As the UK braces for another heatwave with temperatures forecast to reach 33°C in London, sexual health experts are warning that improper storage of condoms could lead to breakage and increased risk of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unintended pregnancy.
Why heat damages condoms
Condoms are designed to be stored in cool, dry conditions between 15°C and 25°C. According to sex and relationships coach Gemma Nice from Condoms.uk, leaving condoms in hot cars, on warm windowsills, in baking tents, or in handbags for hours during a heatwave can weaken the latex, making them more likely to tear or break during use.
“People should think about where they’re storing condoms. A bedside drawer, cupboard or other cool, dry place inside the home is perfectly suitable,” Nice said. “The biggest risk comes when they are left somewhere that becomes much hotter than the outside temperature, such as inside a parked car, where temperatures can rise significantly.”
Where to store condoms at home
Even inside homes without air conditioning, temperatures can climb. Nice advises keeping condoms in the coolest, driest area of the home, such as a drawer or cupboard away from direct sunlight. She warns against putting condoms in the fridge or freezer, as repeatedly moving them between very cold and very warm temperatures can also degrade the latex.
“The safest option is simply to keep them away from direct sunlight and excessive heat,” she added.
Packing condoms for travel
Senior sexual health nurse Sarah Mulindwa, a sexual health expert for Lovehoney, says it is fine to pack condoms in either hand luggage or checked baggage. “The temperatures in an aircraft’s hold aren’t typically cold enough to damage condoms, so there’s no need to worry about them freezing during a flight,” she explained.
For beach trips, Mulindwa recommends keeping condoms in a bag stored in the shade rather than exposed to direct sunlight.
Signs of heat damage
Mulindwa noted that improperly stored condoms may look or feel different. “Signs such as a brittle texture, stickiness, discolouration or damaged packaging mean it should be thrown away,” she said. “Even if there are no obvious changes, if you know it has been exposed to high temperatures for a prolonged period, it’s best and safest to replace it.”
Holiday STI risks
The World Health Organisation estimates that more than one million curable STIs are acquired every day worldwide among people aged 15–49. CDC guidance published in 2025 stated that around half of travellers who have casual sex abroad do so without a condom. However, even those who use condoms may be at risk if they combine them with sunscreen. Latex is a natural rubber and porous; oily or greasy substances like sun tan lotion can break down the material, increasing the risk of breakage.
