Use of water-based lubricants may increase slippage, but data suggest that the protective effect against breakage may outweigh any risk of increased slippage. There is no evidence that spermicidally-lubricated condoms confer any advantage by increasing efficacy against pregnancy or disease, in spite of a consumer perception that spermicidal lubricant ought to do this. Indeed, there is some preliminary evidence that spermicidal lubrication may promote leaching of latex allergens, thereby potentiating the risk of allergy. Since spermicidally-lubricated condoms also have a shorter designated shelf life, silicone is a preferable lubricant. Condoms in intact foil packages last at least five years.
Adequate packaging is crucial to the long-term integrity of latex condoms.
Plastic packages expose condoms to greater and more rapid deterioration from oxidation, humidity, ozone and ultraviolet light than do foil packages. When properly sealed in foil packages, modern latex condoms are quite resistant to adverse environmental conditions and will retain their quality for at least five years and probably longer. Thus, all condoms should be packaged in aluminum foil, or foil-plastic laminate packages. Quality control and post-production quality assurance help ensure a reliable product. In addition to many specific improvements in all aspects of latex condom manufacture, an extensive system of internal and external quality control and quality assurance is now in place to ensure high quality of condoms.