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Here we go — the federal government is penetrating even further into our personal lives. It’s bending us over a barrel until we show them the 50 states and sliding right up in there.
Recently, there has been an increase in the number of seizures by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration of lubricants that don’t meet FDA standards or were not submitted for FDA approval. To be honest, I never knew that personal lubricants were regulated by the FDA, but considering what we put them on and where they go into, it makes a lot of sense. Here are a few things you should know about lube.
Personal Lubricants Are Classified As Medical Devices
In the U.S., personal lubricants are classified as medical devices by the FDA, the same category as things like condoms and powered wheelchairs are in. This means the manufacturer of a personal lubricant must obtain what is known as a 501(k) clearance, which can take years and cost thousands of dollars to obtain. These rules are designed to keep consumers safe from potentially toxic products, because even though you might not realize it, every hole is vulnerable. However, some lubricants being sold have not been evaluated by the FDA, which is why it’s important to read the label carefully.
Not All Lubes Are Created Equally
I’m not just talking about water versus silicon based. If you buy personal lubricant and it’s labeled as a “moisturizer,” an “intimate massage oil,” or a “pleasure gel,” then it probably has not been evaluated by the FDA as a personal lubricant. Instead, these products are evaluated as cosmetics, which are held to much lower standards. So even if it says FDA approved, it might not be approved for what you plan on doing with it. I’m sure that artisan, all natural, free range pleasure oil with tea tree extracts sounds safe, but the fact is, it probably has not been evaluated by the FDA and found safe to be inside you.
A Bad Lube Can Ruin Your Day — Or Your Life
As mentioned above, personal lubricants are evaluated by the FDA to keep us safe. If you don’t like the idea of the federal government getting involved in your sex life, it’s important to note that many of these mislabeled lubes can contain ingredients known to cause serious health issues. Ingredients found in some of these lubes have been proven to increase STI transmission rates, kill skin cells, dehydrate mucus membranes, and increase virus activity. And guys, if you think that wearing a love glove is all you need and only women need to worry about this, you are wrong. These mislabeled lubes may contain ingredients that deteriorate the effectiveness of a condom, thereby increasing the chance of an STI transmission or (possibly even worse) unwanted pregnancy.
Spend A Few Extra Bucks And Have Fun
Don’t buy the cheapest lube you see at CVS or Walgreens. Put that Amazon Prime subscription to use and find what fits your needs best. Front door, back door, whatever door(s) you prefer, there is something out there just for you. Whatever you do, don’t use cooking oil. I made that mistake in college and my bedroom smelled like a county fair funnel cake stand for a week..
[via Vice]
Image via Shutterstock
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