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Can Expired Lubricant Cause Infection?
Question: My husband and I just accidentally used expired personal lubricant. It expired two years ago. I am worried about getting an infection. Is there a serious risk here? What should I look out for and is there anything I can do to ward off an infection?
Brief Answer:
infection may not occur
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The expiry date would give an indication of the expected time of effectiveness of the lubricant.
After it has passed, it would be expected that after that time due to change in the chemical composition, the lubricant would no longer be effective.
Because it would no longer be effective, there would be an increased risk of friction occurring and discomfort both during and after.
Friction can potentially cause the areas to become inflamed but this does not necessarily occur in all instances.
There is an increased risk of infection because the areas are inflamed but as mentioned above this may not occur.
The most common infection to occur in an irritated vaginal surface would be yeast infection.
If you experience any discomfort, using a sitz bath may help. This involves sitting in warm (not hot) water for 15 to 20 mins, 2 to 3 times daily. The water could contain table salt or epsom salt.
It helps to sooth irritated surfaces.
Signs and symptoms of infection are: discharge (white or yellow), itching, discomfort
In some women the use of cool clothing (skirts for eg ) that reduces heat in the genitalia and yogurt (probiotics help the immune system) have been found to be helpful in preventing recurrent infection.
If infection occurs, there are over the counter yeast treatments that can be used.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
infection may not occur
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
The expiry date would give an indication of the expected time of effectiveness of the lubricant.
After it has passed, it would be expected that after that time due to change in the chemical composition, the lubricant would no longer be effective.
Because it would no longer be effective, there would be an increased risk of friction occurring and discomfort both during and after.
Friction can potentially cause the areas to become inflamed but this does not necessarily occur in all instances.
There is an increased risk of infection because the areas are inflamed but as mentioned above this may not occur.
The most common infection to occur in an irritated vaginal surface would be yeast infection.
If you experience any discomfort, using a sitz bath may help. This involves sitting in warm (not hot) water for 15 to 20 mins, 2 to 3 times daily. The water could contain table salt or epsom salt.
It helps to sooth irritated surfaces.
Signs and symptoms of infection are: discharge (white or yellow), itching, discomfort
In some women the use of cool clothing (skirts for eg ) that reduces heat in the genitalia and yogurt (probiotics help the immune system) have been found to be helpful in preventing recurrent infection.
If infection occurs, there are over the counter yeast treatments that can be used.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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