Durex has recalled 10 batches of condoms because they might burst during sex.
The company’s six, 12 and 18-packs of ‘Real Feel’ and latex-free condoms failed to pass tests of their burst pressure as they near their use-by date, Durex warned.
All the condoms were made this year and are on sale in the UK – they have an expiry date of between December 2020 and February 2021.
Durex says condoms in the batch could burst more easily than normal, and a health authority warns this could lead to a risk of unwanted pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections.
People have been warned not to use the condoms if they think they are from an affected batch, and to return them for a refund.
Durex, one of the UK’s major condom manufacturers, recalled the products on Monday, July 30.
The recall specifically affects the non-latex Durex Real Feel and the Durex Latex Free condoms, but none of the company’s other products.
These condoms failed to pass ‘rigorous’ quality tests, the company revealed, but it says there is no immediate safety concern for customers.
Durex said: ‘Our tests have shown that some batches which are currently on the market in UK and Ireland do not pass the requirements for burst pressure towards the end of the shelf life for the product.
‘Our condoms are intended to provide a method of contraception and prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) through a non-latex barrier that offers a benefit to consumers sensitive to latex.
‘Only for the batches of condoms affected by this issue, there could be an increase in the number of condoms that burst during application or use.’
Condoms are the only method of protection against both sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy, and male condoms are 98 per cent effective when used properly.
However, they can split, which means a woman could become pregnant or sexually transmitted infections could pass between partners.
Durex advises people to seek advice from a doctor or pharmacist as soon as possible if a condom leaks or bursts during use.
It added there was no immediate safety concern but it had decided to recall the products after consulting with the relevant regulatory authorities.
‘Anyone using affected batches are advised to stop use over concerns they do not meet safety standards,’ the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) said in a statement.
‘There is a risk that the condom might tear or leak reducing its protection from sexually-transmitted diseases and pregnancy.’
John Wilkinson, the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency’s (MHRA) director of medical devices said: ‘It’s important that you check the batch numbers to see if you have a product from an affected batch.
‘If you have, stop using them as there is a risk that they will tear or leak. If you have any questions, please speak to your healthcare professional or sexual health provider.
Our highest priority is making sure that all medical devices are acceptably safe and work effectively.’
He urged anyone with any concerns about condoms or any medical device to report it to the MHRA.
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