Expired condom risks: Condoms are a reliable way to prevent pregnancy and protect against STIs, but they don’t last forever. If you find one that’s been in a drawer for years and the date has passed, should you use it?
Do condoms expire?
Like food or medicine, condoms have a shelf life. Most are good for about 3–5 years from the manufacturing date, while condoms with spermicide typically expire sooner, around 2 years. Always check the expiry on the foil or box. That date isn’t a suggestion; it’s the window during which the manufacturer guarantees the condom’s strength, flexibility, and effectiveness. After it expires, the material can dry out, weaken, or tear, raising the risk of failure.
Also Read | How to use a condom correctly and common mistakes to avoid
What happens to condoms after they expire?
Over time, the material breaks down. Latex can turn dry, weak, and brittle, making tears more likely during sex. Elasticity also fades, so the condom may not fit or stay put and can slip off. Lubrication can dry out, increasing friction and with it, the risk of breakage.
What are the risks of using an expired condom?
If a condom breaks or slips, sperm can enter the vagina, raising the chance of an unplanned pregnancy. Condoms also help block STIs, including HIV, but a damaged or torn condom can’t provide reliable protection. Degraded material and dried lubricant can irritate skin and create tiny abrasions, making STI transmission easier.
How to store condoms so they last?
Even before they expire, bad storage can ruin condoms. Keep them:
- In a cool, dry place away from sunlight and humidity.
- Out of wallets, cars, or tight pockets where heat and friction can weaken them.
- Away from sharp objects like keys, pins, or scissors that can puncture the foil.
Check the expiry date and package condition before use. If the wrapper is torn, sticky, or dried out, don’t use it.
| Situation | What happens | Risk level |
| Fresh condom | Strong, flexible, safe protection | Very Low |
| Recently expired condom | Looks okay, but weaker material | Moderate |
| Condom expired years ago | Brittle, breaks easily, unsafe | Very High |
| Improper storage of a condom | Damages even before expiry | Moderate to very high |
Can you spot an expired condom just by looking?
Not always. Some look normal even when they’re past date. Warning signs include:
- A dry, sticky, or brittle feel
- Yellowing, discoloration, or a powdery film
- An unusual or strong odour
- A torn, warped, or compromised wrapper
What to do if you used an expired condom?
If you used an expired condom, consider emergency contraception to reduce pregnancy risk. Arrange STI testing, especially if your partner’s status is unknown, and watch for skin irritation such as redness, burning, or itching.
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Expired condoms raise the risk of pregnancy, STIs, and irritation because the material may fail; even if one looks fine, it isn’t reliable after the expiry date. The fix is simple: check the date before you use it and replace any that are out of date or poorly stored.