Using Expired Condoms Can Cause These Problems

Condoms are widely used for contraption and to prevent sexually transmitted diseases.  Indeed, by using condoms you can be worry-free about unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases and enjoy sex to the utmost. However, a cheap condom or expired ones can ruin your joyous and may land you to serious problems. So, let’s discuss expired condom’s effectiveness, how safe it is to use, and how to know a particular condom is expired or not.

Are expired condoms effective?

Once the condoms are expired, their effectiveness to prevent sexually transmitted disease or unwanted birth reduces to a great extent. Expired condoms become dry and weak, so there is a risk of breaking them during intercourse. And if it happens, it can increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections between you and your partner and also increase the risk of pregnancy.

Condoms that are not expired are up to 98 percent effective if used properly, but if a condom has expired or it’s an old one, it is very less effective or its effectiveness becomes almost negligible. There are various brand’s condoms available in the market. Though a condom’s age also depends on the brand, a condom usually has a lifespan of 3 to 5 years. Apart from this, how the condom is kept also matters for its expiry.

How to know the condom has expired?

Condoms have expiry dates written in their pocket. So, before purchasing them, you must take a look at their expiry date. Sometimes condoms get spoiled even before the expiry date, like if you don’t put it in the right place, you may feel dry or sticky during use. Condoms should be kept in a cool and dry place. Keeping it in a pants pocket or purse for a long time is not advisable.

Is it safe to use expired condoms?

Even if a condom is expired, it is safe to use if kept in the right place. Along with this, before using it, you must check it for any holes or torn. Torn or dry condoms are not safe to use. But, if you do not have a condom at all, you can use an old and expired condom. But keep in mind that in case you are having problems using an expired condom, remove it immediately. Also, keep in mind that an expired condom can break during use, so it is better to use it accordingly.

What if an expired condom breaks during intercourse?

If an expired condom breaks during intercourse, you should remove the condom immediately and check how worse it is torn. According to experts, if an expired condom breaks during use, it is better to get tested for sexually transmitted infection within 3 to 6 weeks. Get the test done again after 3 months. Aside from this, if the expired condom breaks during sex, the female partner must take the contraceptive pill.