Effective contraception is currently receiving special attention. People often wonder if expired condoms can be used and what are the consequences of this decision. First of all, the relevance of the topic is caused by an increase in the number of people infected with sexually transmitted infections worldwide, and secondly, by the consequences of an unwanted pregnancy.
Types of condoms
A condom is a type of barrier contraceptive that prevents sexually transmitted infections from entering the skin and blood of partners. In appearance it resembles an impenetrable thin pouch made of polymeric materials. The most widespread latex products, however, on the market there are polyurethane, nitrile, polyisoprene and even leather varieties.
Since the main and main function of a condom is to prevent the entry of seeds into the vagina, each of the above contraceptive models has a right to exist. However, condoms from the skin are not able to provide a protective function, so the risk of contracting sexually transmitted diseases reaches almost 100%. In this regard, medical specialists and marketers are actively promoting the products of latex and polyurethane.
Using low-quality condoms
One of the frequently asked questions of young people about contraceptives is formulated as follows: “Can expired condoms be used?” This is not surprising, because the majority of young people belong to the category of citizens who are earning money, and the idea of reusable use of latex contraceptives is very relevant.
When buying condoms, you need to carefully study the information on the package and check the contents for obvious defects. A condom is considered to be of high quality and safe if it has passed all the tests at the factory. As a rule, using a just released condom is much safer than using one that has been on the shelves indefinitely.
Sooner or later, each person wonders: what will happen if you use expired condoms. The reliability of condoms primarily depends on the technique of their use and compliance with personal hygiene. According to sociological research conducted at Indiana University, about 3.3% of respondents admitted to reusing a condom during one sexual intercourse, and 7.4% of respondents are not afraid to wear the product after it has expired.
So can you use expired condoms or not?
The vast majority of specialists are inclined to the impossibility of reusing condoms, arguing that the sperm can remain in the anabiotic state for five days in sperm residues, and even a thorough wash using sodium glycerin salts cannot ruin them. So the answer is clear - no!
Use of expired condoms: what is the danger
Shelf life of a condom is on average 3 to 5 years. After the aging process of the polymer material begins, the lubricant disappears. This leads to a decrease in the protective characteristics of the product due to the formation of cracks and holes of various sizes.
There is no barrier to viruses, fungi, bacteria and protozoa, therefore, the risk of infection with sexually transmitted infections, such as human immunodeficiency virus, hepatitis B and C, syphilis, trichomoniasis, gonorrhea - increases significantly. Therefore, with regard to the question of whether it is possible to use expired condoms, the answer is unequivocal: absolutely not.
Condom Use Technique
Improper condom use is considered one of the primary causes of an unplanned pregnancy. To prevent embarrassing situations, marketers have developed step-by-step instructions for the use of contraceptives:
- it is necessary to carefully open the sealed packaging of the condom without damaging it;
- the process of deployment of the product must begin before sexual intercourse;
- the penis should be in an erection state;
- the material of the edge of the condom is pulled towards the scrotum of the partner and is gradually put on the head of the penis;
- moving his hand to the base of the penis, the partner straightens the condom along its entire length;
- it is important to leave some condom space at the base free so that there is room for holding the seed;
- after the first ejaculation, the contraceptive is immediately removed with smooth movements to prevent sperm from entering the partner;
- a used condom must be discarded and not reused.
Despite simple safety rules, world statistics show that more than half of the world's population (51%) put on a condom after the start of sexual penetration, and 45% of those surveyed take it off before the start of ejaculation. As for the last point, despite the categorical ban of doctors, everyone decides for himself whether it is possible to use expired condoms repeatedly.
Reviews
According to reviews, the use of expired condoms is like roulette: lucky or not lucky. Someone intentionally does not pay attention to the expiration date of contraceptives, and someone does not suspect that you need to be interested in this information.
On the websites of specialized clinics, young people leave a large number of questions to sexologists and gynecologists about the likelihood of pregnancy when a condom is used during sexual intercourse, which is overdue for no more than 2 months. Users note the integrity of the latex material and the good condition of the lubricant.
Thus, a special danger from an expired condom in case of its integrity cannot be expected, but the expiration date cannot be ignored.