SEX Tips

Where and How to Buy Condoms

Ever feel like all eyes are on you when you buy condoms at your local convenience store? Although staying protected is far from shameful, buying condoms can still be uncomfortable. Fear not! Read more about where and how to buy condoms so you can feel more comfortable about getting down and dirty.

Where Can I Buy Condoms?

If you’re wondering about where to buy condoms, you don’t have to go very far. They can be found at some of the following locations:

Convenience stores

Pharmacies and drug stores

Supermarkets and grocery stores

Superstores

Gas stations with mini-marts

Grocery delivery services

Online retailers

Curbside pickup

That’s just the tip of the iceberg, however. Subway stations and airports in some major American and international cities may carry condoms, and they can also sometimes be available in men’s and women’s bathrooms.

Can I Get Free Condoms in Person or Online?

Condoms are typically available for free at pregnancy or sexual health clinics and doctor’s offices. Some community health clinics also offer free protection. However, the downside to these options is that you don’t get to choose the type of condom, so they may not be the most ideal forms of protection in terms of preference or fit.

How Old Do You Have to Be to Buy Condoms?

You do not have to be a certain age to buy condoms, nor do you need parental consent or a prescription. There are no age restrictions to purchase condoms in the United States. There are, however, legal ages of consent to have sex across all 50 states in the US. Know your state laws and follow them.

Do You Need an ID to Buy Condoms?

No, you do not need to provide any form of identification to buy a condom. Contrary to alcohol or tobacco products, there are no age restrictions on buying condoms, so your local store clerk shouldn’t ever ask you to present a driver’s license or ID card.

So, if you rushed out the door in anticipation of sexy time and accidentally left all forms of ID at home, you’re still in good shape.

How Should I Buy Condoms?

Not sure whether to buy condoms online or in person? Let’s take a look at some pros and cons for both options:

Planning ahead for when you *might* get lucky makes sense when it comes to buying condoms, and it’s never a bad idea to have condoms around in case intimate moments turn hot and heavy. You have options in this regard, as you can typically purchase condoms in boxes of 3, 12 or more.

Can I Buy Condoms Online?

You absolutely can buy condoms online. The same rules apply: you don’t have to show ID or proof of age and anyone, at any age, can purchase them freely. Other benefits of buying condoms online include:

Privacy: Rather than risking the unwanted attention of your first-grade teacher or your partner’s parents at the supermarket, you can order from the comfort of your own home.

Selection: Your local convenience store or doctor’s office might not have the condoms you prefer. Purchasing online allows you to pick the ones that fit and feel best.

Availability: Online retailers sell condoms and you can see whether they’re in stock and compare choices.

Cost: Looking for sales or using credit card points or loyalty programs can help you save when buying condoms online or in retail stores. Trojan™ also has value and premium options, from a 36-pack of ENZ™ Lubricated Condoms or a 10-pack of Bareskin™ Raw™.

Buy condoms in bulk: If you're working through 2 condoms a day (or maybe more!), you're going to need a bigger box. Larger quantities of condoms, like a 24-pack of Trojan™ Bareskin™ Everythin™ Pack, can sometimes be easier to find online, depending on your local shop’s shelf space. Finding condom variety packs—such as Trojan™ Pleasure Pack —may also be more common through online retailers.

Something to note if you’re buying condoms in bulk: be sure to store them properly and check the expiration date from time to time, especially if you found one in the back of your nightstand drawer or while fumbling around in your backpack. All Trojan™ condoms are good for three years from the date of manufacture, but it’s still something to keep in mind.

Tips for Buying Condoms in Person

If your best choice is to buy condoms in person, here are some tips to make the experience less awkward:

Do your research beforehand: Take the time to learn about which condoms might be right for you and use resources like the Trojan™ Product Quiz to help you find your condom of choice.

Know your size: If you’re unsure about your condom size, refer to the Trojan™ size and fit guide.

Try a self-checkout option: Some stores have a self-checkout that makes the buying process slightly more discreet.

Be assertive: This might sound trivial, but you should exude confidence when buying condoms! There is no shame in staying protected; safety is sexy!

How Do I Know What Size Condoms to Buy?

Size and fit are massively important in staying protected and understanding what condoms to buy, and Trojan™ has a convenient chart to help you decide what condom is right for you. Turn to the size and fit guide for a better understanding of which condom(s) to buy when you’re gearing up for the no pants dance.

How Do I Know What Type of Condom to Buy?

Condoms come in different shapes, sizes and fits. Some people may need a larger size condom, like a Magnum™. Some people like more room around the head of the penis, while others prefer condoms to fit more tightly. Condoms are also made in different styles, such as lubricated or non-lubricated, ribbed or smooth, and latex vs. non-latex. Some condoms are extra-thin to put as little as possible between you and your partner, while others help you prolong the pleasure.

You can start with a standard, straight-walled, smooth condom, then explore from there to see what feels best. Communicate with your partner about what they like, too, as condoms can up the pleasure for both of you. If either of you are sensitive to latex, choose a non-latex option such as Raw™ Pure Feel™ Non-Latex.

You also want to go with a condom brand you can trust. Protection from pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases isn’t something to bargain with.

What If I Need a Condom Late at Night?

It’s late at night, and with a potentially intimate moment around the corner, you need protection. But you don’t have a condom handy, and your nearby gas station is closed. If there’s a 24-hour convenience store or bodega around the corner, you could always make a trip. But that might mean interrupting the flow of your evening or keeping your partner waiting. What do you do?

If you run into this conundrum, you can likely turn to a grocery delivery service or, in some cases, curbside pickup. Log on to your app, place your order, and let your delivery driver be your wingman. This option keeps things discreet while giving you the resources you need to supply your partner with everything they need ;).

Having condoms delivered might also prove effective in the middle of the day if you’re planning ahead or simply want to pull up, grab your bags and go.

Can I Get Condoms on Campus?

College can be a time of sexual exploration. Did you know that nearly every college and university offer condoms for free? Boston University has a “Condom Fairy ” program that sends condoms and other health information to student mailboxes when requested. Some campuses have Condom Clubs you can join that provide access to protection when you need it. There may even be vending machines that dispense condoms. Head to your campus health center or check with your RA to see what resources your college might offer.

Trojan™ Makes Buying Condoms Easier

Trojan™ condoms are widely available in stores everywhere and online. Not to mention, there are so many Trojan™ condoms to choose from, so you can find your favorite condom(s) or backup(s) whenever the need arises.

Don’t get bogged down by the potential awkwardness of buying condoms. Instead, strap on your confidence and push past your worries.