In case you didn't know condom expires after a certain period and beyond that, it loses its effectiveness. Expired condoms are weaker and drier, thus more likely to break during sex. This will put you and your partner at risk for unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Male condoms that haven’t expired yet are around 98% effective if you use them properly. And with time, the effectiveness of condoms decrease. The average shelf life of a condom varies from three to five years, depending on the manufacturer and how you store them.
So, why do condoms expire?
Just like other products, condoms also expire. A few factors that influence the expiry of condoms are:
Storage
"It is important to store condoms in a safe place, preferably not your bathroom - somewhere away from the heat and sharp objects."
Wear and tear from years spent inside your wallet, purse, the pocket can hamper the strength of your condoms.
Material
The kind of material you opt for makes a huge difference in how quickly they expire. Natural materials such as lambskin break down faster when compared to synthetic material like polyurethane and latex.
Additives
Chemical additives such as spermicide have the capability to shorten a condom’s life span. However, it’s still unclear whether lube or added flavour affect the effectiveness of the condom or not. Although, if you see signs of an unusual odour, it’s time to toss them and get a new one.
Where to look for the expiration date?
You can find the expiry date of the condom placed on both the outer box and also on the individual wrapper. Prior to using it, make it a point to check the packaging to make sure that the condom is not damaged/opened or expired. In case it is, then do not use it.
Things you can do to ensure that condoms remain effective
The perfect place to store your Manforce condoms is in a cool, dry place at home, far away from sharp objects, direct sunlight, and chemicals. Moreover, try not to keep condoms inside your wallet or purse for more than a few weeks as constant shuffling and other fiction can result in wear and tear and hence, make it less effective.
Extreme heat, around 104°F (40°C) can make the latex weak or sticky. So as a thumb rule avoid storing condoms in places where temperature can easily fluctuate. This includes near a window, furnace, and your car.
Bottom line
The best practice would be to keep latex condoms in a cool place, store them properly, and get rid of expired ones. This will save you a lot of time and worry.
