As a general rule, male latex condoms should be kept away from extreme temperatures (above 40°C or 104°F) and away from moisture and humidity. Even ozone, emitted from fluorescent (ultraviolet) lighting can destroy condoms within just a few hours.
Condoms in summer
You should also not store condoms permanently in direct sunlight. A short-term storage over 3-4 days in extreme heat of up to 40°C, for example, during transport by mail, in your car, or even in a packing station is possible without any problems.
Avoid storing your condoms in your vehicle.
The temperature inside your vehicle is unstable, so the condoms could get damaged. Even if the weather outside is nice, keep in mind that your car can reach more extreme temperatures than outdoors. You can leave a condom in your car for a very short period of time.
How long do condoms last? The shelf life of a condom varies from one to five years, depending on the material it is made from. Latex or polyurethane condoms last the longest, typically five years from the manufactured date. Condoms with spermicide or those made from polyisoprene expire in three years.
Standard condoms must be manufactured, shipped, and stored in 49-84 F degree temperature range to maintain quality.
So always use a condom if you are having any kind of sex (vaginal, anal, or oral). But just one at a time!
Exposure to direct sunlight or fluorescent (tube) light, heat, humidity, moisture, and ozone can considerably shorten the shelf life of male latex condoms. In contrast, female condoms, which are made out of polyurethane, are not sensitive to high temperatures and humidity.
You only need to wear one condom at a time. Wearing two doesn't add extra protection, just extra hassle. That said, it's a good idea to have more than one condom on hand so that if one breaks or comes off during sex, you have another one to put on.
Experts believe that pockets and wallets are terrible places to store condoms because of their temperature and friction, which can weaken the latex. Plus, the risk of them being torn from keys or other objects makes it an unwanted risk.
Answer. Hi, Heat can denature latex increasing the likelihood the condom will fail (break).
An Altoids tin, toiletries bag, an unused jewelry box, or a coin purse are all good places to hide condoms. One downside to this method is that if someone wants a mint or some change, they may find the condoms. It might be a good idea to keep the container in a discreet place as well.
DON'T store condoms in your wallet as heat and friction can damage them. DON'T use nonoxynol-9 (a spermicide), as this can cause irritation. DON'T use oil-based products like baby oil, lotion, petroleum jelly, or cooking oil because they will cause the condom to break. DON'T use more than one condom at a time.
They need to be kept away from extreme heat or cold, so somewhere that's a stable room temperature is best. Condoms should also be stored somewhere where they don't need to be moved around too much, won't be compressed or bent, and are out of direct sunlight.
Keeping condoms in a wallet is a common practice among some men as it allows them to have a condom on hand at all times and be prepared for unexpected sexual encounters. However, there are some potential risks to this practice.
Most condoms have expiration dates printed on the packaging. Avoid using a condom after it has passed the expiration date because it will start to break down and become much less effective at preventing STDs and pregnancy. It's not just the expiration date that matters, though.
Will a thin condom tear? What are thin condoms made of? Thankfully, thin condoms are no more likely to break than standard condoms, and they undergo rigorous testing to make sure. Generally speaking, thin condoms are made from the same durable latex material as standard condoms, just thinner by design.
Why Double Bagging Isn't Recommended. Medical professionals (like OB/GYNs, nurse practitioners, etc.) caution that wearing two external condoms together can increase the friction between the condoms during sex. This can make them more likely to rip or tear.
Doctor's Response. The failure rate of condoms in couples which use them consistently and correctly is estimated to be about 3% during the first year of use. However, the true failure rate during that time period is estimated to be about 14%. This marked difference of failure rates reflects usage error.
Cool, dry spaces are the best place to store your rubbers. The best bet is a space that is at or below room temperature, but condoms should absolutely not be stored anywhere warmer than 100 degrees or cooler than 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Condoms should also be kept out of direct sunlight.
Body heat is another thing that causes condom material to break down over time. It's OK to carry condoms in a front pocket for a few hours, but try not to put condoms in a back pocket where they'll get bent or sat on. And don't carry condoms in the same pocket as keys or other things that could tear the wrapper.
However, keep in mind that certain factors can lead to condom failure, like using expired condoms, storing them at the wrong temperature, or using an oil-based lubricant.
A third of U.S. men say they use condoms at least some of the time when they have sex, a new government survey shows. But just 19 percent of men reported condom use every time they had sex, the survey from the National Center for Health Statistics found.