Many people wonder: Does birth control expire? The short answer is yes—all medications, including birth control pills, patches, rings, and injections, have an expiration date. But what happens if you take expired birth control? Is it still effective? In this guide, we’ll break down how to check for expired birth control, its effectiveness after expiration, potential risks, and best storage practices.

Does Birth Control Expire?

Yes, birth control has an expiration date, usually between 1 to 5 years from the manufacturing date, depending on the type. Once expired, the hormones in birth control can degrade, potentially making it less effective at preventing pregnancy.

How to Check If Your Birth Control Is Expired

To find out if your birth control is expired, check: ✔️ The expiration date printed on the packaging (blister pack, box, or prescription label). ✔️ Signs of damage (discoloration, crumbling pills, broken patches, or dried-out rings). ✔️ Storage conditions—exposure to heat, moisture, or sunlight may degrade hormones faster.

If your birth control is past its expiration date or looks damaged, it’s best to replace it with a fresh supply.

How Long Does Each Type of Birth Control Last?

Birth Control Type	Typical Expiration
Birth Control Pills	1-2 years from the manufacturing date
Birth Control Patch	Around 2 years
Birth Control Ring (NuvaRing, Annovera)	4-5 years (NuvaRing is stored in the fridge until use)
Birth Control Shot (Depo-Provera)	Must be used before the expiration date on the vial
Birth Control Implant (Nexplanon)	Effective for up to 3-5 years but must be removed after the recommended time
Hormonal IUD (Mirena, Kyleena, Skyla, Liletta)	Effective for 3-8 years (check manufacturer’s guidelines)
Copper IUD (ParaGard)	Can last up to 10 years (no hormones to degrade)

What Happens If You Take Expired Birth Control?

Taking expired birth control is not recommended because:

• Effectiveness decreases—expired pills may not prevent pregnancy reliably.
• Hormone breakdown—the active ingredients in birth control degrade over time.
• Unknown potency—there’s no way to test how much hormone remains in expired pills, patches, or rings.
• Possible health risks—though unlikely, expired medication could lead to unexpected side effects.

If you’ve taken expired birth control, use backup contraception (like condoms) and talk to your doctor about getting a new supply.

Does Expired Birth Control Increase Pregnancy Risk?

Yes, expired birth control may not work as well, leading to a higher risk of pregnancy. If you: ✔️ Recently took expired birth control and had unprotected sex, consider using emergency contraception. ✔️ Aren’t sure if your birth control is still effective, switch to a new pack or use a backup method.

Can Expired Birth Control Be Harmful?

Expired birth control is unlikely to be dangerous, but it’s best to avoid taking it because:

• It may not provide full protection against pregnancy.
• Inactive ingredients could degrade and affect stability.
• Patches and rings may not release the correct hormone dose after expiration.

To stay protected, always use fresh birth control that’s within its expiration date.

Best Practices for Storing Birth Control to Maintain Effectiveness

To keep your birth control effective for as long as possible, follow these storage tips:

1. Store Pills, Patches, and Rings in a Cool, Dry Place

✔️ Keep them at room temperature (68-77°F or 20-25°C). ✔️ Avoid humidity—don’t store them in bathrooms or near showers. ✔️ Keep them in the original packaging to protect from light exposure.

2. Refrigerate NuvaRing Until Use

✔️ NuvaRing should be refrigerated until opened. ✔️ Once opened, it’s good for 4 months at room temperature.

3. Keep Birth Control Shots and Implants in Proper Conditions

✔️ Depo-Provera must be stored properly and used before expiration. ✔️ Implants and IUDs should be inserted within the manufacturer’s recommended time frame.

4. Avoid Storing Birth Control in Hot Cars or Direct Sunlight

✔️ Extreme heat can break down hormones faster. ✔️ Store in a purse, drawer, or cool cabinet rather than in hot environments.

5. Keep Track of Expiration Dates

✔️ Check your pill packs, patches, and rings before starting a new cycle. ✔️ Set a reminder to replace your birth control before it expires.

What to Do If You Have Expired Birth Control

If you find expired birth control: ✔️ Do not take it—get a fresh supply instead. ✔️ Dispose of it properly—do not flush it; instead, follow local pharmacy disposal guidelines. ✔️ Contact your doctor or pharmacy to get a refill or new prescription. ✔️ Use backup protection like condoms if your new supply is delayed.

When to Talk to a Doctor

Consult your doctor if: ✔️ You accidentally took expired birth control and need advice. ✔️ You need a refill or alternative contraception. ✔️ You’re concerned about pregnancy risk after taking expired birth control. ✔️ You want longer-lasting contraception like an IUD or implant.

Final Thoughts

Birth control does expire, and using it past the expiration date can lower its effectiveness. To stay protected, always check expiration dates, store birth control properly, and replace it on time. If you’re unsure whether your birth control is still good, talk to your doctor or pharmacist for guidance.

References

• U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA). “Drug Expiration Dates: What You Should Know.” www.fda.gov
• Mayo Clinic. “Birth Control FAQs and Safety Guidelines.” www.mayoclinic.org
• Planned Parenthood. “How to Store Birth Control Correctly.” www.plannedparenthood.org