You’ve probably heard this a million times, but once more won’t hurt! Condoms do expire. Though condoms are a cheap and super effective barrier method of birth control - not to mention the only method of birth control that offers protection against STDs- they still require more attention than simply rolling them on.
Think about it this way…
Would you eat expired food? Just like food expires, condoms expire too. Just like food, condoms aren’t great after the expiration date. Remember, condoms are effective at preventing unwanted pregnancies and at preventing you from giving or getting STDs. Like all other forms of birth control, if you’re going to use them, you need to know how to use them properly so that they work most effectively for you and your partner.
Here are some tips on how to use condoms most effectively:
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place and away from any direct sunlight. For example, you can store them in a bedside drawer or desk, or a small compartment within your purse or backpack. DO NOT store them in a car’s glove compartment, as they are more directly heated by and exposed to the sun. Your back pocket jeans or wallet are not a good place either.
- Check the expiration date on the condom package. They’re usually labeled as the number of the month, followed by a hyphen, and then the expiration year. For example, the expiration date on the package can say: 07-2018 – meaning July 2018.
- After checking the expiration date, but before opening the package, squeeze the package to make sure there is still air in it (aka: the pillow test). If any air escapes, there might be a hole on the wrapper, indicating a possible hole in the condom itself.
- If the wrapper passed the test, carefully tear the condom wrapper to take the condom out. DO NOT use scissors, teeth, or long fingernails to tear the wrapper open, as this could easily damage the condom.
- If the condom appears discolored (dark yellow, non-transparent), dry to the touch, or simply has holes on it, it is most likely very old and/or damaged. THROW IT AWAY & GRAB ANOTHER ONE.
And just like that, you are ready to use a condom effectively!
Still not sure about the safety of condoms?
The Food & Drug Administration (FDA) has rigorous guidelines for condom manufacturing companies, and every packaged condom must undergo quality control tests during the manufacturing process in order to meet worldwide requirements. They must pass water and air inflation tests and electronic testing to check for microscopic holes.
Interested in getting FREE condoms online?
Check out the CAP program – a free condom distribution project available to California youth, ages 12-19.