How Long — Do Condoms Expire After You Buy Them

By law, expiration dates must be printed on both the and the individual foil wrapper . It is common to see a date formatted as "2028-10," meaning it is effective through October 2028. Factors That Shorten Lifespan

Typically expire after 3 years .

Even if a condom hasn't reached its official expiration date, it can become unsafe if stored improperly. Avoid these common storage mistakes: Do Condoms Expire? - Verywell Health how long do condoms expire after you buy them

Adding spermicide reduces the shelf life of any material to roughly 3 years , as the chemical can degrade the condom's integrity over time. Where to Find the Date By law, expiration dates must be printed on

Condoms generally expire after their manufacture date, though the exact timeframe depends heavily on the material and any additives. While the shelf life is based on the date of manufacture rather than the date of purchase, most new condoms bought in a store will remain effective for several years. Typical Lifespan by Type Latex and Polyurethane: Usually last up to 5 years . Even if a condom hasn't reached its official

These natural membranes degrade the fastest, often lasting only 1 to 3 years .