Genital Infection and Irritation
Water is a combination of + charged H and - charged OH units. Materials dissolved in water come apart into their charged, ionic components. pH is a numerical measure of charge predominance in a solution: 7.0 is neutral, the lower the number, the more H+, the more ACID it is; and higer, the more ALKALINE. The moist vaginal interior is a slightly acid environment where lactobacili and other 'healthy' bacteria thrive. Things that deplete these bacteria, like changing the normal pH, permits growth of yeasts and other bacteria that cause irritation, skin injury, pain, and discharges. Overgrowth by bacteria is referred to 'bacterial vaginosis., Water based lubricants are usually made to have a slightly acid pH for genital skin compatibility. Preservatives are intended to maintain the lubricant after the packaging has been opened and should have little adverse effect on normal genital bacteria, however vaginal environments and sensitivities vary, so that trying a product is the best guide. When using a new lubricant seems to 'cause' an irritation or infection, it is likely that a pre-existing minor infection has become worse. Consider this before blaming a particular product or chemical component. Avoiding all of these problems was one of the reasons we began exploring water free alternatives for genital moisturizing and lubricating.

HIV infection, leading to AIDS, is a major, global health concern. It is expelled in the ejaculate of men who are already infected. The virus is fragile and does not penetrate intact skin very well. However, it is very good at getting into cells in blood, and infections occur primarily when infected semen contact an open sore or cut. Viral particles also attach to sperm which can move them through cervical mucous into the uterus. Because an open wound is the primary portal for entry, HIV infection sexual activity that traumatizes delicate skin and membranes, and it explains why male to male and male to female transmission rates are much higher than female to male transmission. Personal lubricants of all types decrease microtrauma to vaginal skin, aiding in disease prevetion. Trauma is especially likely when there is vaginal dryness or atrophy.

The primary protection against AIDS has been condom use, which itself requires a personal lubricant (both inside and outside the condom). Antiviral compounds can also be added to lubricants making them potential preventives, especially when the vagina is thoroughly coated.