All quality condoms should have an expiration date. LifeStyles Brand Lubricated Condoms have a five-year expiration date from the time they were manufactured; our spermicidally lubricated condoms, three years.

LifeStyles Brand lot numbers are really easy to read. The first two numbers represent the year; the second two numbers represent the month. So, you can tell that lot number 0006102416, for example, was manufactured in June 2000.

Condoms should not be used after they reach the expiration date.

Latex condoms are virtually 100% natural rubber latex, the origin of which is a tree. All condoms have trace amounts of chemicals, which are not of animal origin. Many condoms, including some of ours, also have a trace amount of casein, which originates from milk.

Please send a written request, indicating when and where the event will take place and what is wanted, i.e. donated product, dollars, etc. Send to: Carol Carrozza, 200 Schulz Dr., Red Bank, New Jersey 07701.

Neither the two lubricant bases, silicone and mono-propylene glycol, nor the spermicide nonoxynol-9 itself are food substances. However, they should not be harmful if ingested in the small amounts present on a condom. Taste may be a larger issue.

Condoms are processed and tested in aqueous environments, and at temperatures in excess of comfort level for human contact, without damage. If the condom remains on the penis, it will be as safe and effective in the water as in more conventional situations. If for some reason being under water makes the condom come off, of course it cannot do its job. It is important to remember also that some bath oils or similar substances may be harmful to latex.

Possible, but not probable. Some people are sensitive to nonoxynol-9, the spermicide used in almost all spermicidal condoms. Nonoxynol-9 is a liquid detergent, which has been judged safe and effective in the amounts present on condoms. Some clinical studies have reported irritation in some subjects who have used spermicidal condoms very often. The vast majority of our spermicidal condom users have no difficulty at all.

The answer to this question has to be "It depends." Since we cannot foresee all the variables, we must assume the answer to all situations is "No, not necessarily." Therefore, we recommend that customers who believe this has happened see their physician.