Are condoms from vending machines safe?

Dear Condom Boy, 

It's a great move that you're covering all your bases. To keep it short, there's a very low chance you’ll get a sexually transmitted infection (STI) from a condom bought from a vending machine since STIs are typically transmitted during sexual activity. Keep reading to learn more about vending machine reliability, condom safety, and international condom quality. 

Are vending machines reliable?  

Vending machines are a reliable way to access safer sex products.  In fact, they’re commonly stocked with more than just condoms and often also include menstrual products, over-the-counter medications, and emergency contraception. Having these vending machines around can help break down barriers to access since, as you mention, not everyone can easily get to a pharmacy or afford certain products. And for some, walking into a store to buy these items may feel uncomfortable or intimidating. Vending machines offer a discreet, convenient option that helps make essential products more accessible, and there’s no research suggesting that condoms in these machines are unsafe to use. 

Can you get STIs from condoms in a vending machine? 

It’s unlikely that you'll contract an STI from a condom that you got from a vending machine. These condoms are usually sealed in their individual wrappers, which keeps them free of debris and bacteria, and safe to use. If the package is intact and hasn’t been tampered with, the condom inside shouldn’t carry any STIs. It’s important to note that STIs are typically passed through contact with infected bodily fluids like semen, vaginal fluids, or blood. In some cases, skin-to-skin contact may transmit STIs. So, there’s almost no chance that you can get STIs from using new condoms from a vending machine.  

How do you know if condoms are safe to use? 

Regardless of where you’re getting your condoms from, it’s worth taking a moment to make sure that they’re safe to use. Here's what you can check before using: 

• Expiration date: Every condom has a shelf life. You’ll find the expiration date on both the box and wrapper, usually listed as year-month (such as 2025-11). If it’s expired, it’s best to toss it out and grab a new one. 

• Temperature: Condoms don’t do well in extreme temperatures whether hot or cold. In particular, leaving them in hot places or in direct sunlight can weaken the material, which makes them more likely to break under pressure. Instead, stick to places with a consistent, moderate temperature. 

• Storage: Where you keep your condoms matters. Storing them in your pocket, purse, or wallet for long periods of time can wear them down due to things like friction, pressure, or variability in temperature. To keep them in tip top condition, store them in a cool, dry place away from sharp objects or too much movement.  

• Packaging: Always check the wrapper for damage before opening. To do this, give the wrapper a gentle squeeze. The condom should move around freely inside the packaging indicating there’s still air inside. This means the package is intact and the condom is safe to use. If you don't feel any air bubbles, or the condom is stuck to the wrapper, toss it and grab a new one.
• Materials: Not all condoms are made with the same material, which means some last longer than others. For example, lambskin condoms are made from natural materials and tend to break down faster than synthetic ones like latex. That gives lambskin condoms a shorter shelf life. So, if you don’t plan to use the condoms right away, it’s good to keep the material in mind when choosing which one to purchase.  

Are condoms less effective in countries other than the United States? 

In the United States (US), condoms are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). They set specific guidelines that manufacturers must follow to ensure condoms are safe and effective before hitting the shelves. Globally, condom manufacturers follow standards set by the International Organization of Standardization (ISO), which every country follows, including the US. Even with these regulations in place, it's still a good idea to give any condom a quick check before using them. A condom that has holes, tears, a funky smell, a torn wrapper, or a dry texture are signs that it’s time to wrap it up and grab a fresh one.  

If you still feel unsure about using condoms from other countries, you might want to bring your own trusted supply from home just in case. After all, it’s always better to be safe and sealed than sorry.  

That’s a wrap,