Most condoms have expiration dates printed on the packaging. Avoid using a condom after it has passed the expiration date because it will start to break down and become much less effective at preventing STDs and pregnancy.
Expired condoms are often drier and weaker, so they’re more likely to break during intercourse. This puts you and your partner at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unwanted pregnancy.
Do Condoms Expire?
7 Things to Know Before Use
Medically reviewed by Janet Brito, PhD, LCSW, CST, specialty in sex therapy, on May 1, 2018 — Written by Claire Gillespie and Kimberly Holland
Why do they expire?
Type of condom
Why does storage matter?
Where to find the date
Are expired condoms safe?
Expired condom vs. no condom
Tips for storage
Takeaway
Expiration and effectiveness
Condoms do expire and using one that’s past its expiry date can greatly reduce its effectiveness.
Expired condoms are often drier and weaker, so they’re more likely to break during intercourse. This puts you and your partner at risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unwanted pregnancy.
Male condoms that haven’t expired are about 98 percent effective if you use them perfectly every time you have sex. No one is perfect, though, so male condoms that haven’t expired are actually about 85 percent effective.
These figures will drop drastically if the condom’s expired.
The average shelf life of a condom is three to five years, depending on the manufacturer and how it’s stored. Read on to learn more about why they expire, how to determine whether a condom is safe to use, how to store them properly, and more.
Why do condoms expire?
Condoms expire just like many other medical products. Certain factors, however, influence why and how quickly they expire.
Storage
Wear and tear from years spent in a pocket, purse, wallet, or glove box can work at a condom’s strength. That’s why it’s important to keep condoms stored in a safe place — preferably not your bathroom — away from heat, humidity, and any sharp objects.
Materials
The type of material you prefer makes a difference in how quickly they expire, too. Natural materials like lambskin break down faster than synthetic materials like latex and polyurethane.
Additives
Chemical additives like spermicide can shorten a condom’s life span by several years. Spermicide takes up to two years off the usage span for latex and polyurethane condoms.
It’s unclear whether lube or added flavorings affect expiration, so use caution. If you see any signs of wear and tear or notice an unusual odor, toss the condom and get a new one.
Does the type of condom matter?
Even if a condom is stored perfectly, its rate of expiration is still influenced by the material it’s made from and whether it’s been manufactured with any additives that shorten its life span.
Latex and polyurethane
Natural latex and polyurethane condoms have the longest shelf lives. They can last up to five years, and they’re more resilient than some other condoms in the face of wear and tear.
These condoms have a slightly shorter shelf life — just three years — when packaged with spermicide. Although spermicide is a great tool against unwanted pregnancy, it causes latex and polyurethane to degrader faster.
Polyisoprene
Polyisoprene condoms are just behind latex condoms. Condoms made with this type of artificial rubber can last up to three years with proper storage. Additives like spermicide can also shorten this condom’s lifespan.
Natural and non-latex
Non-latex, natural condoms — such as lambskin or sheepskin — have the shortest shelf life. They only last one year from the date they’re manufactured. It’s unclear whether spermicide or other additives have an effect on expiration. It’s also important to note that these condoms don’t protect against STIs.
Does storage affect expiration?
Storing condoms in a warm, moist place may affect their performance.
Although many people think they’re being sensible if they carry a condom in their wallet or purse at all times, this isn’t great from a storage point of view.
A condom that gets too warm can dry out, making it difficult to use and possibly inefficient. Instead of your wallet, use a condom case.
You shouldn’t use it if:
the wrapper is torn, discolored, or leaking lubricant.
- it has tiny holes or tears
- it’s dry, stiff, or sticky
- it has a foul odor
A condom’s expiration date can usually be found on both the box and the individual foil wrapper. It usually reads something like 2022-10. In this example, the condom should protect against STIs or pregnancy through October 2022.
Most packaging includes a second date of when it was manufactured. Although you can use this date to help establish a condom’s shelf life, you should always default to the expiration date.
It’s a good idea to inspect condoms when you first purchase them and reinspect them occasionally if they’re stored for more than six months.
