The FDA has issued a warning to consumers to stop using 27 over-the-counter eye drop products. This recall, affecting products sold by CVS, Rite Aid, Target, Walmart, Leader, Rugby, and Velocity Pharma, is due to the potential risk of eye infections, which could lead to partial vision loss or blindness. This eye drop recall follows several earlier recalls this year. For more information, visit the FDA’s announcement on the recall here.
In a separate health matter, the use of lubricant, commonly referred to as lube, during sexual activities is a topic of increasing interest. Lubricants can decrease the risk of condom breakage, thereby promoting safer sex practices. Lubes are widely available in pharmacies and grocery stores, and there are three main types: water-based, silicone-based, and oil-based. However, some lubes, particularly those containing glycerin, can increase the risk of yeast infections. For more details on this, the University of Texas at Austin provides valuable insights into healthy sexuality and lube use here.
Additionally, it’s important to understand that lube can enhance sexual pleasure and safety. It helps reduce friction during intercourse, which not only minimizes the risk of condom breakage but also reduces irritation or tears in the vagina or anus. This friction reduction is crucial for protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Columbia University’s Go Ask Alice! offers further information on lube and STI prevention here.
Other factors to consider when experiencing discomfort, like pain during urination after sex, may involve changing condoms, lubricants, spermicides, or soaps used during sexual activity. Trying different types of lube or condoms, such as non-latex instead of latex, might help identify any allergies or sensitivities. More on this can be found at Go Ask Alice! here.
Furthermore, certain medical conditions, like diabetes, can lead to yeast infections. If lubricant is suspected to be the cause of discomfort or infection, switching to a different brand or using non-lubricated condoms with water-based lubricant may help. For additional information on yeast infections and condom use, Go Ask Alice! provides a comprehensive guide here.
Lastly, it’s essential to understand the difference between spermicides and lubricants. While both are used during sexual activity, they serve different purposes. Spermicides offer contraceptive protection but do not protect against STIs and, in some cases, may increase the risk of STI exposure due to genital irritation. Brown University elaborates on this topic in their Health Promotion section here.
