Condom Expiry and Storage: Retire the One in Your Wallet, Champ

You're at their place, you're both half undressed, and you pull out the condom you've been carrying around just in case. It's folded around a receipt from three summers ago. It's been sat on, sweated on and left in a hot car. It's been in your wallet for longer than your last relationship, and it's looking about as healthy.

A condom has to be in date, undamaged and stored properly to do its job. Sort out your supply now, while you're dressed, so you're not trying to convince yourself the packet looks fine when you're naked and desperate.

Check the date on the wrapper

Don't guess from when you bought the box, because shelf life varies. If it's expired, or you can't read the date, replace it. There's no useful "probably close enough" calculation to do in the bedroom.

Keep them cool, dry and away from your keys

A bedside drawer is much better than a hot car or a wallet in your back pocket. Heat and friction can wreck a condom well before its expiry date.

Taking some with you? Keep the packets somewhere protected from keys, coins and crushing. Being optimistic is great, but one battered emergency condom that has attended every night out since your last haircut isn't a plan.

A fresh box means you never have to rely on it. The Four Seasons Naked Strawberry bulk box gives you 144 sheer, flavoured condoms. That's a very confident purchase. Good on you. There's more in our condom collection, and the condom size guide can help you find the right fit.

Open it carefully, sexy as it looks

We've all seen someone tear a packet open with their teeth, and it looks hot right up until you've nicked the condom. Check for tears or punctures, then use your fingers and watch your nails. Scissors are out too, and they'd be a bizarre thing to reach for in any case.

If it's brittle, oddly sticky, torn or just looks wrong, bin it. Don't test it by filling it with water and then use it for sex. And use a compatible lube, because oil can be a problem for some materials.

A dodgy one? Don't double up

Two condoms together aren't extra protection, and they can increase friction and breakage. Use one good one, properly.

If you haven't got a good one, there's still plenty you can do with your hands, your mouth and a toy while you wait. Our non-penetrative sex guide has some great ideas, with barriers still relevant to some of them. Nobody ever went home disappointed after a night of that.

If a condom breaks or slips, stop and get prompt advice on emergency contraception and STI exposure where it's relevant. A pharmacist or sexual health clinic can help you with what to do next.

Restock, give your packets a sensible home and throw out that old wallet condom. It's served you well, in the sense that it's never been used. Time for it to go.