After reading this article, you will discover that you have been storing your condom in places where they ought not to be kept. Now is the time to desist from such practices.
According to an expert in sexual and reproductive health, storing condoms in hot, moist, environments reduce its effectiveness because condoms are made from materials that are rubber-based and therefore should not be kept in such environments.
1. Purses/wallets/pockets: Purses or wallets are a no-no option because of the temperature and friction in the storage option.
Purses, wallets, and pockets are usually close to the body and it heats which causes them to be less potent.
When condom experience heat (which doesn’t happen just once, it happen over time), the latex becomes weaker, putting them at risk of breakage.
And the friction due to its closeness to the skin makes it even weaker which could end up torn midway through sex putting you at risk of STDs and pregnancy.
If you must keep it there, ensure it won’t be for a prolonged time. Another disadvantage of keeping condoms in the wallet is that it is easy to forget them and unfortunately for some, it stays there for months and gets expired.
2. Bathroom: The bathroom is a moist environment. Keeping your condoms in the bathroom cupboard can, on the window windowsill, or anywhere that might expose it to direct sunlight should be stopped.
3. Vehicles: Desist from keeping condoms in the pigeonholes of your car.
4. Cold places: Extreme cold places like the refrigerator is a bad idea.
5. Near sharp objects: When you keep condoms in your wallet or back pockets, there is a tendency that it will come in close contact with a sharp object like keys, and that could create a small hole in it which is not safe for the purpose it was designed for.
6. Phone cases: Sticking your ‘just in case’ condom inside your mobile phone pouch seems safe but it is a bad idea. When your phone battery gets hot, it poses a negative effect on the condom.
To maximize the potency of your condom, ensure to keep it in a cool dry place. A good habit to practice is to always check the expiration date of the condom. Also do not wash and reuse condoms.
And if unsure of the storage condition or the packaging is damaged, dispose of it and make another purchase. Better safe than sorry.
