Why Store in a Cool, Dry Place?
December 30, 2005 11:49 PM Subscribe
Conventional wisdom says that you're not supposed to store condoms in your wallet. Generally, packaging refers to them supposed to be stored in a "cool, dry place." What is biggest danger to latex condoms? Friction? Temperature? Rapid temperature changes?
I've seen (unreliable) sources indiciate that its mainly due to friction and mechanical stress that may cause microtears. I've also heard that temperature is a more important factor. Google reveals nothing definitive. Pubmed didn't have much useful. Actual *data* would be nice, if it exists, but I'm not going to be picky. :-) Thanks!
I've seen (unreliable) sources indiciate that its mainly due to friction and mechanical stress that may cause microtears. I've also heard that temperature is a more important factor. Google reveals nothing definitive. Pubmed didn't have much useful. Actual *data* would be nice, if it exists, but I'm not going to be picky. :-) Thanks!
friction ... mechanical stress ... temperature ... time
Probably all of these could either cause or contribute to microtears, or weaknesses that could lead to complete failure. And a non-broken condom ... well, that's pretty much the whole f'n point, right?
posted by frogan at 12:03 AM on December 31, 2005
Probably all of these could either cause or contribute to microtears, or weaknesses that could lead to complete failure. And a non-broken condom ... well, that's pretty much the whole f'n point, right?
posted by frogan at 12:03 AM on December 31, 2005
Still... they are pretty damn tough. Have to be. Ever filled one with several gallons of water? They are remarkably strong. Considering what they cost, I wouldn't throw one away if it spends a day in your pocket/wallet. They are over-engineered for the task at hand for a reason. The odds of them breaking are miniscule compared to the chances of their being misused or not used at all.
posted by scarabic at 12:21 AM on December 31, 2005
posted by scarabic at 12:21 AM on December 31, 2005
"Heat and light deteriorate condoms". So, it's the heat. Well, unless you have a sunlamp in your hip pocket.
posted by smartyboots at 12:32 AM on December 31, 2005
posted by smartyboots at 12:32 AM on December 31, 2005
Well think about how it's packaged. It's tightly rolled up, and then when put into a wallet there is constant pressure pushing up against that rolled up latex. It seems like it would be very easy for small tears to develop, especially if there was sideways (sheer) stress involved too. It's not the same as filling a condom with a gallon of water, because that is a uniform and gradual stretching in every direction. When it's tighly rolled up and then you sit on it in your wallet, you are concentrating a lot of force into specific creases. Also consider the internal friction of pressing on a tightly rolled up hunk of latex.
posted by Rhomboid at 12:52 AM on December 31, 2005
posted by Rhomboid at 12:52 AM on December 31, 2005
Latex is much more flexible and tear-resistant then lambskin condoms. Mucho breakage.
posted by camworld at 10:09 AM on December 31, 2005
posted by camworld at 10:09 AM on December 31, 2005
A condom case (there's plenty more to be found on google) might be a worthwhile buy if you do plan on keeping them in your pocket anyway. It's definately remove any friction problems and I imagine cut down on heat a bit too. (And some are pretty stylish.)
posted by luftmensch at 10:27 AM on January 1, 2006
posted by luftmensch at 10:27 AM on January 1, 2006
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by scarabic at 11:56 PM on December 30, 2005