# open condom packages in drug store - what do you think? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [June 10, 2003, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893 "2003-06-10T16:08:34Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 12\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Daniel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Daniel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daniel)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 4:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/1 "2003-06-10T16:08:34Z")
I have something of a brand loyalty to Durex Avanti condoms, but I’ve noticed that the glue they use on the box isn’t the best. In drug stores across state lines (I’ve seen this in Massachusetts and New Jersey, so I know it’s not just one store), one side of the box always comes unglued open. So knowing that this is most likely a flaw with the glue rather than someone opening the package (the condoms are all still inside), would you still buy it? Do you think some joker would have tampered with them after they popped open, or am I just being overly cautious (the store with the open boxes near me sells 'em for $4 cheaper than other stores, a good enough price difference to dissuade me from just looking elsewhere). what do you think? ---
**Author:** ![badmana](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@badmana](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/badmana)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 4:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/2 "2003-06-10T16:33:00Z")
If the condoms are still sealed in their packs, it should be cool. I’ll probably just examine them to be sure and pick it up. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 4:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/3 "2003-06-10T16:46:13Z")
Given the possible downsides of using condoms that have been tampered with, I’d have to say this is not a good idea. ---
**Author:** ![ShadiRoxan](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/59ef9b/32.png) [@ShadiRoxan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ShadiRoxan)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 4:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/4 "2003-06-10T16:48:36Z")
I’d stay away from open packs. Also if you really like them, try contacting the company about the packaging flaw. Tell them it keeps you from buying their product. ---
**Author:** ![irishgirl](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/8edcca/32.png) [@irishgirl](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/irishgirl)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 5:31pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/5 "2003-06-10T17:31:27Z")
ShadiRoxan is right, plus they’ll probably send you a few free boxes! ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [June 10, 2003, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/6 "2003-06-10T19:53:49Z")
As long as no one tried them on, they’re probably safe. I’d check for pin holes, though. Some people think they’re comedians. ---
**Author:** ![Daniel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3ec8ea/32.png) [@Daniel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daniel)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 12:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/7 "2003-06-11T00:58:47Z")
yeah, pinholes. Probably from reading these boards too much, that was what I was concerned about. Not that a closed box would be any safer from that . . . ---
**Author:** ![porcupine](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/ac91a4/32.png) [@porcupine](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/porcupine)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 3:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/8 "2003-06-11T03:51:54Z")
I won’t even buy toilet paper if the plastic wrap it comes in is torn, so no way in hell am I buying condoms if the box is torn. ---
**Author:** ![Eva\_Luna](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/e495f1/32.png) [@Eva\_Luna](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Eva_Luna)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 3:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/9 "2003-06-11T03:54:47Z")
I’d worry more about the age of the box and the conditions under which it had been storedif the adhesive is falling apart. Latex degradation can give you the same end result as pinhioles. IME Target has waaaaay by far the best prices, plus rapid turnover. Do some comparison shopping! ---
**Author:** ![Ender\_Will](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/eb9ed0/32.png) [@Ender\_Will](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ender_Will)\ **Post date:** [June 11, 2003, 4:47am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/10 "2003-06-11T04:47:28Z")
Relating to condom prices, not boxes, my college’s health department sells condoms (Durex) for 10/$1. So, if anyone out there is in school, it could be worth your while to investigate this possibility. ---
**Author:** ![Kalhoun](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/3bc359/32.png) [@Kalhoun](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kalhoun)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2003, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/11 "2003-06-13T13:46:29Z")
Maybe you can purchase direct from the factory (especially if you’re a heavy user). That way, you eliminate the middle man with the pin. ---
**Author:** ![Daftbugger](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/9fc29f/32.png) [@Daftbugger](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Daftbugger)\ **Post date:** [June 13, 2003, 3:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/open-condom-packages-in-drug-store-what-do-you-think/180893/12 "2003-06-13T15:47:50Z")
Over here they come in sealed plastic! But then again, Avanti over here is REALLY expensive