If you're not looking to start a family or don't fancy contracting an STI, condoms are your best friend.
Blokes walk around with one in their wallet on the off chance that they might get lucky, and you know what they say - no glove, no love. Which is a pretty catchy reminder for safe sex to be fair.
But believe it or not, there is an occasion when you might want to refrain from using that trusty bit of protection that has been burning a hole in your pocket for longer than you care to admit.
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By no means are we advocating for people not to sport a condom - however, sometimes you might want to start rifling through the drawers for another one.
Although a lot of people don't realise it, condoms also have an expiry date.
The shelf life of the thin rubbers vary depending on the material it is made from, with latex or polyurethane condoms typically lasting the longest.
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Don't panic though, as the majority of condoms have their definitive expiration dates printed on the packaging - so make sure you have a quick look before you get going with a bit of hanky-panky.§q
According to Nemours Teen Health, people should swerve using a condom after its sell-by date because it will have started to 'break down and will be much less effective at preventing STDs and pregnancy'.
The website states: "It's not just the expiration date that matters, though.
"Sometimes condoms haven't been stored properly and the material breaks down before the expiration date."
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So, what can we look out for to confirm that a condom is in full working order?
Apparently, the big red flag is the texture of the rubber.
Nemours states: "If a condom ever seems dry, sticky, or stiff when it comes out of the package, don't use it.
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"Instead, get a new condom."
The health specialists advise storing your unused condoms in a cool, dry place where they won't get creased or dried out - so sorry lads, but your wallet or the back pocket of your jeans just won't cut it.
Nemours also warned those who are sexually active not to use 'oil-based lubricants such as lotion, massage oil, mineral oil, petroleum jelly, or baby oil' while getting down and dirty in the bedroom.
These substances can also break down the material and therefore make them effectively useless.
Topics: Sex and Relationships, Health
Olivia Burke