When do condoms usually expire

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. 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. Using an expired condom is not recommended. An expired condom may not provide adequate protection against pregnancy or STDs. 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: condoms with spermicide, given the skin irritation that can occur. Condoms should be stored in a cool, dry place, such as a drawer in your nightstand or dresser. Storing condoms in these places is not advised, as it can shorten their shelf life and decrease their effectiveness:. 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. One of the best uses of an expired condom is to make sex toy play safer. If you share sex toys with a partner, such as a dildo or a vibrator, you should never pass them from one person to the next without first ensuring the toy is sanitized and free of possible contagions, including fecal matter.

One way to do so is to "glove up" your toys in the same way you would a penis. The expiration date doesn't matter nearly as much when used in this fashion since there is no significant downside to a breakage other than having to clean the toy sooner and more thoroughly. Swapping out a condom is far easier than having to stop and sanitize a toy that you want to share in the heat of the moment.

One easy way you can check is by pressing down on the wrapper; if you feel an air cushion, it means it hasn't been damaged. And if you don't see an expiration date on the packaging, or if it's illegible, follow the adage, "When in doubt, toss it out," Arrindell says.

Lets say you don't have any other condoms in your house, and you go for the expired one anyway. If the expired condom was stored in a cool, dry place, it may work better than nothing, she says. That said, if you can get new condoms, that's your best bet, Arrindell says. Discovering a condom past its prime might be one small roadblock in your hookup, but there are so many other pleasurable sexual activities that don't involve penetrative intercourse or oral sex, like touching or mutual masturbation, Arrindell says.

And hey, if you go on another date with this person, you'll be sure to be, you know, covered. But condom expiration is a very real thing, use a condom that is out of date, 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 in date!

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. If a condom has expired, it may be at greater risk of splitting, tearing, or puncturing during sex.

Essentially, the more resilient the material used in the production of the condom, the longer it will last. Aside from the material, how long a condom will last is also contingent on proper storage as even direct sunlight can have an effect on the condom.

It is therefore important to keep your condoms stored in a dry place, and you should only open the individual condom packs before you use them and no sooner. According to Dr Elizabeth Bosky form verywellhealth , condoms are given an expiry date based on the time when they were produced, quality tested and packaged. Most condoms have a shelf life of anything between 1 to 5 years, however, how long a condom lasts really depends on the material the condom is made from. Latex condoms, for example, can have a shelf life of up to 5 years, again dependent on the safe storage of the condom.

Comparatively, non-latex condoms made of polyisoprene a type of artificial rubber usually only have a shelf life of up to 3 years. Another factor that can affect the expiry date of the condom is whether the condom contains spermicide or other chemicals. Chemicals such as spermicide can damage the integrity of the condom, significantly reducing its lifespan.

Regardless of what the condom is made from, all individual condoms packets should have an expiry date on, so all you need to worry about is checking this date before use. If the condom is in date, go ahead and use it.