Condom Expiry Dates — Complete Guide

Why Condoms Expire

Latex is an organic polymer that undergoes oxidation and hydrolysis over time. As latex ages:

• Tensile strength decreases
• Elasticity reduces
• Lubrication degrades
• Risk of pinhole formation increases

These changes mean an expired condom may fail during use.

How Long Do Condoms Last?

| Condom type | Typical shelf life | |-------------|--------------------| | Standard latex | 5 years | | Latex with spermicide | 3 years | | Polyurethane | 5 years | | Polyisoprene | 3 years | | Natural (lambskin) | 1 year |

ULEX® Premium Condoms: 5-year shelf life from manufacture date. No spermicide used, which preserves the full latex shelf life.

Where to Find the Expiry Date

ULEX® Premium Condoms have the expiry date printed on:

1. The outer box — on the back or bottom panel
2. Each individual foil wrapper — clearly stamped

Always check both — the outer box date and the individual wrapper date may differ if condoms were repackaged.

Can You Use an Expired Condom?

No. Even if the condom appears intact and undamaged:

• The latex may be microscopically weakened
• The lubricant may have degraded
• You cannot visually assess latex strength

The risk is not worth it. ULEX® 14-packs are designed to be used regularly enough that expiry is not an issue for active couples.

Storage Impact on Shelf Life

Improper storage can cause a condom to degrade before its expiry date:

• Heat (car, wallet) — accelerates oxidation
• UV light — photodegradation of latex
• Humidity — promotes hydrolysis
• Physical damage — compromises wrapper seal

Always store ULEX® Premium Condoms in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

ULEX® Premium Condoms — 5-year shelf life, clearly labeled, available at ulex.co.