Hi Moms,
I guess I should be paying more attention. I was on the pill for a bit and then went off and thus, began the expansion of our family. Went back on it after DD was born but then it caused too many side effects and thus, have been relying on condoms. In between the births of my children and fatigue and work stress...and I was on an antiidepressant after each birth for a time...our intimacy has seen peeks and valleys. I've been off the medication for awhile now and OMG I did not know how much it had killed the libido. Anyway, we've been getting back into the swing of things and still relying on condoms. I noticed after the fact that the ones we've been using expired in June...um what do I do???? The most obvious is go buy new ones...I know I must be totallay stupid but I didn't realize they expire. Uh duh...
Anyway, there was no breakage but still not a good idea to keep using them?
The latex will eventually break down and break apart (think 'dry rotted car tires)... they usually have a shelf life of 6 months after the expiration date if stored properly. Never leave them anywhere they're exposed to moisture, sunlight (any extreme temperature really), or your wallet!!
The spermicide in them expires, not the latex. I would continue to use them - but use a back up method as well - like the sponge (do they still make that?) and/or a diaphragm....from what I understand there is a condom for women?!!!
Just for the record - there is no such thing as a dumb question.
GOOD LUCK!!
i agree about the latex breaking down. but i thought more dry rotted rubber band than anything. if there was no breakage i wouldn't worry about it.
Depends how you'd feel about having another baby! If it were me, I'd pitch them. Why take the chance?
Yes, the spermicide does expire faster than the condoms. But condoms can weaken if they are left in hot or cold places or in a wallet since they are sat on, etc. I wouldn't be too concerned...I'm sure they put the expiration date way before it actually expires, but yeah, I'd probably go buy some more!! ;)
