Type of condom Why does storage matter? Where to find the date Are expired condoms safe? Expired condom vs. Why do condoms expire? Does the type of condom matter? Does storage affect expiration? How can you tell whether a condom has expired? Is using an expired condom safe? Is using an expired condom safer than not using a condom at all? How can you ensure your condoms remain effective? The bottom line. Read this next. How to Talk About Sex Talking about sex can be awkward.
Medically reviewed by Debra Rose Wilson, Ph. Take Action vs. Plan B: What Are the Differences? Medically reviewed by Carolyn Kay, M. Select basic ads. Create a personalised ads profile. Select personalised ads. Apply market research to generate audience insights. Measure content performance. Develop and improve products. List of Partners vendors. The lifespan of a condom is between one and five years, depending on the material it is made from and conditions under which it is stored.
Many make the mistake of using condoms past their expiration date, but doing so may mean that you are not getting the protection against sexually transmitted diseases STDs or pregnancy that you expect.
Most health and medical products have an expiration date, and condoms are no exception. The material that condoms are made from is what dictates expiration dates, as some are more resilient to the effects of time than others. Latex or polyurethane condoms with spermicide have a shorter shelf life than condoms without it because, over time, spermicide degrades the integrity of condom material. This lessens its effectiveness. In addition, the chemicals in spermicide can break down, so using a condom that contains it past the expiration date may lead to a burning sensation and irritation of the delicate tissue in and around the vagina and penis.
While not a factor when it comes to expiration, it's worth noting that non-latex, natural materials like lambskin or sheepskin do not provide protection from STDs regardless of whether or not they have expired. Aside from this, how a condom is stored can influence how effective it is. Heat and humidity can degrade the material in both the condom wrapper and the condom itself. This may render the condom less effective even before its expiration date. A condom's expiration date is stamped on both the outer box it came in and on the individual wrapper.
The date is typically found on the edges of the foil wrappers. If it is, do not use it. We rely so much on the effectiveness of sexual protections, which is why Durex condoms are 5x tested for maximum safety.
We get it. But condom expiration is a very real thing — and super important when it comes to safe sex. Use a condom that is expired, and you could find that the effectiveness of the condom is significantly reduced, or worse, voided completely. So, why do condoms expire? Should you check the expiry date every time you use one? Join us as we break down how long condoms last and how you can make sure you never find yourself without one that is good to go!
To put it plainly, yes, condoms can expire. Because of this, condoms always have an expiry date on the back of each individual packet, regardless of whether they were bought as a single or as part of a larger pack. It actually has to do with a complex process that results in the condom materials breaking down, losing their effectiveness over time.
If it's before the date stamped on the package, check to make sure there are no holes, rips, or tears. When you squeeze the wrapper, you should feel a little air bubble that tells you the package is unopened and intact. After carefully opening the condom package do not use your teeth or scissors! If it's dry, brittle, stiff or sticky, throw it away. You know how brittle or gooey old rubber bands can get if they've been kept in a drawer too long?
If your condom is like that, that's a hard pass. Too much heat and moisture can damage condoms, making them break more easily before or during sex.
Keeping a condom in your pocket or wallet also exposes them to friction, which increases both heat and risk of tears. If you're considering keeping your condoms in your car, think of them as you would a pet.
You wouldn't leave your pet in the car in the heat, so don't leave your condoms. They're not going to survive, even if you leave the window cracked and provide a bowl of water. Give it a miss. Remember the rule of three when taking your condoms on the go. A condom may be damaged or break, and you'll want a backup so you can keep going. Plus, you might want to go again, or switch from vaginal to anal sex - and you need a new condom every time.
If you're thinking of hooking up, keep three unexpired, properly stored condoms at the ready. Keeping condoms in your backpack, briefcase, or messenger bag can be a good idea as long as you don't put hot electronics, like your laptop, phone, or charger pack, or sharp objects such as keys or pens in with the condoms.
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