How long is the shelf life of a condom usually?
Mar 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Yang Ziqi
Introduction
The shelf life of condoms is 3 to 5 years, but the specific duration may vary depending on factors such as added ingredients, manufacturer, and storage conditions. Regular condoms generally have a shelf life of around 5 years, while medicated condoms typically have a shelf life of about 3 years. It is recommended to carefully check the expiration date and packaging condition of the condom before use, in order to ensure its effectiveness and safety.
Generally, the shelf life of condoms is 3 to 5 years, but the exact duration may vary depending on factors such as added ingredients, manufacturer, and storage conditions. Regular condoms typically have a shelf life of about 5 years, while medicated condoms usually have a shelf life of approximately 3 years. Detailed explanations are as follows:
Regular condoms, made from materials such as latex or polyurethane, typically have a shelf life of around 5 years. This refers to the period during which the condom can maintain its original physical properties and chemical stability under normal storage conditions, thereby ensuring contraceptive effectiveness.
Medicated condoms, which contain added pharmaceutical ingredients such as nonoxynol-9 spermicide or agents that delay sexual arousal, generally have a shorter shelf life, usually about 3 years. This is because the active drug components may degrade over time, potentially affecting the contraceptive effectiveness of the condom.
It is recommended to carefully check the expiration date and packaging condition of the condom before use to ensure its contraceptive effectiveness and safety.
