The shelf life of condoms: Can I use the past due storage conditions

Condoms are the easiest, rather effective method of contraception and protection from diseases that are transmitted sexually exclusively. Not everyone knows that there is a certain shelf life of condoms, after which using a protective function is lost, leading to undesirable consequences.

Where specified term storage of condoms

On the packaging of the product Set the month and year to which the use of a condom is safe for the health and effective method of protection. This is a sign of quality goods, because the manufacturer, thus taking care of the consumer of their products. But in some cases, the information on the packaging available. This usually happens with cheap or defective contraceptives. Unknown time that a condom was on the counter as he walked from the implementer to the seller, so in this case it is better to find another contraceptive with a specified expiry date. Part of the producers on the individual package, which entered into the condom to indicate the month and year to which it is possible to use the product.

What is the shelf life of condoms in

The storage time without loss of properties due to quality characteristics of the product (provided that all the rules of the content of this item are met). Manufacturer of the goods is also important. For example, contraceptives, produced in India, China, have a short period of use, equal to 2-3 years. But even the most high-quality condoms, which have long been proven, the shelf life is not more than 5 years (Durex, Contex). Now in stores, pharmacies represented a fairly large range of products for contraception, different price, so you can make a choice based on their wishes. Indian, Chinese contraceptives attract buyers of its low cost and the quality of the contraceptive is highly questionable. Still need to remember that this remedy can only be used once, after which it must be disposed of. It should not be purchased in a pharmacy or store once a large number of barrier contraceptives - they can be stored for a long time on the counter, so the time of realization of the goods quickly come to an end.

the shelf life of condoms Durex

Durex brand condom use is permitted for 5 years starting from the date of production, then the shelf life is over, and the product is recommended to be discarded. Latex eventually loses its former elasticity and strength, which leads to a lack of security features, especially if you do not comply with the required contraceptive retention rules.

the shelf life of condoms Contex

Contex condoms are considered a fairly popular brand in the contraceptives market. The shelf life of 4-5 years depending on the characteristics of the type produced.

The shelf life of condoms Sontex Slassic

Konteks shelf life of up to 5 years. After his graduation it is better not to use the product.

The shelf life of condoms Contex Light

This kind of less durable, they can not be stored for more than 4 years. The wall thickness have less average, so the material is exposed to a rapid degradation and loss of elasticity.

Signs of spoiled product

If the goods purchased in accordance with the date of manufacture, it still will not be superfluous to ensure its suitability for use. The fact that the condom should not be used as a protective agent, will say:

• outgoing from it an unpleasant, pungent odor;
• poor elastic properties of the material;
• no individual package integrity;
• lack of or an insufficient amount of lubricant, which affects the feeling at the time of intercourse, for strength of the product.

In the case of at least one of the above symptoms condom considered past due, it must be replaced by another. Protective properties in such a case can be significantly reduced, which leads to unpleasant sensations during sex, increases the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases.

Can I use expired condoms

Use condoms, use the date of which came to an end, do not. It is important to keep even despite the fact that apparently they can not give signs of corruption.

Tip! Buy contraception and protection is better in the pharmacy. Kiosks higher risk to stumble on low-quality product, which has long shelf life came to an end.

What happens if you use an expired condom

If the period of use of the contraceptive is ended, it does not perform its function in the right amount. There is a probability of occurrence of the following conditions:

1. It increases the risk of contracting infections transmitted during sexual intercourse (HIV, gonorrhea, syphilis, and others).
2. It increases the risk of unwanted pregnancy.
3. The material loses its properties. External genitals may respond to an allergic reaction in the form of redness, itching, burning or rashes.
4. Grease from condoms over the shelf life dries up, and the elasticity of the material is reduced. There is a great risk of irritation and the appearance of micro traumas of the genitals.
5. It may sometimes be a violation of the normal microflora of the genital organs.

Storage conditions of condoms

There are general rules that will help extend the life of this means of contraception:

1. Storage condom is recommended to carry out at room temperature. Too high and low temperatures are not suitable for contraceptive. Optimum temperature ranges from 0 to 35 degrees.
2. Do not allow direct sunlight.
3. Should not wear protective equipment in a wallet or pocket of jeans: the packaging is gradually wiped, it can be easily damaged by sharp objects that fall into a pocket or purse.
4. Avoid contraceptive falling into the hands of the child: they can disrupt the integrity of the packaging, accidentally swallow the contents.

conclusion

Sexually transmitted diseases and unwanted pregnancies could be the consequences of the use of poor quality products for contraception, so it is important to monitor the shelf life of condoms is directly in front of them buying. To purchase such a product, it is desirable in the pharmacy, as the quality and dates there being tighter controls.