How to Tell if a Condom Is Expired & If Yours is Still Good

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Plus, how to store condoms so they last as long as possible
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Maybe it’s been a while since you’ve used one, or perhaps you just had a random thought, but do condoms really expire? The short answer: yes, they absolutely do. Like your favorite foods, condoms have an expiration date, and this expiration should be taken seriously. Find out why and when condoms expire below.

How do you know if a condom has expired?

A condom has expired if the expiration date on the packaging has passed. Despite the expiration date, a condom has likely “gone bad” if it’s dry, stiff, or sticky, has a foul odor, or the wrapper is torn or discolored.

Section 1 of 5:

Do condoms expire?

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  1. Yes, condoms expire. Each condom has an expiration date labeled on its packaging (similarly to “best by” dates on food). If the condom isn’t used by that date, it’s expired or “gone bad” and shouldn’t be used. Condoms that have expired begin to break down and won’t work as well to prevent sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) or pregnancy. [1]
    • The average condom has a 3 to 5 year shelf life , but this all depends on how it’s stored. Even if the expiration date is good, avoid using condoms that are dry, torn, or stiff. [2]
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Section 2 of 5:

Why do condoms expire?

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  1. Condoms expire because the materials they’re made of start to break down. Expired condoms are weaker and drier than non-expired condoms. This is because the ingredients of condoms—latex, polyurethane, lambskin—break down over time and become fragile and less flexible, which is why it’s important to use them before their expiration dates. [3]
    • Know that certain types of condoms expire faster than others. Natural latex and polyurethane condoms have the longest shelf life, while non-latex and natural condoms (lambskin and sheepskin) have the shortest shelf life.
Section 3 of 5:

How to Tell If Condoms Are Expired

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  1. 1
    Check the expiration date. A condom’s expiration date is clearly labeled on the condom’s box and individual wrapper (this expiration date looks like a food product’s “best by” label). For example, if the expiration date is 2027-11, the condom is good to use until November 2027. [4]
  2. 2
    Avoid using a condom if it’s dry, stiff, sticky, or discolored. Always inspect a condom before using it . Even if the expiration date is good, a condom should not be used if: [5]
    • the condom is dry, stiff, or sticky.
    • the condom has a bad odor.
    • the wrapper is torn or discolored.
    • the wrapper or condom has tiny holes or tears.
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Section 4 of 5:

Is using an expired condom safe?

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  1. Using an expired condom isn’t recommended. Using an expired condom puts you and your partner at risk of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) and pregnancy, as expired condoms aren’t as effective. While there’s no immediate health risk of using an expired condom, it’s unwise to do so. [6]
    • Using an expired condom is safer than using no condom at all; however, it offers less protection than a non-expired condom.
    • Always check the expiration date and the overall appearance of your condom before usage, just to be safe. [7]
Section 5 of 5:

Condom Safety Tips

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  1. 1
    Store condoms in a dry, cool place away from sharp objects. How a condom is stored can affect how quickly it expires or deteriorates. Help ensure your condoms last until their expiration date by storing them away from sharp objects in a cool, dry place. The wear and tear of leaving condoms in a purse, wallet, or glove box can pay its toll over time. [8]
    • A good place to store condoms is a bedside drawer. [9]
    • Most condoms melt at 104 °F (40 °C), so avoid storing condoms in your car or other places with extreme heat or varied temperatures.
  2. 2
    Avoid keeping condoms in your pocket, wallet, or purse. Surprisingly, these are the last places you should store a condom. Condoms can easily get punctured or torn when sliding and moving them around in a pocket, wallet, or purse. [10]
    • Instead, store condoms in their own bag or container to avoid friction and wear and tear.
  3. 3
    Check condom expiration dates regularly. Stay on top of your game by checking your condom supply’s expiration date regularly and replacing as needed. This way, you won’t find yourself in a situation without a good-to-use condom.
    • Mark the expiration date on your calendar, or schedule an email to send on that day, to remind you to grab a new pack.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.nationalcoalitionforsexualhealth.org/media-center/ncsh-in-the-news/what-happens-if-you-use-an-expired-condom/
      2. ↑ https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hiv/partners/storage.pdf
      3. ↑ https://www.nationalcoalitionforsexualhealth.org/media-center/ncsh-in-the-news/what-happens-if-you-use-an-expired-condom/
      4. ↑ https://www.nationalcoalitionforsexualhealth.org/media-center/ncsh-in-the-news/what-happens-if-you-use-an-expired-condom/
      5. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/condom-tore.html
      6. ↑ https://www.nationalcoalitionforsexualhealth.org/media-center/ncsh-in-the-news/what-happens-if-you-use-an-expired-condom/
      7. ↑ https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hiv/partners/storage.pdf
      8. ↑ https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hiv/partners/storage.pdf
      9. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/storing-condoms.html
      1. ↑ https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/storing-condoms.html

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