Birth Control Methods: Condoms / Question
Published: November 26, 2007
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I have noticed you have said teens can get reduced-cost condoms in some places. I honestly don't know where to look for them, so are they like, really expensive or something? Also, where can you find them?
Signed: Where Can I Get Condoms?
Dear Where Can I Get Condoms?,
To answer your first question about expense, condoms generally run between $4 and $5 for a three-pack and $10 and $12 for a 12 pack in stores. Keep in mind that these prices are just averages, and the condoms may be more or less depending on the store you are shopping at and the brand and type of condom you are purchasing. For teens who are working or receive allowances, this amount of money may feel totally manageable. However, low-cost or no-cost condoms are available for teens where money might be an issue as it is important that issues of money not get in the way from teens protecting themselves from unwanted pregnancies and transmitting STDs.
If you want to purchase condoms, you can buy them at any drug store or grocery store – the condoms are usually located near the pharmacy counter. Condoms are also available in vending machines, usually located in public men’s restrooms. Family planning clinics, such as Planned Parenthood, or teen health centers, may offer condoms on a no-cost or reduced-cost basis. Finally, some high schools have condoms available for their students available in the nurse’s office.
For more information about condoms and condom use, please read our answer to “Free Condoms” and “Efficiency of Condoms.” And remember the following:
- Never use two condoms at once, as this will increase the chance of the condoms tearing and breaking.
- Use a new condom each and every time you have vaginal, anal, or oral sex.
- FX recommends that teens use condoms each and every time they have vaginal, anal and oral sex to help prevent the transmission of STDs.
- FX recommends that teens use condoms each and every time they have vaginal sex to help prevent pregnancy (keep in mind that pregnancy can be caused by ejaculatory and pre-ejaculatory fluids). FX also recommends that teens use a back-up method of birth control, such as the pill or patch, to prevent against unwanted pregnancies.
- Store condoms in a cool, dry place and do not use them past their expiration date.
- Use water based lubricants on the inside and outside of a condom to prevent breakage.
- Be ready and prepared in advance. Read the directions that come with the condoms you have been given or have purchased. Make sure that you are clear on how to use a condom before you are in the moment of needing it.
- Don’t ever let your partner talk you out of using a condom – your health and well-being are important and should be prioritized by you and your partner!
TeenHealthFX recommends that you and your partner meet with healthcare professionals prior to becoming sexually active to ensure that you are using the best birth control methods for the two of you, as well as to ensure that neither of you has an STD. If you don't have a doctor and live in northern
Signed: TeenHealthFX
About 44% of rape victims are under age 18. Three out of every twenty victims (15%) are under age 12. 
