Can u buy condoms under 16?

What is a condom and why does it matter?

Condoms are the only form of birth control that protects against pregnancy AND Sexually Transmitted Diseases – also known as STDs! They work by blocking sperm (and other fluids). Condoms come in many textures, sizes, colors, and materials. They are 85-98% effective and are easy to find! There are two kinds of condoms, the external condom that goes on the outside of the penis and the internal condom that goes inside the vagina or anus. Female condoms can be more expensive and harder to find, but these tips will work just the same!

Do I need to be over 18 to buy condoms?

No, anyone of any age can buy condoms! They are available in many different places like supermarkets, drug stores, gas stations, clinics, and more. Sometimes condoms are stored behind glass or behind the counter but this does not mean you can’t buy them. Just ask for the ones you want!

Step-By-Step Instructions for Buying Condoms:

  1. Find a location that sells condoms.
  2. Pick the condoms you want. Remember that condoms come in many different textures, sizes, colors, brands, and materials. All condoms you buy are effective, and sometimes people like to try different ones until they find their favorite!
  3. If the condoms are behind glass or behind the counter, simply ask a sales person for the ones you want. Don’t be worried. Anyone can buy condoms.
  4. Check the condom box for the expiration date (yes, they expire!) or for any damage. If the box is damaged or is close to expiring, grab a different one!
  5. Take the condoms to the counter and purchase them! Remember, ANYONE can buy condoms. Don’t be embarrassed at the cashier. Your purchase is none of their business. Plus, it’s smart to have condoms on hand!
  6. Store your condoms correctly until it’s time to use them. Condoms should be stored in a room-temperature place like a drawer or cabinet. Condoms should never be stored in a wallet or your car, because it can be too hot and they’ll get damaged!

While it’s easy to buy condoms, you can also get them for free! TeenSource makes it easy for you.

Step-By Step Instructions for Getting FREE Condoms:

  1. Go to http://www.teensource.org/condoms/free
  2. Enter your city, zip code, and date of birth. Teens in some parts of California can order condoms to be delivered to their house and other teens can find free condoms near them!
  3. To have condoms delivered to your house, select that option and enter your name and address. If you do not feel comfortable having the condoms mailed to your own house, you can use the address of a close friend or family member (just warn them ahead of time). The condoms will arrive in an unmarked padded envelope. You can order condoms once every 30 days.
  4. To pick up free condoms, find a location on the map. Locations with a blue dot may require you to fill out paperwork and see a clinician or healthcare provider to get free condoms. Other locations should have condoms available for you to pick up.
  5. Go to the location.
  6. Locate the free condoms or ask someone if you don’t see them.
  7. Store your condoms correctly until it’s time to use them. Condoms should be stored in a room-temperature place like a drawer or cabinet. Condoms should never be stored in a wallet or your car, because it can be too hot and they’ll get damaged!

More Tips!

  • It’s always a good idea to have condoms on hand even if you’ve never had sex. You never know when you or a friend might need them. Having condoms on hand will make you feel more comfortable and prepared!
  • Be confident. Getting condoms shows you are mature and responsible. If you can’t find what you are looking for, ask someone!
  • Condoms can be used with lube but make sure the lube is water-based and does NOT have any oil. Oil-based lubricants including baby oil, coconut oil, lotions, and any food product will actually break down the latex of the condom and make them not work.
  • Condoms should be used only one time. Once you are done with the condom, throw it away!

While condoms are the only form of birth control that protect against pregnancy AND STDs, there are many other methods of birth control. Learn more about birth control options that might be right for you at TeenSource! You can also learn more about STDs, how to get tested and how to prevent STDs. Don’t forget to find a clinic near you to get birth control or STD testing!

Get Involved with TeenSource

The short answer is that you don't have to be a certain age to buy condoms. If you go to your local supermarket, pharmacy or a gas station, the clerk working at the cashier register typically does not ask you for your identification.

So there isn’t really a legal age to buy condoms in the U.S.A. On the other hand, there is a legal age to have sex that is generally referred to as the age of consent, which varies throughout the 50 states in America.

We put together a list of the age of consent by state. All the age groups below are in no way clean-cut answers to the age of consent by state. There are several age scenarios between the partners to make it legal to have sex, and laws change over time. There are serious jail sentences in every state for breaking these laws.

Can u buy condoms under 16?

Age of 16

Sixteen is the age of consent if you live in Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Connecticut, District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Main, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Vermont, Washington or West Virginia.

Age of 17

Seventeen is the age of consent if you live in Colorado, Illinois, Louisiana, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, New York or Texas.

Age of 18

Eighteen is the age of consent if you live in Arizona, California, Delaware, Florida, Idaho, North Dakota, Oregon, Tennessee, Utah, Virginia, Wisconsin or Wyoming.

Let's get back to the buying part for the moment.

Where to buy?

You can buy condoms from any place like drugstores, selected grocery stores, gas stations and even online.

When to buy?

If you think you might need condoms, you should make a small investment to buy some, so you always have them around when the time comes. Depending on the brand and quantity, a box/pack of 12 condoms usually goes for around $10. You can also get free or low cost condoms at many health centers. So speak with your health care provider if you are in need and they will point you in the right direction.

What kind to buy?

With a plethora of condoms out there it can feel like a difficult task to choose, especially when it's new for you. We are here to tell you that it's not difficult at all. There are a handful of brands out on the market, and you get to choose from four sizes and several types. Do a little bit of research and you'll be in to know about condoms in no time.

How many to buy?

Condoms come in boxes or packs. Box count varies by manufacturer, but 10 or 12 counts are the most usual. Depending on the type of the material and some other factors, the general shelf life is at least several years. That fact alone shows that you have a long time to put your condom pack to use.If for whatever reason they expire before you could use them, toss them and buy new ones.

To sum it up

You do not have to be a certain age to buy condoms nor do you really need to have parental consent to obtain condoms. If you are a child, who obviously hasn’t reached the age of consent in your state, you may get questioned, and rightfully so.

Some government agencies do provide condoms for teens for free. Their selection is limited so don't expect otherwise. And, you will also have to face the person working there. So if this is something you simply don't want, do it the modern way. Buy condoms online, and everything should be hassle-free regarding the awkward moments.

And, if you are serious about your sexual health, investing a few dollars to premium branded condoms is a wise choice to make.

Can we sell condoms to under 18?

Anyone can buy condoms from a supermarket or pharmacy without being asked for ID to prove their age. The legal age for sexual consent in NSW is 16 years, regardless of the person's gender or the gender of their partner(s).

How can I buy condoms without being awkward?

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.

Can I buy condoms at self checkout?

Don't worry, there is no age restriction or any prescription required to BUY condoms. Condoms are a normal part of life, everyone has sex, the supermarket workers will not think twice about anything you buy. That being said, yes you can buy condoms at self checkout!