The condom is one of the most widely used contraceptive methods because it is 98% effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy and, furthermore, it is the only contraceptive that reduces the risk of contracting a sexually transmitted disease.
However, for this method to be as effective as possible it is important to use it correctly, so it is essential to know when condoms expire or how to put a condom on properly, among other things.
In the following article we will clear up some doubts about condoms, such as what their expiration date is or what happens when using expired condoms. Read on and find out for yourself the answers.
Do condoms have an expiration date?
If you use them as a prevention method, it is normal for you to wonder if condoms expire. The answer is yes.
The condom is a contraceptive that reduces the probability of contracting an STD, as well as being very effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy. However, like any other product, condoms have an expiration date. If the expiration period of the condoms has already passed, then it will be essential that you do not use them and throw them away.
Since they are manufactured, Durex condoms have an expiration date of 5 years minus 1 month. That is, in this case, the condoms would expire 59 months after their manufacture.
All the ranges have the same expiration date except the Real Feel range, which has a shorter expiration date, specifically 3 years minus 1 month, that is, 35 months, because it is a product that is not made with latex but with polyisoprene.
Risks of using expired condoms
Now that you know when condoms expire, you may be wondering what happens if you use an expired condom. Is there any risk?
The problem with using expired condoms is that the materials gradually lose their effectiveness, so when we use this contraceptive in these conditions we run the risk of it breaking. If so, we will be exposed to both contracting a sexually transmitted disease and an unwanted pregnancy.
Both latex and polyisoprene are materials that, once their expiration date has passed, could lose quality, which can cause the friction that occurs during sex to create tiny tears without you even noticing.
If you use a condom to prevent an unwanted pregnancy or the spread of a sexually transmitted infection, the risk of using an expired condom is very high.
These habits alter the effectiveness of condoms
In addition to checking the expiration date of condoms before using them, it is advisable to avoid the following habits, since they alter the effectiveness of this contraceptive method:
Put condoms in your purse or car
These places can be too hot, so both the wrapper and the condom itself could be damaged. In addition, in the wallet the condom can be too tight continuously and break even inside the wrapper.
Always try to store them somewhere at room temperature or in a cool, dark, and dry place, like your bedroom nightstand or closet drawer.
Using a condom without lubrication
Lack of lubrication can also increase the risk that the condom will break due to the continuous friction that this product undergoes during intercourse.
If you do not lubricate abundantly or if you want to have anal sex, it is recommended that you use water-based or silicone-based lubricant products or buy lubricated condoms directly.
Using two condoms at the same time
Many people think that this practice can increase the effectiveness of this contraceptive and provide more protection. However, the only thing that can happen if you use two condoms instead of one is that they end up breaking due to the friction between one and the other.
Putting on a condom incorrectly
As much as the method is very effective, if you don’t know how to use it properly and you place it wrong, then there will be no use using it. Therefore, it is important that you know how to put on a condom correctly.
Not choosing the right condom size
Choosing the wrong size can increase both friction and stress on the penis, which can eventually cause the condom to break.
