Most condoms last about 3–5 years before they expire, but the exact time depends on the material, whether they contain spermicide, and how they’re stored.

Typical shelf life

  • Latex and polyurethane condoms usually last up to about 5 years if stored correctly and not made with spermicide.
  • The same condoms with spermicide generally have a shorter shelf life of around 3 years because the spermicide speeds up material breakdown.
  • Polyisoprene condoms (another synthetic type) usually last about 3–5 years, depending on brand and storage conditions.
  • Natural/lambskin condoms have the shortest life, typically around 1–3 years from manufacture, and they do not protect against STIs.

How to check the date

  • The expiration date is printed on the box and on each individual wrapper; do not use it after that date.
  • If you find a loose condom, check both the date and the condition of the wrapper; any damage, fading, or stiffness is a sign to throw it away.

Storage and when to toss

  • Heat, sunlight, friction (like in a wallet) and moisture can make condoms degrade faster, shortening their effective lifespan even before the printed date.
  • Never use a condom that feels dry, sticky, brittle, discolored, unusually stretchy, or has a damaged wrapper—discard it and use a fresh, in-date condom instead.

Bottom line / TL;DR:

  • Plan on 3–5 years for most synthetic condoms, shorter for those with spermicide and for natural/lambskin.
  • Always check the printed expiration date and the wrapper; if in doubt, throw it out and use a new one.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.