Do condoms expire?

Condoms have expiration dates printed on the packaging. They generally last for an average of five years after manufacture date. Avoid using a condom after it has passed the expiration date because it will start to break down. Latex materials degrade and deteriorate over time, making the condom less strong and less flexible. This causes the condom to become much less effective at preventing STDs and pregnancy.

It's not just the expiration date that matters. Sometimes condoms haven't been stored properly and the material breaks down before the expiration date. If a condom ever seems dry, sticky, or stiff when it comes out of the package, don't use it. Instead, get a new condom.

It's best to store unused condoms in a cool, dry place where they won't get creased (not in your wallet or pants pocket) or dried out. And never use oil-based lubricants such as lotion, massage oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil with condoms because these substances can break down the material.

Ofcourse a condom will not suddenly break one day after the expiration date. If it's somehow not possible to obtain a new condom, an expired one could be better than nothing at all. If it's all that the couple has and there is no way to use a non-expired condom, using an expired one is better than no protection. But there is a risk. So maybe you should consider not having sex. Better safe than sorry.