In the US, websites like condomfinder. org will enable you to find local organizations and businesses that distribute condoms for free. [2] X Research source In England, the National Health Service maintains a searchable database of locations that distribute condoms. You can use it to find a distributor near you. [3] X Trustworthy Source National Health Service (UK) Public healthcare system of the UK Go to source
For example, New York City and the District of Columbia have large scale distribution programs. In places where large scale distribution programs are underway, free condoms may be available in local pharmacies, drugstores, or even grocery stores.
If you are a minor concerned about confidentiality, ask your doctor what his or her policy is. You can ask whether the information would be kept confidential from your parents.
Possible sources include health clinics, gynecologists’ offices, and hospitals. Planned Parenthood in the US often offers free condoms. For example, in Oregon you can drop in and receive 12 free condoms. It is confidential, even for minors.
The health center website will likely tell you exactly what is available, where you can get it and when it is available. You can also call the health center or drop by and ask. Chances are, you will be able to anonymously get more than enough condoms with no questions asked.
High schools may make condoms available anonymously through vending machines or freely available in bowls or baskets. In other schools, students may need to obtain them from the school nurse, a counselor, health worker, or other personnel. Some schools have programs with where parents may decide whether these services will be available to their teen.
Check the websites of organizations like TeenSource. org or LAcondom. com. Check the expiration date and do not use expired condoms. They are less reliable. As always, check the condom for tears or pinprick holes.
Make sure the expiration date has not passed. Never used a condom after its expiration date. Examine the condom to make sure it is still intact. If it has small tears or stiff patches, get a new one.
Use lubrication to make sex more enjoyable and reduce the chances of the condom breaking. Use only water-based lubricants with a condom. Examples include Astroglide and K-Y jelly. Oil-based lubricants may break down the latex, increasing the chances of the condom breaking. Don’t use body or massage oils, vaseline, or cooking oils as lubricants.
Start with the rolled up condom at the tip of the penis. The rolled side should be out. Pinch the tip of the condom and hold it in place while you unroll the condom until it covers the entire length of the penis. There should be about a half an inch of space at the tip to catch semen during ejaculation. If you are unfamiliar with how to properly put on a condom, practice on a banana or a model penis.
Do not spill the semen inside the condom. Dispose of the condom in the trash.
A latex allergy is the only reason that a doctor will tell you not to use a latex condom. There are no other health considerations or concerns that would indicate that you should not use one during a sexual encounter.
Don’t carry condoms in your wallet or pants pocket. The friction and bending will weaken the condoms. This will make them more likely to break or get small holes. Glove compartments of cars get too hot to safely store condoms.
