Using expired condoms can be incredibly dangerous. Not only can it lead to unintended pregnancy or STIs, but it could also cause the condom to break.
The rate at which a condom expires is dependent on the material it’s made from, as well as whether or not it has chemical additives like spermicide that shorten its life span.
1. They’re no longer effective
When a condom expires, the lubricant can lose its effectiveness and the latex can dry out. This puts you at risk of both STIs and unintended pregnancy. While a condom that has expired is better than no condom at all, you’re far safer and more protected with a new one.
The longevity of a condom depends on a number of factors, including how it’s stored and what material it’s made of. Natural condoms like lambskin have a shorter lifespan than synthetic latex and polyurethane ones, as do any chemical additives like spermicide, which can shorten the life of a synthetic johnny by a few years. Condoms that are stored in extreme heat or sunlight also degrade faster than those kept in a cool, dark drawer.
Before using a condom for oral or penetrative sex, always check its expiration date and make sure there are no holes or rips in the packaging. A condom with minuscule tears or holes won’t create a secure barrier and can leave your partner vulnerable to infection and exposure to bacteria and viruses.
2. They’re unsafe
Expired condoms may have minuscule tears or holes that won’t show up until you’re about to use them. That makes them less effective at separating bodily fluids and increases your risk of unintended pregnancy and STIs.
Besides reducing their effectiveness, condoms that have passed their sell-by date can also become brittle and more likely to break or leak. The lubricant can wear off, leaving your partner with dry or itchy sex, increasing discomfort. And if the spermicide used to repel sperm loses its potency, it can increase the likelihood of STI transmission.
The lifespan of a condom varies depending on the material, but generally speaking, most latex condoms are good for five years, while polyurethane and lambskin condoms have a three-year shelf life. The expiration date should be printed on the individual condom wrapper or on the outer box.
If the condom feels sticky, dry or stiff when you open it, or has a funky smell, toss it and get a new one. Condoms are also more likely to break if they come into contact with sharp objects, like jewelry or piercings, or are creased or bent. That’s why it’s important to store them in a cool, dry place that’s not exposed to the sun or a hot shower. That way, they’ll be more likely to last longer and be as effective as possible.
3. They’re not worth the risk
A condom’s shelf life depends on how it’s stored. Keep it out of the sun, in a cool place and away from sharp objects. Stored properly, latex condoms can last up to five years, while polyurethane and polyisoprene condoms have a three-year lifespan. Additives like spermicide can shorten the lifespan of these types of condoms. Natural and lambskin condoms have the shortest shelf life, at one year.
While a condom that is expired may still be safe to use (if it was stored correctly), the chance of unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections is higher if you use one that’s passed its expiration date.
Even condoms that aren’t expired can be damaged or ruined by how you store them. Heat and sunlight can make them more brittle, which can cause them to break. They’re also prone to puncture and breakage if they’re left on something pointy, such as a car seat or bed frame.
So, while you may think that using an old condom is better than nothing if you’re pressed for time or have no access to another type of protection, don’t do it. Instead, splurge on a new pack of prophylactics to make sure you have fresh ones on hand before it’s too late. If you’re looking for a convenient way to purchase quality pre-packaged condoms online, click here.
4. They’re a waste of money
We all have a drawer in our home where we keep condoms that we use for protection against pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). And while you may think it’s easier to grab an expired one over a fresh one in a pinch, using an expired rubber is more risky than skipping birth control altogether.
Condoms have a shelf life, just like other medical products, and they’re influenced by the material they’re made from and how they’re stored. For example, natural latex and polyurethane condoms last up to five years, while lambskin/sheepskin condoms can only be used for one year.
The spermicide in an expired condom degrades and can lose its potency, which means it’s not as effective at protecting against STIs or unintended pregnancies. Plus, the lubricant degrades and can dry out over time, making it more difficult to slip on easily during oral or penetrative sex.
If you really don’t have any other options, an expired condom is better than nothing, especially if it’s been stored in a cool and dry place. But you should still make it a priority to buy and store your birth control properly so that it always has the highest chance of working when you need it.
