How to Take Care of Your Condoms

Taking good care of your condoms is simple and can be accomplished in two easy steps.

STEP 1: Peel out that old, squished Trojan from the depths of your purse. I know it’s in there.

While keeping a condom on hand in your purse may seem like the responsible thing to do, it is only truly effective if you are going to use the condom soon. Leaving a condom squashed into your wallet or buried at the bottom of your purse increases the risk of it being torn or punctured, as well as expiring. The National Institutes of Health also warn against deterioration by friction from repeatedly opening and closing a wallet. If you anticipate needing a condom before a night out (or a night in), perform the two tests below, then put it in your wallet. Just remember to take it out as soon as possible if it does not end up being used and perform the tests to make sure it is still viable.

Let’s break down those two steps…

1. Test the condom for an air bubble. This is also called the “pillow test.” Hold the condom between your thumb and index finger and gently squeeze. You should be able to feel a slight cushion of air trapped in the wrapper. If you aren’t sure if there is an air bubble, you can gently fold the wrapper in half and squeeze from there. The air bubble should be much easier to feel. Don’t be too aggressive when folding, however, or you might end up damaging the condom.

2. Check the expiration date. This is key. An expired condom loses both strength and flexibility, making it more prone to breakage. The lube will also dry up.

STEP 2: Store your condoms in a cool, dry space and out of direct sunlight. The manufacturers of LifeStyles condoms more specifically state that they should be stored in a location that is no warmer than 100 degrees Fahrenheit and no cooler than 32 degrees F.

Following these two steps will more effectively decrease the risk of a condom breaking, in turn better preventing pregnancy and the spread of STIs. Take good care of your condoms and they’ll take good care of you!

Header image credit: Steven Depolo/Flickr