Silicone Shortages and Your Sexual Health
Silicone shortage’s effect on condom and lubricant production?
Silicone is in many of the items that we use daily. It is a synthetic compound that is manufactured by industries around the world. Many people mainly think of it as the silicon chip in computers and other technology. But it is also used in sealants, adhesives, lubricants, medical applications, cookware, and insulation. Yes, it is even in personal lubricant! Silicone shortages are occurring as result of Covid impacts on both production and supply and demand. And this is now having a trickle-down effect on condom production and lubricant production around the world.
What Is Causing this Shortage?
There are a few different converging reasons for the silicone shortage. According to an article by Specialty Silicone Products, Inc they are as follows:
- Demand: The demand has regained its traction or even increased from pre-pandemic requirements.
- Supply: With shutdowns due to Covid restrictions, many suppliers did not maintain their minimum inventories due to uncertainties surrounding world economics and demand. Now many manufacturers are trying to play catch-up.
- Manpower: Employees around the world were laid off due to Covid shutdowns. This has been exacerbated by quarantine protocols surrounding Covid as well. Most manufacturers have experienced a consistent labor shortage due to these issues.
- Logistics: The logistics of shipping supplies to manufacturers and finished product to the end user are also impacted by a labor shortage, travel restrictions, a shortage of shipping containers, and inflated costs associated with freight.
- Pricing: As with so many commodities right now, pricing is becoming a concern. Anticipated pricing increases in 2020 were up to 25% and 2021 is seeing that increase.
Silicone Lubricant
Truly time is one of the factors needed to see the supply catch up to the demand. It will take time to rebound from the many factors that the Covid pandemic have created on the supply, demand and manufacturing of silicone. In the meantime, the pricing will continue to rise. Exactly the impact on production and pricing of silicone personal lubricants will unfold over the next while as the effects are being noticed daily. Silicone lubricant is what is in many types of lubricated condoms that you purchase today. Eventually the supply will be back on board with the demand. And, in the meantime, you can also use many of the water-based lubricants as an alterative to silicone lubricants.
Lubricants In General
Lubricants are helpful in reducing friction; personal lubricants help reduce friction during sexual activity. Lubricants are readily available at pharmacies, adult stores, online platforms and even supermarkets! They have some great attributes:
- Anyone can use lube
- There are many different types of lube to meet everyone’s tastes
- Lube can enhance pleasure
- Lube can help with vaginal dryness
- Lube can be used for anal sex
- Lube can help make sex safer
Personal lubricants are an important component of one’s sexual wellness!