem here. We have to investigate more.’”

The results also don’t change the fact that the lubes are well tested for their compatibility with condoms, and it is the condom, much more than the lube, that offers the best protection against HIV transmission. “Ultimately, the use of condoms is the best way to prevent transmission, but using a lubricant will prevent condom breakage,” Fernandez-Romero explains. “Lubricants may be important, but they have to be safe. We need assays, models or methods to tell us how safe a lubricant is.”

That said, the results do mean that assessing risk may have gotten more complicated for people who forgo condoms for one reason or another, which includes significant proportions of the population—young and old, gay and straight, male and female.

Fernandez-Romero says his team continues to collaborate with other groups that remain engaged in the study of lubricants and the potential heightened risk of HIV transmission. “We have been participating in conference calls and discussion on the topic with IRMA, but we currently don’t have any funding to look at lubricant safety.” He points out that other researchers, including Charlene Dezzutti, PhD, at the University of Pittsburgh, and Pamina Gorbach, Dr.PH, at the University of California at Los Angeles, “are doing some good work and really trying to find answers.

“More research needs to be done,” concludes Fernandez-Romero, “and we need to find the safest lubricants.”

To read more on the safety of personal lubricants for rectal use, click here to read IRMA’s Q&A for HIV educators and advocates

US study examines effect of water-based and silicon-based lubricant for vaginal & anal intercourse

BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -- A new study by sexual health researchers at Indiana University found that women who used lubricant during sex reported significantly higher levels of satisfaction and pleasure.

The study, involving 2,453 women, is the largest systematic study of this kind, despite the widespread commercial availability of lubricant and the gaps in knowledge concerning its role in alleviating pain or contributing to other health issues.

"In spite of the widespread availability of lubricants in stores and on the Internet, it is striking how little research addresses basic questions of how personal lubricants contribute to the sexual experience," said Debby Herbenick, associate director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion. "These data clearly show that use of the lubricants in our study was associated with higher ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction and low rates of genital symptoms."

While these findings, reported in the November issue of the "Journal of Sexual Medicine," involve the use of water-based and silicone-based lubricant, researchers also found that study participants reported fewer genital symptoms -- and, in particular, fewer reports of genital pain -- when they used a water-based lubricant.

Michael Reece, director of the Center for Sexual Health Promotion and co-author of the study, said public health professionals have long recommended the use of lubricants as an important safer sex tool, particularly when used with latex condoms.

"These findings help us to reinforce to sexually active individuals that not only are lubricants important to safer sex but that they also contribute to the overall quality of one's sexual experiences," he said.

Here are some of the findings:

• More than 70 percent of the time that lubricant was used for vaginal or anal intercourse, study participants indicated that they did so in order to make sex more pleasurable; more than 60 percent of women indicated this was the case during masturbation.
• More than one third of the time that lubricant was used for vaginal sex, anal sex or masturbation, women indicated that they used lubricant because it was fun to do so.
• Sizable proportions of women also indicated that they chose to use lubricant in order to reduce the risk of tearing, particularly for anal intercourse.

For the study, "Association of Lubricant Use with Women's Sexual Pleasure, Sexual Satisfaction, and Genital Symptoms: A Prospective Daily Diary Study," 2,453 women ages 18-68 participated in an Internet-based, double-blind assessment of the use of six lubricants during solo masturbation and partnered sexual activities. Women were randomly assigned to use one of six lubricants, four of which were water-based lubricants and two of which were silicone-based lubricants, during two weeks of a five-week study period.

Analyses of more than 10,000 acts of penile-vaginal intercourse, and more than 3,000 masturbation experiences, showed that participants' ratings of sexual pleasure and sexual satisfaction were significantly higher when a water-based lubricant or silicone-based lubricant was used compared to sex without a lubricant. Far fewer penile-anal intercourse events occurred; however, ratings of sexual pleasure and satisfaction were significantly higher when water-based lubricant was used during anal intercourse as compared to sex without a lubricant.

For all types of sex, genital symptoms were rarely reported and were generally less likely to occur when lubricant was used. More than half of the time that women used lubricant, they applied it to their own or their partner's genitals, or directly to their fingers and in about 10 percent of instances of vaginal intercourse, lubricant was applied directly to a sex toy.

"These findings demonstrate how lubricant can be used during foreplay or sex play with a partner, and incorporated into a couple's sexual experience," Herbenick said.

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The water-based lubricants were, in alphabetical order, Astroglide® (Biolm, Inc.), Just Like Me® (Pure Romance), K-Y Liquid® (Johnson & Johnson) and Sweet Seduction® (Pure Romance). The silicone-based lubricants were Pure Pleasure® (Pure Romance) and Wet Platinum® (Trigg Laboratories).

In addition to Reece and Herbenick, co-authors include Devon Hensel, assistant professor, IU School of Medicine; Stephanie Sanders, The Kinsey Institute for Research in Sex, Gender, and Reproduction and the Department of Gender Studies at IU; Dennis Fortenberry, professor of pediatrics, IU School of Medicine; and Kristen Jozkowski, doctoral student at the Center for Sexual Health Promotion. Pure Romance, which also distributes three of the six lubricants used in the study, provided in-kind support for the study.

To speak with the researchers, contact Tracy James, IU Office of University Communications, at 812-855-0084 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 812-855-0084 end_of_the_skype_highlighting and traljame@indiana.edu. To speak with a representative of Pure Romance, contact Genine Fallon at genine@pureromance.com.

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2010-12/iu-see120310.php

The ass-pects of anal sex

Anal penetration used to be a taboo topic. In fact, for some of you, it might still be. What used to be relegated to men playing in bathhouses and Bally’s locker rooms is now a widespread form of sexual intercourse enjoyed by all different sexual orientations and genders.

Yep, that’s right, women can be stimulated by anal sex too. While it can be a fun experiment for you and your partner, it is incredibly important to incorporate safe practice into your anal sex explorations.

Let’s start with the basics. Anal penetration can be pleasurable for everyone, regardless of gender mainly due to the high amount of nerve endings concentrated in that area. A common misconception is that women don’t experience pleasure because they don’t have a prostate.

This is true, women do not have a prostate, but their clitoris do have legs; these legs extend back to the anus making anal penetration pleasurable for some women. Men do have a prostate and the location of which is often referred to as the male G-spot. Rubbing the prostate through anal penetration can often lead to an orgasm.

Many people decide not to participate in anal penetration with their sexual partner or even on their own because of the pain associated. This kind of sexual pleasure actually doesn’t have to be a pillow-biting experience when done correctly. I’m often surprised by my sexually active gay male friends who are still experiencing extreme pain during sexual intercourse even though they have experience. It just goes to show you that even those with apparent sexual know-how can have it wrong sometimes.

There are a few things to remember when considering taking it up the butt:

Communication & Comfort

Like I always say people, communication is key and before you and your partner can have pleasurable anal intercourse, both of you need to be fully willing and ready to take this step. Trying to coerce your partner into having anal sex with you is just going to leave you both unsatisfied.

Relax

Your anus has two barriers to get through called sphincters in order to achieve penetration. You have full control over the exterior sphincter and the only way anything is getting through with limited pain is if you allow yourself to relax. Relaxation is critical to safe and pleasurable penetration.

Use Lube

I’m not talking about sticky, latex-based gels. Make sure to use plenty of water based lubricant during anal penetration. Water based lube is the safest kind of lubricant and will not leave a film like other lubes that can harbor bacteria and cause an infection. The anus does not naturally lubricate itself, so it is important to adequately lubricate both the penetrator and the penetratee.

Take Your Time

Trying to jam a penis or object into an anus quickly will only result in pain and possible damage to your partner. It’s important to take your time and make sure that you’re going slow enough to not only be comfortable, but also to let the muscles in the anus relax and allow for penetration to happen. Taking your time can also mean experimenting with smaller objects like fingers or toys and work your way up to anal intercourse. Practicing with things of a smaller size may make you and your partner more comfortable when trying out the real thing.
I’ve talked for a few hundred words now about “your partner,” but you don’t to be partnered to have great anal pleasure or any pleasure for that matter. In fact, when it comes to anal sex, it might be a good idea to take a test drive when you’re in control so you know how it needs to be done for you. There are plenty of devices out there to assist you in your pleasure-seeking adventures and they come in all shapes, sizes, colors and wattages. Toys aren’t just for women and they aren’t just for the gays.

Many people think that anal penetration is something only gay men can enjoy, but as I told you earlier, women can enjoy it too and, well straight guys have prostates too. While having vaginal intercourse, it can often heighten a man’s orgasm when his partner massages his prostate through his anal wall. There are also toys available that are meant to stimulate a man anally while having vaginal intercourse. If you’re tired of the same old sexual routine, maybe it’s time to try a little ass-play.

While it can be very fun, anal sex is considered a high-risk sexual activity. When not done properly, anal penetration can lead to damage of the sphincter, rectum and anal wall and can open the body up to infectious micro organisms found in fecal matter. Using alcohol or drugs to make anal sex easier can often lead to damage of the anal tissue because these substances temporarily lower the sensitivity of the area. By using safe sex practices and following guidelines for healthy anal sex, you limit both you and your partner’s risk.

If any of this is scary to you, you’ll be happy to know that you don’t necessarily need to penetrate the anus to get pleasure in the area. Stimulating the area around the sphincter can also heighten or induce an orgasm and for men, rubbing the patch of skin between the anus and the scrotum can often have a similar effect of anal penetration.

The important thing to know is that you should be having safe educated fun. If you don’t know how to do something correctly you owe it to yourself to ask someone or seek that information from a knowledgeable source. The more you know about safe and positive sex practices, the better your experiences will be.