Undercover Condoms – The Blog.

We can all agree that condoms are one of- if not THE- most important product in sexual health.  From preventing pregnancy to communicable sexual disease, condoms are essential to anyone sexually active. Latex will get stiff and brittle as it ages and dries out, making it more likely to crack, or tear when used. This is why there is an expiration date printed on each condom wrapper, and why you should always throw a condom out once it is past- or perhaps even near- its expiration date. It’s also why you need to be careful how you store them. Here are some tips to keeping your stash of condoms fresh and safe at all times.

1. Condom in the wallet: Bad Idea.  Latex is a product that can easily break down when exposed to heat- so that constant close contact to your body is likely to weaken the integrity of the condom.  Not to mention the bending, shaping and potential for puncture that comes with the day-to-day wear and tear on your wallet.  If you must store a condom in your wallet, it should be replaced after the first day if unused.  It’s always better to be safe than sorry.

2.  Condom in the Glove Box: Bad Idea.  Depending on what region you reside in, you car can be exposed to any number of temperature changes in a day, let alone month-to-month.

3. So, should we be keeping our condoms in the refrigerator then? No!  Latex condoms are made to be stored at room temperature (68 to 77°F).  Your nightstand or bathroom drawers are perfectly safe places to store your condoms.

One last reminder:  Take a minute to check over the expiration dates on your condoms now.  If it’s dark, or your partner is in a hurry to hit the sheets, its unlikely you’ll take the time to make sure your condom is within expiration and in good condition.  If you believe your condom is past or perhaps even near the expiration date, you should consider another or delaying your sexual activity until a more suitable replacement can be made.