It's important to know how to store condoms if you are sexually active. Giving them the best storage conditions retains their integrity and ensures they will do their job properly. Before we go into the best and worst places to store your condoms, there's three other important reminders about using condoms:
Always check the expiration date. Expired condoms can become dry or brittle, causing them to potentially break during use.
Wherever and however you store your condoms, they must be kept in their original wrappers in a cool, dry place away from sunlight in its original wrapper. This will preserve the condition of the condom.
And remember, before you use the condom, even if it is not expired, it is still good to check it for any holes or rips.
Here are the Best Places to Store Your Condoms:
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1. Keep Your Condoms in an Empty Tin Such as One for Tea or Altoids
Keeping your condoms in a tin will help preserve the condition of the condoms and is a discreet way to keep your condoms hidden.
2. A Separate, Small Coin Purse is a Good Place to Stash Your Condom if You Want to Keep Them Handy While You Are on the Go
Do not keep it in your everyday wallet as frequent use of your wallet can cause the condom to wear down and possible tear the wrapping, causing the condom to dry out.
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3. Store Your Condoms in a Sock, within Your Sock Drawer
This will keep your condoms hidden and cool.
4. Keep Them in Your Nightstand so They Are Easily Accessible
If you are worried about your partner, roommate, or parent being nosy, then put them in a piece of clothing that can disguise it.
5. If You're on the Go, Keep Your Condoms in a Side Compartment of Your Backpack
Just make sure to keep them away from sharp objects such as pens or pencils and do not crush the condoms under heavy books.
6. Another Great Place to Stash Your Condoms is in an Empty Compartment of Your Jewelry Box
If you have a jewelry box with multiple compartments, this can be a great secret storage area. Do not store the condoms where you keep other jewelry since earrings, necklaces, or bracelets can possibly rip the wrapper of the condom.
7. Toiletry Bags or Unused Cosmetic Bags Are Another Great Place to Store Your Condoms
Keep the bag in the bathroom or dorm room or bedroom.
8. If You Really Need a Covert Spot to Stash Your Condoms, Hollow out a Book
Just don't hollow out that well-thumbed copy of The Joy of Sex.
Here are the Worst Places to Store Your Condoms:
1. Do Not Store Your Condoms in Your Wallet Unless You Are Bringing Only One and Plan to Use It That Night
Storing condoms in your wallet, then putting your wallet in your back pocket, is a bad idea. Between the friction of your body movements, sitting down, and body heat, the condom can be worn down. If you want to have the condom on hand and need to keep it in your wallet, make sure it is a new, fresh condom out of the pack that same day. And be sure to check the condom before use.
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When considering where to safely stash your prophylactics, think beyond your wallet. Opt for a small, hard case—like a compact or an old gift card tin—which provides a protective shell against the constant pressure and heat that can compromise the condom's integrity. Keep it in your purse or a jacket pocket where it's less likely to get squashed. And remember, rotate them regularly to ensure they're always fresh. When in doubt, throw it out and grab a new one, because a compromised condom is no one's friend in the heat of the moment.
2. Do Not Keep Your Condoms in Your Glove Compartment
Although you may think this would be a great spot since you can lock your car and keep your condoms handy while you're out, the heat from the car can wear down the condom.
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The glove compartment might feel like a convenient and sneaky spot, but it's a huge no-no. Condoms are quite sensitive to temperature changes and the interior of a car can become like an oven or a freezer, depending on the weather. This extreme environment can degrade the latex, making condoms less reliable when it matters most. Instead of playing risky storage roulette, opt for a more stable environment like your bedside drawer or a small pouch in your purse. Always prioritize the longevity and effectiveness of your protection over convenience.
3. Do Not Keep Your Condoms in the Refrigerator or Freezer
Freezing or refrigerating condoms will not keep them fresh. It will only affect the material and condition of the condom.
4. Do Not Keep Your Condoms outside
It is important to store your condoms in a dry, cool area. The change in outside temperature and other weather conditions can negatively affect the condition of the condoms.
While some of these points may seem like common sense, you'd be surprised where people store their condoms! Keeping them in the best condition possible is the only way to guarantee they'll be able to do their job in protecting you and your partner.
Keeping your condoms in a tin will help preserve the condition of the condoms and is a discreet way to keep your condoms hidden.
Do not keep it in your everyday wallet as frequent use of your wallet can cause the condom to wear down and possible tear the wrapping, causing the condom to dry out.
This will keep your condoms hidden and cool.
If you are worried about your partner, roommate, or parent being nosy, then put them in a piece of clothing that can disguise it.
Just make sure to keep them away from sharp objects such as pens or pencils and do not crush the condoms under heavy books.
If you have a jewelry box with multiple compartments, this can be a great secret storage area. Do not store the condoms where you keep other jewelry since earrings, necklaces, or bracelets can possibly rip the wrapper of the condom.
Keep the bag in the bathroom or dorm room or bedroom.
Just don't hollow out that well-thumbed copy of The Joy of Sex.
Storing condoms in your wallet, then putting your wallet in your back pocket, is a bad idea. Between the friction of your body movements, sitting down, and body heat, the condom can be worn down. If you want to have the condom on hand and need to keep it in your wallet, make sure it is a new, fresh condom out of the pack that same day. And be sure to check the condom before use.
Although you may think this would be a great spot since you can lock your car and keep your condoms handy while you're out, the heat from the car can wear down the condom.
Freezing or refrigerating condoms will not keep them fresh. It will only affect the material and condition of the condom.
It is important to store your condoms in a dry, cool area. The change in outside temperature and other weather conditions can negatively affect the condition of the condoms.