Personal Lubricants for Enhanced Sex & Intimacy

There are 3 main lubricant types that are the most commonly available.

1. Water-based lubricant - The most commonly available and generally considered the safest option for people and sex toys.
2. Silicone-based lubricant - Another safe option that is made of silicone.  These are water-proof, longer lasting, and safe for use with latex.
3. Oil-based lubricant - These are typically for masturbation lube and anal lube.  Oil is not safe for use with latex, sex toys, or vaginal sex.
4. In more recent times manufacturers have released what is known as Hybrid lubricant which is a combination of water-based and silicone-based lube.  This lube is typically a creamy white consistency and has the long lasting and slick properties as both other bases.  Hybrid lube is safe to all sex toys and condoms.

While there is no long lasting harm in using expired lube there are factors and concerns that you need to be aware of.

Expired lube loses its performance over time.  Meaning, it will not last as long and will not have the same smooth slick texture as it once did.

Using an expired lube can cause an allergic reaction, infections, and skin irritations.

You should avoid using a lubricant past its expiration date to be on the safe side.

Other than the actual stamped expiration date, there are changes in the lubricant itself that can help you identify lubricant that has gone bad or expired.

1. Change in color.  The lubricant goes from clear to a slight yellowish color.
2. Emits a smell that was not previously there. It might smell unnatural.
3. The taste has gone bad.  If you have a flavored lube that was once delicious and now not so much, chances are your lube is bad,
4. The consistency of the lube has changed.  If your lube has thinned out or got extra thick, it might be bad,

If you are using latex condoms the only safe lube options are water-based and silicone-based. Do not use oil-based lubricant on latex condoms as the oil will degrade the latex.

If you are using Polyurethane or non-latex condoms, you should be safe to use any lube including oil-based (although it is not recommended if using for vaginal sex).

Most of the time using a lubricant will not have any adverse side effects.  There are small risks though that should be considered prior to use.  These include:

• allergic reactions
• skin irritation
• yeast infections
• interfering with fertility
• drying up quickly, requiring frequent reapplication