Is it true that condoms do not work if they are kept in your wallet for a long period of time? Recently I’ve been told by three people that they don’t, but I find it hard to believe. So, what is the straightdope on condoms?
It depends what you mean by a long period of time. A few days won’t do any damage. But weeks or months will, because the heat from your body, plus the pressure of your weight when you sit down (assuming you keep your wallet in your back pocket) can weaken them and those are something you don’t want to lose strength.
Given time, latex desintigrates. The heat of a back pocket only makes this process faster.
Also, being bent back and forth (even in a small amount) weakens a condom. So having it in your wallet isn’t a good idea.