After the U.S. presidential election, sales of birth control pills, emergency contraception, and abortion pills surged, as many fear they could lose access to these medications under the incoming administration.
But like all medications, these pills expire. Over time, they—as well as condoms—lose their effectiveness at either preventing or ending a pregnancy.
Read on to learn about the shelf life of birth control pills, condoms, emergency contraception, and abortion pills; how to find their expiration dates; and how to properly store them.
Birth control pills
What they are: Birth control pills are daily hormonal medications that prevent pregnancy by stopping the ovaries from releasing eggs and thickening cervical mucus, making it harder for sperm to enter the uterus. Most birth control pills require a prescription, but the progestin-only Opill is available over the counter.
When they expire: Birth control pills typically expire after one to five years when stored properly. Expired birth control pills start to lose their effectiveness, which could result in an unplanned pregnancy. You can find the expiration date printed on the packaging or pill bottle.
How to store them: To ensure that birth control pills maintain their effectiveness before they expire, keep them in their original packaging and store them in a cool, dry place, like in a nightstand drawer. Avoid exposing them to heat and direct sunlight.
Condoms
What they are: Condoms are barriers that are typically made from latex. They prevent pregnancy by stopping sperm from entering the vagina and fertilizing an egg. Condoms also protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
When they expire: Condoms can degrade over time, making them less effective at protecting against pregnancy and STIs. The lifespan of condoms varies depending on the material they’re made from, anywhere from one to five years. You can find a condom’s expiration date on its individual wrapper or on the box.
How to store them: Store condoms in a cool, dry place away from sharp objects and heat. Do not store condoms in a pocket or wallet.
Emergency contraception pills
What they are: Emergency contraception, also known as the morning after pill, prevents pregnancy when taken after unprotected sex. Levonorgestrel, sold over the counter as Plan B and several other brand names, works best when taken within three days of having unprotected sex but can be taken up to five days afterward. Ulipristal acetate, sold under the brand name ella, requires a prescription and can be taken up to five days after unprotected sex.
When they expire: Levonorgestrel has a shelf life of about four years when stored properly, and ella’s shelf life is about three years. You can find the expiration date for emergency contraception on the package.
How to store them: Store emergency contraception pills in their original packaging in a cool, dry place away from heat and direct sunlight.
Abortion pills
What they are: Abortion pills require a prescription and are used to end a pregnancy. Medication abortion typically involves two medications: mifepristone, which blocks the hormone that allows pregnancy to grow, and misoprostol, which stimulates cramping to empty the uterus. Abortion pills work best when taken within the first 11 weeks of pregnancy.
When they expire: Mifepristone has a shelf life of about five years, and misoprostol has a shelf life of about two years. You can find the expiration date for abortion pills printed on the pill bottle or packaging.
How to store them: Keep abortion pills in their original packaging, store them in a cool, dry place, and avoid exposing them to heat and direct sunlight.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.