Get the information you need

Is it possible to get free condoms?

To find low-cost or free condoms near you, visit condomfinder.org.

What is the best way to order condoms online?

When it comes to buying condoms, some people don’t get any more comfortable over time. It may be difficult for you to find the time to go out and buy or ask for free condoms between school, family, and social life. You can also purchase condoms online.

You can purchase condoms online from a variety of websites, often at a discount. You won’t have to worry about your postman, family, or neighbors knowing you’ve ordered condoms because they’ll deliver them discreetly to your door. An account with PayPal or a credit card is all you need.

Some popular websites for buying condoms include:

• amazon.com
• condomdepot.com
• ripnroll.com

Can you tell me how many condoms you need?

The number of condoms you need may surprise you when you stock up on condoms. Each sexual experience should have at least three to six condoms on hand.

Having sex more than once, putting a condom on upside down, or otherwise needing more than one condom fall under this category.

Choosing the right option for you can be easy if you follow these guidelines:

• Even with the same partner, use a new condom every time you have sex.
• You should change a condom after 30 minutes of sex, since going longer increases the risk of it breaking.
• Only use one condom at a time, and do not use it together with a female internal condom, as friction can reduce their effectiveness.

Having spare condoms is also a good idea in case the ones you’ve purchased break or are defective.

Do not use any condom that:

• has a wrapper that’s torn, discolored, or leaks lubricant
• has small holes or tears in it
• feels dry, stiff, or sticky
• has an unpleasant odor

Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and unwanted pregnancy are both prevented by condom use. The right way to use a non-expired condom can prevent unwanted pregnancies 98 percent of the time.

Shop for these well-known brands if you want to stick to well-known manufacturers:

• Trojan
• Durex
• Lifestyle or Lifestyle’s Skyn line

Easy-to-get contraception

In the United States, the following types of birth control are freely available, without a prescription or in-office procedure:

• contraceptive sponge
• diaphragm or cervical cap
• female (internal) condoms
• fertility awareness-based contraception
• male condoms
• spermicides

Prescriptions are required for contraception

Women and men who are sexually active should visit a gynecologist and urologist respectively. In addition, they can prescribe contraception such as birth control pills or IUDs to make sure you stay healthy while having sex.

It depends on what kind of health insurance your parents have (or don’t have), which usually covers you, whether or not you can get these kinds of contraception.

A prescription is required for the following methods of birth control:

• Oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and progesterone (called “the pill”)
• Only progestin pills are available (called mini-pills), which contain only progestin
• Copper T intrauterine devices (IUDs) can last up to 10 years in your uterus
• Up to five years can be spent with the levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG IUD).
• Three-year hormonal implant that stays in your skin
• The progestin and estrogen hormones are released for three weeks at a time through a hormonal vaginal ring worn inside the vagina
• A doctor must administer the injection every three months
• Three weeks of wearing a patch once a week

Contraception in case of emergency

Women and men who are sexually active should see a gynecologist or urologist. If you need birth control pills or IUDs, they will be able to prescribe them to make sure that you stay healthy while having sex.

Your parent’s health insurance (or lack thereof), which usually covers you as well, determines whether or not you can get these kinds of contraception.

A doctor’s prescription is required for the following methods of birth control:

• Oral contraceptives that contain estrogen and progesterone (called “the pill”)
• The progestin-only pill (the “mini-pill”), which contains only progestin
• The Copper T intrauterine device (IUD) can remain in your uterus for up to 10 years
• An intrauterine device that can remain in your uterus for up to five years is a levonorgestrel intrauterine device (LNG IUD).
• For three years, you can wear a hormone implant under your skin
• An intravaginal ring that releases progestin and estrogen for three weeks at a time
• Usually administered by your doctor every three months, this injection is necessary
• For three weeks, you wear a patch once a week

Emergency contraception

It is not recommended to use emergency contraception as a regular birth control method. If you have not used contraception during sex or if your contraception failed (for example, if a condom broke), you may need emergency contraception pills.

Generally, these pills can be purchased over the counter without a prescription.

Questions and answers about condoms

Do you still have questions about male condoms? Here’s what we’ve got for you:

Do all condoms have the same size?

No: Condoms come in a variety of shapes and sizes. It is possible to have an uncomfortable sex experience if you are not wearing the right-sized condom. Additionally, the failure of a condom could result in diseases being transmitted and the risk of a pregnancy being increased.

Find out which condom size is right for you or your partner with Healthline’s condom sizing guide chart.

What is the best way to fit a condom?

The short answer is to avoid buying condoms that are too tight or too loose. Condoms that are too tight can break and tear, while condoms that are too loose may simply fall off.

Furthermore, a condom that doesn’t fit properly can make your sexual experience less enjoyable. Comfortable condoms are essential.

Is it safer to have sex when you wear two condoms?

No: Do not wear two condoms at the same time. Two male condoms or a male condom and a female condom are both acceptable. It increases the risk of the condoms tearing or slipping off when two condoms are worn simultaneously.

What is the best way to wear a condom?

A male partner about to have sex can use the following instructions to put on a condom:

• The condom wrapper should be carefully opened with your fingers. Use your fingers instead of your teeth to avoid accidentally tearing the condom. Additionally, it usually tastes bad.
• When your penis is hard and erect, place the condom on its head. Pull back your foreskin first if you are uncircumcised.
• Remove the air from the top of the condom by pinching it.
• Your entire penis should be covered by a condom.

When finished with sex, but before pulling out:

• Hold the condom by its base.
• Pull out while holding the condom in place.
• Carefully remove the condom and throw it away in the trash.

What is a good lubricant to use?

If you are experiencing a bit of dryness when it comes to your sexual experience, lubricant (lube) may enhance your experience. When having anal sex, lube is always recommended.

Generally, condoms come pre-lubricated, but if you’d like to add more lubrication, K-Y Jelly or Wet Platinum is the best option.

Condoms should not be used with oil-based products, such as body lotions, moisturizers, massage oils, lipstick, petroleum jelly, or Vaseline. The use of oil-based products can weaken some types of condoms, making them more likely to split and leave you unprotected.

Online shopping is also possible for personal lubricants.

If I have a latex allergy, what should I do?

Condoms can still be used by people with latex allergies. There are several types of condom materials, but latex is the most common. Condoms made of polyurethane, polyisoprene, and lambskin are suitable for people allergic to latex.

Why should I wear a condom?

Male condoms have the following benefits during sex:

• reliable prevention of unwanted pregnancy
• reliable prevention of sexually transmitted diseases, such as chlamydia, gonorrhea, and HIV
• ease of use

How to Use Condoms: Everything You Need to Know

So what’s the big deal?

Preventing pregnancy and protecting against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is made easier with condoms.

If they’re not used correctly, you’re more likely to experience breaks, tears, and other issues that could put you and your partner at risk.

To learn how to use outside and inside condoms, dental dams, and what to do if the condom breaks, read on.

How to determine if your condom is safe to use

Whenever you plan to engage in intercourse, you should ensure that your chosen barrier method is safe to use.

Make sure to:

Check the expiration date. The box or wrapper of every condom or dam contains an expiration date. After this date, the condom should not be used. Broken or torn condoms may be more likely to occur with expired condoms.

Look for obvious defects. A brittle or sticky condom should be thrown away and replaced with a new one. Discolored condoms, condoms with an odor, or condoms with unusual textures should be discarded. Trustworthy condoms are better.

Look for signs of friction. Condoms should not be stored in wallets or purses, but sometimes it’s impossible to avoid it. Make sure the wrapper does not show signs of friction if you do this. Likely, the condom inside has also worn down if the color has worn off. Toss it and get a new one because it’s more likely to break.

Outside condoms protect a barrier. A penis cap captures ejaculate released during orgasm by covering the tip and shaft of the penis.

Vaginal, anal, and oral sex can all be performed with an outside condom. STIs and other bacteria, such as fecal matter, can also be prevented from spreading between partners by using this product.

The correct way to use an outside condom is as follows:

1. Make sure the condom wrapper is opened carefully. Condoms can be ripped or punctured by using your teeth or scissors.
2. Make sure the condom is free of damage or wear and tear that could cause it to fail.
3. One hand should hold the condom rim. With your thumb and forefinger, pinch the condom’s tip.
4. Ensure that the rim of the condom is on the outside as you roll it down the penis. If the rim is not rolling correctly or is under, it should be removed and thrown away. Precum may be on the condom, and trace amounts of semen may be present.
5. Reduce friction by applying a few drops of water-based lube to the outside of the condom. Sensitivity can also be enhanced by the lubricant.
6. Pull your penis out of your partner’s body while it is still erect after an orgasm or ejaculation. With one hand, hold the condom in place while pulling it out. Your partner’s body can be contaminated with semen or fluids if the condom slips.

The inside condom: how to use it

There is a difference in size between inside and outside condoms. They are still comfortable and effective for most people, however. Vaginal sex is the primary use of inside condoms, but anal sex is also possible.

In the same way as outside condoms, inside condoms can prevent pregnancy and reduce the risk of STI transmission.

Here’s how to use an inside condom:

1. The condom should be removed from its packaging. The condom may be torn or ripped if you use your teeth or scissors.
2. Sit in a position that is comfortable for you. Your leg may need to be propped up on a stool or lying on your bed.
3. Between your thumb and forefinger, pinch the smaller, inner ring on the closed end of the condom. Pull the labia away from your vagina using your other hand. Squeeze that has been squeezed.
4. To close the condom, you should slide your forefinger, middle finger, or both into the open end. The condom should be pushed further into the vagina until it reaches the cervix.
5. The outer ring of the condom should be placed on the external hole or vagina. During intercourse, keep it in place. Pull the outer ring back out if it goes into the hole/vagina during penetration.
6. Make sure the penis enters the hole/vagina and not between the condom and the hole/vagina when inserting it into the condom.
7. Pull the condom out of your vagina gently after orgasm or ejaculation, being careful not to spill semen.

To prevent the spread of STIs during vaginal oral sex or anal sex, dental dams are used. Penile oral sex is best protected by an outside condom.

To use a dental dam for oral sex, follow these steps:

1. Be careful when opening the dental dam’s package. Be careful not to cut or tear it open with scissors or your teeth. The dam can be torn or ripped as a result.
2. Check the dam for holes or damage that could reduce its effectiveness.
3. A dam should be placed across the vaginal area or anal area. Dams will remain in place if they are lubricated or if they have natural static. To prevent the dam from slipping too much, you should hold it in place during oral sex.
4. The dam should be folded up and thrown away after oral sex.

Penile oral sex can be performed with an outside condom. Any oral sex should be preceded by this application. The condom should be put on for anal or vaginal sex. A condom should be removed after an orgasm or ejaculation so that no semen is spilled.

Lubricant or spermicide can be added

Condoms can be used with lube. As a result, friction can be reduced and sensation can be increased.

If you’re using latex, polyurethane, or polyisoprene condom, use water- or silicone-based lube. These condoms may fail if they are used with oil-based lubes, such as petroleum jelly, lotion, or baby oil.

Condoms can also be used with spermicide. For the best level of protection against unwanted pregnancy, use a spermicide in conjunction with a barrier method. An external condom can be coated with spermicide, or an internal condom can be coated with spermicide.

The effectiveness of most spermicides is limited to a certain period. Follow the directions on the spermicide’s box, and don’t use it outside the recommended timeframe. The best way to avoid spermicide side effects is to insert it within 30 minutes of intercourse.

After using a condom, what should you do with it?

Remove the condom carefully and fill it with water under a running faucet if you want to confirm that it didn’t break during intercourse. Water will leak through the hole of a broken condom. The condom did not break if there was no leak of water.

The open end of the condom can then be twisted or tied in a knot. Put the condom in the garbage after wrapping it in tissue. Condoms should not be flushed – they can clog your plumbing.

Condoms that break during sex: what to do