You can legally buy condoms at any age. And if you're curious about how to get condoms, what to expect when using them, and how to make using them better — here's everything you need to know.
MYTH: You have to be 16 to buy condoms. TRUTH: There is no age limit preventing the purchase of condoms at a pharmacy, or from getting medical advice about contraception without parental consent.
There is no age limit preventing you from buying contraception like condoms at a chemist, or from seeing a doctor about contraception without parental consent. Certain medical contraceptives, such as contraceptive pills, require a prescription that you can only get from a doctor.
Condoms are very easy to buy - you'll find them at supermarkets, pharmacies, convenience stores, petrol stations, and online. It's also pretty easy to find free condoms, if you happen to be short on money. You can ask your doctor, sexual health clinics, Family Planning clinics, and your university campus.
Condoms generally come in three sizes: snug, standard, and large. Snug and large condoms are often labelled clearly, while standard condoms often don't mention sizing at all.
You can legally buy condoms at any age. And if you're curious about how to get condoms, what to expect when using them, and how to make using them better — here's everything you need to know.
Add 1 Skyn Original Condoms 40 pack on special for $27.00.
Condoms have very different lifespans, depending on the material they're made of and whether they have proper storage (Mahdy, 2020; National Coalition, 2021; FDA, 2020): Latex condoms last for up to five years. Polyurethane condoms last for up to five years. Polyisoprene condoms last for up to three years.
As a general rule, male latex condoms should be kept away from extreme temperatures (above 40°C or 104°F) and away from moisture and humidity. Even ozone, emitted from fluorescent (ultraviolet) lighting can destroy condoms within just a few hours.
DON'T store condoms in your glove compartment or any other place that gets extremely cold or hot. This can damage or degrade the condom (e.g., freezing from cold or wearing down from heat).
Condom manufacturers recommend that condoms are transported and stored in a cool, dry place below 37 °C or 100°F. It is not likely that short periods at high temperatures or near freezing will compensate the integrity of the condoms.
Are condoms 100% effective? No type of condom prevents pregnancy or sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) 100% of the time. For better protection from pregnancy, many couples use condoms along with another method of birth control, like birth control pills or an IUD.
For external condom length, use these general guides: Standard external condoms have a length of 7.25 inches to 7.8 inches. Snug external condoms have a length of 7 inches to 7.8 inches. Large external condoms have a length of 7.25 inches to 8.1 inches.
Remember Sellotape, sometimes called 'sticky tape' or Durex tape. I remember Bear Brand Tape and Scotch Tape too when we were kids. Just from memory I think as kids we used to call all sticky tape 'Durex', which of course ended up having quite a different meaning.
Try self-checkout. Instead of using the checkout line, buy your condoms from a store that has an automated checkout, where you scan your purchases and bag them yourself. This will allow you to avoid talking to a cashier. Most grocery stores and large retailers have self- checkout stations.
ONE Condoms and Lubricants are available on our website and in select retail stores across USA and Canada, such as CVS, Walgreens, Hannaford, Shoppers Drug Mart, Loblaws, Walmart, and Weis. Visit the store locator below to find a store near you.
GLYDE Slimfit - Snug Fit Condoms - 12 Count - Ultra-Thin, Vegan, Non-Toxic, Smaller Size Natural Rubber Latex - 49mm for Tighter Fit.
On average, condoms cost about a dollar each, but it may be less or more depending on the brand, store, and package — most of the time larger packs end up being a better value. Boxes of 3 go for about $2 to $6. In packages of 12 or more, condoms usually cost less than $1 each.
Small - 50 mm (1.97 inches) +/- or smaller. Standard - 52 mm (2.05 inches) +/- Large - 54 mm (2.13 inches) +/- XL - 56 mm (2.21 inches) +/- or larger.
Summary. Using condoms the right way can help prevent pregnancy and lower the risk of getting a sexually transmitted infection (STI). But certain factors can lead to condom failure, like using expired condoms, storing at the wrong temperature, or using an oil-based lubricant.
No, you should never use more than one condom at a time. Using two condoms actually offers less protection than using just one. Why? Using two condoms can cause friction between them, weakening the material and increasing the chance that the condoms might break.
NEVER store condoms in the cubbyhole or boot of your car, where they can easily overheat and get damaged. Other no-nos include back pockets (where they'll constantly be sat on and worn down), your wallet, and/or any other place where they can be damaged by corrosion or temperature (either too hot or too cold).
Most all condoms have a 5 year expiration date from the time of manufacture but condoms that contain spermicide will only have a 3 year expiration date.
Extreme heat — around 104°F (40°C) — can make latex weak or sticky. As a rule of thumb, avoid storing condoms in places where the temperature can vary. This includes near a window, furnace, and in your car. Exposure to ultraviolet light can ruin condoms in only a few hours.