Everything you need to know about when and how condoms expire
Do you still keep those “just in case” condoms you kept in your purse in high school? If you’re doing it for any reason other than nostalgia, it’s probably time to throw them out.
Yes, it turns out that condoms are a bit like fruit or meat, at least in one respect: they have an expiration date, and you probably don’t want to risk it.
Speaking of high school, if you didn’t sleep through Sex Ed., you probably already know that condoms, used correctly, are highly effective contraceptives, a key defense against unwanted pregnancy and equally unwanted STDs. But if you put in a condom that’s past its expiration date, you’re taking a big gamble.
RELATED: How to choose the best condoms
And while the expiration date is definitely something you should be aware of, it’s not only be careful when determining if your condom is good. Read on to learn some basics about condom quality and safety.
6 Basic Condom Safety Facts You Should Know
Let’s start with an obvious disclaimer: if you want to keep sex enjoyable, you probably want to consider all of the following long before the actual act. Yes, safe sex is important, but if you’re inspecting the condom, holding it up to the light, or filling it with water to test it, you’ll probably kill the vibe. Do your due diligence early and you’ll have more peace of mind in the bedroom.
Condom expiration dates
Every condom sold comes with an expiry date. If you ever find a condom package in the store and this It does not suit include an expiration date, you should consider that a major red flag and not buy it.
The expiration date should also be written on the box of condoms themselves (so you can tell when you buy them when they expire) and to each individual condom, as you can throw away the box and just stick to the individual condom wrappers.
How long do condoms last before they expire?
You may, however, notice that some condoms have much shorter expiration dates than others. Latex, polyisoprene and polyurethane condoms tend to last four to five years from the date of manufacture, while natural condoms (eg lambskin) have a much shorter life span.
Additionally, if a condom is advertised as containing spermicide, know that almost all spermicidal agents expire after three years, so even if the condom itself is good for longer, its spermicide is no longer active.
What happens if you use an expired condom?
Bad things! Seriously, don’t risk it. It defeats the purpose of using a condom in the first place (and you should definitely use a condom!), so practice some restraint, at least for the time it takes to buy new condoms.
What should I do with my expired condoms?
You can throw them in the trash without a problem, but don’t flush them down the toilet. this is a recipe for a terrible tsokama and an embarrassing conversation with a plumber.
Another big no-no: don’t use them in foreplay. Many people assume that you can safely use an expired condom in sex play, especially in solo play where there is no risk of pregnancy or STD infection between partners, but expired condoms are also much more likely to carry germs and bacteria.
Are unexpired condoms safe?
The due date is just a of many potential blocking problems a condom can have and just because your condom is within its expiry date does not automatically mean it is safe to use.
Because condoms are designed to be as thin as possible (and therefore as pleasurable), they are also very susceptible to damage from heat, friction and sun exposure, as well as microtears
What are the signs of an expired or broken condom?
An expired condom is likely to feel different than a regular condom. It will be stiffer, drier and less flexible and may even smell bad. However, just because you don’t notice any of these symptoms, if the condom in question is still past its expiration date, throw it out. Seriously guys, they’re so cheap to begin with, so why take the risk?
Cracked condoms can be a little harder to spot unless you’re willing to turn them upside down and fill them with water to see if they leak. However, you can generally spot tears or punctures if you look closely in a bright room.
How should I store my condoms?
If you want to maximize the life of your condoms and minimize the risk of tears or defects, stop storing condoms in your purse or pants pockets or, worst of all, in a cell phone case. You want to find a dry, dark place where they won’t get bumped or squashed. In your home, that probably means a desk or a nightstand drawer, or maybe a medicine cabinet. If you want to carry a condom on your person (why not be optimistic?), consider keeping it in a hard case (an empty sunglass case, for example) in a coat or jacket pocket.
The best way to feel confident about the condom you are using is to know where and when you bought it and exactly how it was stored. Put some effort into caring for your condoms. after all, they are made to take care of you.
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