The Short Answer
Yes. Birth control can expire, and expired products may not prevent pregnancy as reliably. Pills, patches, and rings use printed expiration dates. IUDs and implants have approved lifespan windows based on insertion date. If the date has passed, or storage conditions were poor, switch to backup protection and replace the product.
To avoid last minute surprises, use the bloom app to track refill timing, pack changes, and private reminders.
Key Points:
- All birth control methods have expiration dates or approved lifespans
- Using expired birth control reduces effectiveness
- Storage conditions (heat, light, humidity) affect how long your contraception stays effective
- If you've used expired birth control, switch to a backup method and talk to a clinician
How to Read Expiration Dates on Birth Control
Every prescription birth-control product carries an expiration date on the outer box and on the blister pack or foil pouch itself. If the outer carton is gone, flip the blister strip over - the date is usually printed near the lot number.
Common Date Formats
- MM/YYYY - e.g., 03/2027 means the product is considered effective through the last day of March 2027.
- YYYY-MM-DD - ISO format, sometimes seen on generics imported from the EU.
- EXP or Use by - both mean the same thing: do not use after this date.
Note: The expiration date assumes the product was stored under recommended conditions. If your pills spent a week in a 40 °C car, the effective expiration may be earlier than what's printed.
How Long Does Birth Control Last?
Shelf life depends on the method and manufacturer. Most oral contraceptives last 2–5 years from the manufacture date. Here's a breakdown by type:
Birth Control Pills
Expiration: 2–5 years from manufacture date
Storage: Room temperature, away from moisture and heat
- Check the expiration date on the blister pack
- Do not use pills past the expiration date
- Store in original packaging to protect from light
Contraceptive Patches
Expiration: 2–3 years from manufacture date
Storage: Room temperature, sealed in original packaging
- Check expiration date before applying
- Do not freeze or expose to extreme heat
Vaginal Rings
Expiration: 2–4 years from manufacture date
Storage: Refrigerated until use, then room temperature
- Check expiration date before insertion
- Once opened, use within the recommended timeframe
Hormonal IUDs
Lifespan: 3–8 years (varies by type)
Expiration: Based on insertion date, not package date
- Mirena: Up to 8 years
- Kyleena: Up to 5 years
- Liletta: Up to 8 years
- Skyla: Up to 3 years
Copper IUDs
Lifespan: 10–12 years
Expiration: Based on insertion date
- Paragard: Up to 12 years
- Longest-lasting reversible contraceptive method
Implants (Nexplanon)
Lifespan: 3–5 years
Expiration: Based on insertion date
- Must be replaced at the end of its approved lifespan
- Effectiveness remains high throughout
Depo-Provera (Shot)
Effectiveness window: 12–14 weeks per injection
- Must receive a new injection every 12–14 weeks
- Effectiveness drops after the window passes
Storage Guidance: Heat, Light, Humidity & Travel
Proper storage is just as important as the printed date. Hormones degrade faster when exposed to heat, moisture, or UV light - even before the official expiration.
Room Temperature Is the Rule
Most oral contraceptives should be stored between 20–25 °C (68–77 °F). Brief exposure up to 30 °C (86 °F) is usually acceptable, but prolonged heat degrades hormones faster.
Good Storage
- Room temperature (20–25 °C / 68–77 °F)
- Dry environment (bedroom drawer, kitchen shelf away from stove)
- Original blister pack (foil blocks UV)
- Away from direct sunlight
Poor Storage
- Bathroom medicine cabinet (steam from showers)
- Hot car or windowsill
- Freezer or near a heat source
- Open pill organiser in direct sunlight
Travelling with Birth Control
- Checked luggage: Cargo holds can drop below freezing or spike above 40 °C. Keep pills in your carry-on.
- Hot climates: Use an insulated pouch (no ice pack needed - you just want to buffer extreme heat).
- Time-zone changes: Storage doesn't change, but set a reminder so you don't miss a dose at the new local time. The bloom app can help with that.
- Beach / pool days: Don't leave your pill pack in a bag baking in the sun. Toss it in a shaded cooler bag.
- Staying consistent: If drinking on holiday makes you less likely to remember your pill, read our guide to alcohol and birth control.
What Happens If You Take Expired Birth Control?
The main risk is reduced effectiveness. Over time, the active hormones in birth control degrade - meaning expired pills may not reliably prevent ovulation. The protection becomes uncertain, but taking a single expired pill is unlikely to cause harm.
Expired birth control may also cause:
- Unpredictable bleeding - irregular periods or breakthrough bleeding
- Unexpected side effects - degraded ingredients may behave differently
- Reduced confidence - you can't know how much active hormone remains
What to Do If Your Birth Control Has Expired
If you discover your pack is past its expiration date - or suspect it was stored in poor conditions - here's what to do:
- Stop using it. Expired pills may still contain some active hormone, but you can't know how much. The protection is unreliable.
- Switch to a backup method right away. Condoms are the fastest option while you arrange a new prescription. Similar to missing a pill, acting quickly is key.
- Contact a clinician. A prescriber can issue a new pack quickly - many offer telehealth refills. If you recently had unprotected sex with expired pills, ask whether emergency contraception makes sense for your situation.
- Dispose of expired pills safely. Don't flush them. Mix unused pills with coffee grounds or cat litter in a sealed bag and place in household trash, or drop them at a pharmacy take-back programme.
Important: Taking a single expired pill is unlikely to cause harm, but continued use means your pregnancy protection is uncertain. When in doubt, talk to a clinician.
Signs Your Birth Control May Be Expired or Damaged
Even before the printed date, watch for visual or physical signs that something is off:
Visual Signs
- Pills: Crumbling, discolouration, unusual texture
- Patches: Peeling, discolouration, damaged adhesive
- Rings: Cracking, discolouration, unusual flexibility
- Packaging: Damaged, torn, or punctured foil
Functional Signs
- Patches: Not sticking properly
- Rings: Difficult to insert or remove
- Pills: Taste different or have an unusual smell
- All methods: Unexpected side effects
Replacement Options
- Get a new prescription - contact your prescriber or request a telehealth refill.
- Use backup protection - condoms while you wait for a new pack.
- Consider a different method - this could be a good moment to explore other birth control options, including longer-lasting methods like an IUD or implant.
- Understand the timeline - if you're stopping or switching, learn about how long birth control stays in your system.
Emergency Contraception If Your Pills Were Expired
If you recently had sex while using expired birth control, you may want to consider emergency contraception. Options include:
- Levonorgestrel pills (Plan B, etc.) - available over the counter, most effective within 72 hours
- Ulipristal acetate (ella) - prescription-only, effective up to 5 days after unprotected sex
- Copper IUD - the most effective emergency option if inserted within 5 days, and it doubles as ongoing contraception
Timing matters. Contact a clinician or pharmacist as soon as possible to discuss what makes sense for your situation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you still get pregnant on expired birth control?
Yes. Expired birth control may have lower hormone strength, so pregnancy protection becomes less reliable. Use backup protection right away and replace the expired product.
How long after the expiration date are birth control pills still effective?
There is no reliable grace period. Potency is only guaranteed through the printed date. After that, effectiveness is uncertain.
Is it dangerous to take expired birth control pills?
A single expired pill is unlikely to be toxic, but it may not work well enough to prevent pregnancy. The main risk is reduced effectiveness.
Does heat make birth control expire faster?
Yes. Heat and humidity can speed hormone breakdown. Store pills in a cool, dry place, ideally around room temperature.
What should I do if my birth control just expired?
Start backup protection now, get a new prescription as soon as possible, and ask a clinician about emergency contraception if you recently had unprotected sex.
Can you use birth control pills one month after expiration?
It is not recommended. Even if side effects are unlikely, pregnancy protection is no longer guaranteed.
How should I store birth control while travelling?
Keep it in your carry on, avoid direct sun, and avoid extreme heat or cold. Do not leave packs in parked cars or checked luggage.
Do IUDs expire?
They do not expire like pills, but they do have approved use durations. Replace or remove them on schedule with a clinician.
Where do I dispose of expired birth control?
Use a pharmacy take back option when available. If not, seal pills in a bag with an undesirable substance and place in household trash. Do not flush them.
This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If you have questions about your contraception, speak with a qualified healthcare provider.
To avoid last-minute surprises, track pack dates in Bloom and keep refill timing visible before your next cycle starts.
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