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Health3 min(s) read
Published 16:53 13 Mar 2026 GMT
Experts have revealed that there's a surprising item used in the bedroom that could increase the risk of pregnancy if it’s used after it expires.
While most people know to check the expiry date on condoms, pharmacist Alex Pearson warns that lubricant can also pose a problem once it's past its prime.
According to Pearson, using expired lube while engaging in sexual activity can increase the chances of a condom failing, leading to an unexpected pregnancy or the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
In an exclusive interview with Metro, Pearson explained that lubricant plays an important role in protecting condoms during sex.
"Lubricants are designed to reduce friction between the condom and the skin. If a lubricant has degraded, dried out, or changed texture after expiring, it may no longer function effectively," she told the outlet.
"Reduced lubrication can lead to increased friction during sex, which places additional stress on the condom material," she added.
The pharmacist noted that while condoms are 'designed to withstand the friction of sexual activity and most are pre-lubricated, they are not unbreakable' and 'if friction increases due to insufficient lubrication, this can raise the risk of the condom stretching excessively or breaking'.
Many people may not realize that lubricant has a shelf life.
According to health professionals, most products expire after about three years, per HuffPost.
That means if you like trying different types of lube, there’s a chance a bottle could sit in the drawer long enough to expire before it’s fully used.
Once the expiry date has passed, experts say it should be thrown away as the chemicals in lubricants degrade over time, which can cause irritation and disrupt the body’s natural pH balance.
This may lead to yeast infections, bacterial vaginosis, and allergic reactions such as itching, rash, swelling, hives, burning, and, in rare cases, breathing issues and anaphylaxis.
Checking the expiry date on the bottle is the easiest way to know whether your product is still safe to use.
Some products also include guidance on how long they remain usable after opening, as well as several warning signs that the product may no longer be safe.
Pearson explained that 'changes in texture are one of the most common indicators' that something is wrong.
"If a lubricant becomes unusually thick, sticky, grainy, or separated, it may no longer function properly," she added.
"Lubricants are designed to create a smooth, consistent layer between surfaces to reduce friction, so changes in texture can affect how well the product works."
