Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and many couples are excited to spice things up in the bedroom. As things heat up, you might reach for that bottle of lube in your bedside drawer. However, before you dive in, there’s an important consideration you shouldn’t overlook: the expiry date.
Yes, lubricant does have an expiry date, and using it when it’s gone off can lead to unpleasant consequences like itching, swelling, and burning. Experts at Condoms UK have issued a warning about this common mistake.
Lubricants, whether water-based, silicon-based, or oil-based, are a handy addition to your bedroom exploits. They can reduce uncomfortable friction if you’re experiencing vaginal dryness and make sex less painful. Moreover, using lube can lower your risk of contracting sexually transmitted infections (STIs) by reducing condom breakage and tearing.
But here’s the catch: lubricants, like food and medications, have an expiration date. Most commercially available lubes can last up to three years if stored properly. However, water-based lubes tend to have a shorter lifespan due to their higher water content, which can cause them to spoil more quickly.
Using expired lube can lead to various allergic reactions and infections. Over time, the chemicals in personal lubricants degrade, potentially causing irritants that lead to reactions. Expired lube can also disrupt the body’s optimal pH, increasing the risk of yeast infections and bacterial vaginosis.
Thrush, a common yeast infection, can cause cottage cheese-like discharge, itching, irritation, and stinging during sex and urination. Bacterial vaginosis, on the other hand, can cause fishy-smelling watery discharge and increase the risk of getting an STI. In some cases, using expired lube can even trigger serious allergic reactions, such as itching, rash, swelling, hives, and breathing issues.
To avoid these potential risks, it’s essential to check for signs that your lube has expired:
- Changes in smell or texture.
- Altered flavor and a bad aftertaste for edible lubes.
- Stickiness or reduced glide.
- Separation of ingredients, commonly seen in oil-based lubricants.
- Crystals at the bottom of the container.
- Skin infections after using the lubricant.
So, before you engage in your Valentine’s Day adventures, make sure to double-check that your lube is still within its expiration date. Don’t let this simple mistake ruin your romantic escapades.
Stay safe, and have a fantastic Valentine’s Day!
Source: F5mag.com
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