In general, most latex and polyurethane condoms will have an expiration date of about five years past the manufacture date, says Deborah Arrindell, vice president of health policy for the American Sexual Health Association.
The shelf life of a condom varies from one to five years, depending on the material it is made from. Latex or polyurethane condoms last the longest, typically five years from the manufactured date. Condoms with spermicide or those made from polyisoprene expire in three years.
Most all condoms have a 5 year expiration date from the time of manufacture but condoms that contain spermicide will only have a 3 year expiration date.
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.
Be sure to check the expiration date before you buy condoms. Condoms have very different lifespans, depending on the material they're made of and whether they have proper storage (Mahdy, 2020; National Coalition, 2021; FDA, 2020): Latex condoms last for up to five years. Polyurethane condoms last for up to five years.
In general, most latex and polyurethane condoms will have an expiration date of about five years past the manufacture date, says Deborah Arrindell, vice president of health policy for the American Sexual Health Association.
It's not a good idea to use an expired condom because expired condoms are more likely to break, which can result in pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections.
"[Condom] materials degrade and deteriorate over time, making the condom less strong and less flexible," Deborah Arrindell, vice president of health policy at the American Sexual Health Association, told INSIDER. "Think of an old rubber band and how dry and brittle it becomes.
Condoms are not reusable. Roll on a new condom every time you have vaginal, oral, or anal sex. You should also use a new condom if you switch from one kind of sex to another (like anal to vaginal).
You can buy condoms at any age. Condoms are available in drugstores, Planned Parenthood health centers, other community health centers, some supermarkets, and from vending machines.
It's important to avoid using expired condoms to protect yourself, as expired condoms are more likely than non-expired ones to break during intercourse due to changes in their materials over time.
5 Keep in mind that non-latex SKYN condoms have a shelf life of about three years for those with spermicide and five years for those without spermicide.
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.
The condoms used in Ancient Rome were made of linen and animal (sheep and goat) intestine or bladder. It is possible that they used muscle tissue from dead combatants but no hard evidence for this exists. The archaic Djukas[1] tribe that inhabited New Guinea developed its own idea of the condom.
Condom manufacturers must purchase premium materials. Condoms must reach the required standards and be put through several tests before retailers can sell them, which drives up the cost of manufacturing. Condoms may come in various forms, and a condom will cost more if they contain additional materials.
SKYN® condoms are made with SKYNFEEL®, a technologically advanced polyisoprene material that's completely free from natural rubber latex. They are lubricated with non-spermicidal silicone oil SK-70 (dimethicone).
Heat, sun, oils, and chemicals all can weaken condoms, making them more susceptible to breakage. Keep condoms away from heat and light, which can dry them out. And, don't use oils or lotions with a condom, only water-based lubricants.
Three is probably the smallest size that is economical to sell. Condoms can tear during use. They also have an expiration date because they become more prone to tearing as they age.
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.)
Condoms are very durable, but they can be damaged by extreme heat, extreme cold, and sharp objects.
When used and applied correctly during sex, male condoms have been found to be 98% effective. Condoms should only be used once and then disposed of appropriately.