As a general rule, male latex condoms should be kept away from extreme temperatures (above 40°C or 104°F) and away from moisture and humidity. Even ozone, emitted from fluorescent (ultraviolet) lighting can destroy condoms within just a few hours.
Condoms in summer
You should also not store condoms permanently in direct sunlight. A short-term storage over 3-4 days in extreme heat of up to 40°C, for example, during transport by mail, in your car, or even in a packing station is possible without any problems.
Condoms are best kept in cool, dry spaces away from direct sunlight and sharp objects. Your best bet is to store them at or below room temperature.
NEVER store condoms in the cubbyhole or boot of your car, where they can easily overheat and get damaged. Other no-nos include back pockets (where they'll constantly be sat on and worn down), your wallet, and/or any other place where they can be damaged by corrosion or temperature (either too hot or too cold).
The best bet is a space that is at or below room temperature, but condoms should absolutely not be stored anywhere warmer than 100 degrees or cooler than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Condoms should also be kept out of direct sunlight.
It's OK to carry condoms in a front pocket for a few hours, but try not to put condoms in a back pocket where they'll get bent or sat on. And don't carry condoms in the same pocket as keys or other things that could tear the wrapper.
So what's the best way to carry condoms? Start by keeping a supply at home in a bedside drawer or somewhere they won't be affected by temperature changes and humidity. Then, before you go out, put a few in your purse or jacket pocket. (You can put any unopened condoms back with your supply after you get home.)
If you feel like you absolutely can't go into a store and buy condoms for yourself, ask someone you trust for help. You can also visit a Planned Parenthood health center or other community health center for condoms and advice about birth control and STDs.
Avoid storing your condoms in your vehicle.
The temperature inside your vehicle is unstable, so the condoms could get damaged. Even if the weather outside is nice, keep in mind that your car can reach more extreme temperatures than outdoors.
The typical condom should ideally be kept for less than an hour in your wallet, pocket, or purse. Condoms that are constantly moved or rubbed against each other can cause wear and tear, making them less effective. Extreme heat (around 104°F/40°C) can cause latex to become weak and sticky.
Among sociodemographic characteristics, individuals of younger age, non‐white ethnicity, non‐Christian religion, or single status had a higher prevalence of reporting condom use at last sex.
An Altoids tin, toiletries bag, an unused jewelry box, or a coin purse are all good places to hide condoms. One downside to this method is that if someone wants a mint or some change, they may find the condoms. It might be a good idea to keep the container in a discreet place as well.
No, you should never use more than one condom at a time. Using two condoms actually offers less protection than using just one. Why? Using two condoms can cause friction between them, weakening the material and increasing the chance that the condoms might break.
If one or both of you test positive for an STI you may both need treatment before you think about stopping using condoms. If one of you has a viral STI, such as herpes or HIV, it will be safer to continue using condoms. If you have been using condoms to prevent pregnancy, you'll need to switch to an alternative method.
Heat weakens a condom, making it prone to failure, which in turn exposes the wearer and their partner to STDs and pregnancies.
Condoms can be affected by temperature, humidity, and direct sunlight, even through their packaging. This means that condoms shouldn't be kept in places like: Hot, steamy bathrooms. Sunny windowsills.
A condom wrapper is usually made of foil or plastic, and it's the layer of protection that separates the condom from potential contaminants. The airtight sealed construction ensures your condom remains sterile until you are ready to use it.
There is no age restriction on buying condoms. You are legally allowed to buy condoms at any age as you do not need to have parental consent or a doctor's prescription. If you are feeling shy or concerned about other people looking at you, you can always order them online.
It's understandable why people think free condoms are less reliable. Usually we tend to think free = crappy, and expensive = quality, right? Not in this case. Condoms are tested and FDA approved, whether you buy them or get them for free — they're all effective and safe, as long as you use them correctly.
There are no restrictions on the type or quantity of condoms you can bring in your carry-on or checked luggage. However, as with all other items, they may need to be screened by security.
Condoms generally come in three sizes: snug, standard, and large. Snug and large condoms are often labelled clearly, while standard condoms often don't mention sizing at all.
Reusing condoms after one use by washing them renders them ineffective the experts say. The CDC tweeted in July, “We say it because people do it: Don't wash or reuse #condoms! Use a fresh one for each #sex act”.
1 condom at a time
Never use 2 condoms together, whether that's 2 male condoms or a female and a male condom. They'll rub against each other, and this friction can weaken them and make them more likely to break or fail.
You only need to wear one condom at a time. Wearing two doesn't add extra protection, just extra hassle. That said, it's a good idea to have more than one condom on hand so that if one breaks or comes off during sex, you have another one to put on.