Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Do They Expire?Where Is the Date?Using Expired CondomsStoringOther UsesFrequently Asked Questions
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Do They Expire?
Where Is the Date?
Using Expired Condoms
Storing
Other Uses
Frequently Asked Questions
The lifespan of acondomis between one and five years, depending on the material it is made from and the 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 againstsexually transmitted infections(STIs) or pregnancy that you expect.
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Why do Condoms Expire?
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 their effectiveness.
In addition, the chemicals in spermicide can break down, so using a condom that is past its 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 STIs regardless of whether they have expired.
Improper Storage
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.
Where to Find the 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.
Prior tousing any condom, check the packaging to ensure it is not damaged, opened, or expired. If it is, do not use it.
When purchasing condoms, it is always a good idea to check the expiration date, especially if you do not expect to use them all soon.
Can I Still Use an Expired Condom?
Using an expired condom is not recommended. An expired condom may not provide adequate protection against pregnancy or STIs.
However, if the only options are having sex with an expired condom or having unprotected sex, Planned Parenthood recommends using the expired condom.
The one exception is condoms with spermicide, given the skin irritation that can occur.
10 Ways to Prevent Condom Failure
How to Store Condoms
Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a drawer in your nightstand or dresser.
Storing condoms in the following places is not advised, as it can shorten their shelf life and decrease their effectiveness:
What to Do With Expired Condoms
While expired condoms should not be used for sexual intercourse, you don’t have to throw them out. Condoms can be handy for other things.
Protect Your Hands
While this may seem silly, it could prove useful in such a time of need. Condoms are far stronger than most people imagine, but, if needed for a tough job, you can double up and use two.
Some people will even use them to protect their hands when mixing paints or plaster for art projects or preparing raw beets, which can stain hands.
Why Never to Wear Two Condoms During Sex
Waterproof Your Belongings
Condoms are meant to provide a watertight barrier so that fluids cannot enter or leave.
With this in mind, in a pinch, you may find them useful for everyday situations like needing to protect your cell phone from moisture while on a camping or boating trip.
Condoms are extremely elastic and can easily contain something of that size. Just roll one over the item and tie a knot to seal it.
You can also use expired condoms to protect items that may leak (e.g., mouthwash or lotion) when packing for a trip.
Frequently Asked QuestionsThe shelf life of a condom varies from one to five years, depending on the material it is made from. Latex or polyurethane condoms last the longest, typically five years from the manufactured date. Condoms with spermicide or those made from polyisoprene expire in three years. Lambskin condoms degrade faster and are only good for one year.No, you should not use condoms after their expiration date. Expired condoms may not protect against pregnancy and STIs. However, Planned Parenthood advises that an expired condom is still better than having sexual contact without any condom.There is one exception. Condoms that contain spermicide should never be used after the expiration date. The chemicals in spermicide can start to break down over time, leading to skin irritation and a burning sensation in the delicate tissues of the vagina and penis.Possibly, depending on where you keep your wallet. Improper storage of condoms can cause them to degrade faster than the expiration date. A wallet kept in your back pocket is more exposed to heat and elements than a wallet kept in a purse.As a general rule, if the condom wrapper is damaged in any way, you should not use the condom.You should store condoms at room temperature away from heat and humidity. Condoms can be safely stored in a bedroom drawer. They should not be stored in the bathroom, in a car, or in a wallet kept in your pants pocket.
The shelf life of a condom varies from one to five years, depending on the material it is made from. Latex or polyurethane condoms last the longest, typically five years from the manufactured date. Condoms with spermicide or those made from polyisoprene expire in three years. Lambskin condoms degrade faster and are only good for one year.
No, you should not use condoms after their expiration date. Expired condoms may not protect against pregnancy and STIs. However, Planned Parenthood advises that an expired condom is still better than having sexual contact without any condom.There is one exception. Condoms that contain spermicide should never be used after the expiration date. The chemicals in spermicide can start to break down over time, leading to skin irritation and a burning sensation in the delicate tissues of the vagina and penis.
No, you should not use condoms after their expiration date. Expired condoms may not protect against pregnancy and STIs. However, Planned Parenthood advises that an expired condom is still better than having sexual contact without any condom.
There is one exception. Condoms that contain spermicide should never be used after the expiration date. The chemicals in spermicide can start to break down over time, leading to skin irritation and a burning sensation in the delicate tissues of the vagina and penis.
Possibly, depending on where you keep your wallet. Improper storage of condoms can cause them to degrade faster than the expiration date. A wallet kept in your back pocket is more exposed to heat and elements than a wallet kept in a purse.As a general rule, if the condom wrapper is damaged in any way, you should not use the condom.
Possibly, depending on where you keep your wallet. Improper storage of condoms can cause them to degrade faster than the expiration date. A wallet kept in your back pocket is more exposed to heat and elements than a wallet kept in a purse.
As a general rule, if the condom wrapper is damaged in any way, you should not use the condom.
You should store condoms at room temperature away from heat and humidity. Condoms can be safely stored in a bedroom drawer. They should not be stored in the bathroom, in a car, or in a wallet kept in your pants pocket.
2 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condom use: An overview.Planned Parenthood.What happens if you use an expired condom?
2 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condom use: An overview.Planned Parenthood.What happens if you use an expired condom?
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condom use: An overview.Planned Parenthood.What happens if you use an expired condom?
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Condom use: An overview.
Planned Parenthood.What happens if you use an expired condom?
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