14 February 2024 , 07:00
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Valentine's Day is the day to show love, and what better way to do that than to get intimate with your partner?
And, if you really want to turn up the heat, you may want to use lube as part of your plans. However, experts at Condoms UK have warned people to check the expiry date on their bottle before using it, because if you don't, it could cause a whole host of issues for you.
They shared that there are many benefits to using lube in the bedroom - but said expired lube can lead to skin infections, an allergic reaction, and more.
Experts at Condoms UK said: "While there are many benefits of introducing lubricants to your intimate moments, it's equally important to be aware of the potential risks associated with using expired products.
"Using expired lube can lead to various allergic reactions and infections. The chemicals in personal lubricants can degrade over time, 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."
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And allergic reactions to lube can be serious, causing "itching, rash, swelling, hives, burning", and even "breathing issues and anaphylaxis." Experts also warned that "using expired lube can heighten the risk of genital infection and irritation, potentially leading to uncomfortable itching or burning. Therefore, it is important to avoid using a lubricant that has passed its expiration date to prevent these potential risks."
So, how can you tell if your lube is out of date? Stored properly, experts shared that most lubes will last for up to three years. They said: "Water-based lubes tend to have a shorter lifespan than oil - or silicone-based ones due to their higher water content which can cause them to spoil more quickly", so you may want to take this into consideration when you're picking out your next one.
Here are six signs your lubricant might be past its prime:
- If your lube has changed in smell or texture, it's probably not worth using.
- If the flavour has changed with edible lube and it has a grim aftertaste, it could signal that it's not suitable for use.
- If it feels stickier, or has reduced glide, it's time to discard the old and embrace a new, and more effective alternative from the shelf.
- If you're experiencing skin infections all of a sudden, your expired lubricant could be to blame.
- If the ingredients are separating, it means the composition of the lube has been compromised, so it's time to get a new one.
- A serious red flag is if there is mould or mildew present in the lubricant, indicating that it's no longer safe for use.