Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhy Are Condoms Given Away for Free?Where Can I Find Free Condoms Near Me?Things to Consider With Free Condoms
Table of ContentsView All
View All
Table of Contents
Why Are Condoms Given Away for Free?
Where Can I Find Free Condoms Near Me?
Things to Consider With Free Condoms
This article will cover several tips and strategies to find free condoms near you, along with general safety guidelines to consider when selecting condoms.
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STIs alone are estimated to cost the American healthcare system $16 billion annually.Despite the availability of condoms andsafe sex education, rates of STIs in the United States are some of the highest among high-income countries.
Rates of three commonsexually transmitted infections (STIs), chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis, continue to increase. Data indicates that up to one in five individuals in the United States may have an STI.
While rates of unintended pregnancies have decreased, it is estimated that over 30% of pregnancies are unintended.Unintended pregnancies cost United States federal and state governments around $21 billion every year.
Condoms are an effective, cost-efficient barrier method to prevent STIs and unintended pregnancies. Condoms will prevent pregnancy 98% of the time when used perfectly. With typical use, condoms prevent pregnancy 87% of the time.Typical use accounts for instances where acondom breaks, falls off, isn’t put on correctly, and other factors that can impact condom effectiveness.
Condom availability programs (CAP) in high schools have demonstrated an increase in condom use without an increase in sexual activity. CAP in high schools can be an effective way to reduce STIs among students.
Since condoms are cheap to make and have significant cost-saving benefits, public health initiatives often offer them for free. Companies may also use them in clever marketing campaigns. Instead of giving away a free pen, a reproductive healthcare company may give away free condoms with a logo instead.
Internal (Female) Condom
These condoms are inserted into the vagina, similar to a tampon. They can be used for anal sex, too.
They aren’t as effective as standard condoms but are still a good option for preventing STIs and unintended pregnancies.
There are several free ways to obtain condoms. Some options include:
If you’re seeking a discreet option like mail-order condoms, check to see if your state offers a program.
How Much Do Condoms Cost?The cost of condoms varies depending on the brand. However, condoms tend to average around $1 each if you’re buying them out of pocket. Boxes with more condoms tend to be cheaper per condom. In comparison, a box of two or three of a name brand may cost more than $1 per condom.
How Much Do Condoms Cost?
The cost of condoms varies depending on the brand. However, condoms tend to average around $1 each if you’re buying them out of pocket. Boxes with more condoms tend to be cheaper per condom. In comparison, a box of two or three of a name brand may cost more than $1 per condom.
Whether the condom is free or you purchased it yourself, there are several things to consider. You’ll want to check the packaging as well as the condom itself. It’s a good idea to haveextra condomson hand in case you find one of your condoms has ripped packaging or doesn’t feel right.
Check Packaging and Storage
It’s essential to check the expiration date on the packaging before using a condom. Ensure that the condom isn’t expired before use. An expiredcondom may be more likely to breaksince the materials can wear down over time.
Also, check the packaging integrity. Some dents in the box may be ok. However, if there are any rips, holes, or tears in the package containing the condom, you shouldn’t use it. These defects can cause thecondom to lose its effectivenessbefore its expiration date.
Store your condoms in a cool, dry place. Warm, humid environments can make them break down more quickly. If a condom feels dry or sticky when you take it out, consider using a different condom.
Some Condoms Are Better Than Others
While effectiveness shouldn’t vary much between brands, some condom types may be more effective than others.
Most condoms contain latex. However, if you have a latex allergy, there are latex-free condoms available, such aspolyurethane condoms. There are conflicting data on whether or not these are slightly less effective than standard latex condoms. If used perfectly, they are highly effective. However, they may be more prone to breaking and slipping.
While some may prefer an internal condom, these aren’t as effective as condoms that go on the penis.
Also, it’s important not to combine condom types oruse two condoms at the same time. For example, don’t use both an internal condom and a penis condom together.
Summary
Condoms are an effective tool for preventing STIs and unintended pregnancies. There are several ways to find free condoms near you. You can also have them shipped to your home for free if you live in a state with a mail-order program.
For condoms to be most effective, make sure you’re using them correctly, storing them appropriately, and checking the expiration date before use. It’s a good idea to have a couple extra on hand in case one is broken or expired.
11 SourcesVerywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.CDC.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.Crowley JS, Geller AB, Vermund SH. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States.Patterns and drivers of STIs in the United States.Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm.National Academies Press (US); 2021.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.U. S. Pregnancy rates drop during last decade.United States Joint Economic Committee.The economic impacts of contraception.Planned Parenthood.What is the effectiveness of condoms?Algur E, Wang E, Friedman HS, Deperthes B.A systematic global review of condom availability programs in high schools.J Adolesc Health.2019;64(3):292-304.Planned Parenthood.Internal condom.OHIV.Org.Free condoms.Planned Parenthood.Where can I buy condoms & how much will they cost?Nemours TeensHealth.How Can You Tell if a Condom Has Expired?Steiner MJ, Dominik R, Rountree RW, Nanda K, Dorflinger LJ.Contraceptive effectiveness of a polyurethane condom and a latex condom: a randomized controlled trial.Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101(3):539-547.Additional ReadingKhosropour C, Sullivan PS. Receipt and use of free condoms among US men who have sex with men. Public Health Rep. 2013 Sep-Oct;128(5):385-92.Ndabarora E, Mchunu G. Factors that influence utilisation of HIV/AIDS prevention methods among university students residing at a selected university campus. SAHARA J. 2014;11:202-10. doi: 10.1080/17290376.2014.986517.Renaud TC, Bocour A, Irvine MK, Bernstein KT, Begier EM, Sepkowitz KA, Kellerman SE, Weglein D. The free condom initiative: promoting condom availability and use in New York City. Public Health Rep. 2009 Jul-Aug;124(4):481-9.Sionean C, Le BC, Hageman K, Oster AM, Wejnert C, Hess KL, Paz-Bailey G; NHBS study group; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV Risk, prevention, and testing behaviors among heterosexuals at increased risk for HIV infection–National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System, 21 U.S. cities, 2010. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2014 Dec 19;63(14):1-39
11 Sources
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.CDC.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.Crowley JS, Geller AB, Vermund SH. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States.Patterns and drivers of STIs in the United States.Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm.National Academies Press (US); 2021.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.U. S. Pregnancy rates drop during last decade.United States Joint Economic Committee.The economic impacts of contraception.Planned Parenthood.What is the effectiveness of condoms?Algur E, Wang E, Friedman HS, Deperthes B.A systematic global review of condom availability programs in high schools.J Adolesc Health.2019;64(3):292-304.Planned Parenthood.Internal condom.OHIV.Org.Free condoms.Planned Parenthood.Where can I buy condoms & how much will they cost?Nemours TeensHealth.How Can You Tell if a Condom Has Expired?Steiner MJ, Dominik R, Rountree RW, Nanda K, Dorflinger LJ.Contraceptive effectiveness of a polyurethane condom and a latex condom: a randomized controlled trial.Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101(3):539-547.Additional ReadingKhosropour C, Sullivan PS. Receipt and use of free condoms among US men who have sex with men. Public Health Rep. 2013 Sep-Oct;128(5):385-92.Ndabarora E, Mchunu G. Factors that influence utilisation of HIV/AIDS prevention methods among university students residing at a selected university campus. SAHARA J. 2014;11:202-10. doi: 10.1080/17290376.2014.986517.Renaud TC, Bocour A, Irvine MK, Bernstein KT, Begier EM, Sepkowitz KA, Kellerman SE, Weglein D. The free condom initiative: promoting condom availability and use in New York City. Public Health Rep. 2009 Jul-Aug;124(4):481-9.Sionean C, Le BC, Hageman K, Oster AM, Wejnert C, Hess KL, Paz-Bailey G; NHBS study group; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV Risk, prevention, and testing behaviors among heterosexuals at increased risk for HIV infection–National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System, 21 U.S. cities, 2010. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2014 Dec 19;63(14):1-39
Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
CDC.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.Crowley JS, Geller AB, Vermund SH. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States.Patterns and drivers of STIs in the United States.Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm.National Academies Press (US); 2021.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.U. S. Pregnancy rates drop during last decade.United States Joint Economic Committee.The economic impacts of contraception.Planned Parenthood.What is the effectiveness of condoms?Algur E, Wang E, Friedman HS, Deperthes B.A systematic global review of condom availability programs in high schools.J Adolesc Health.2019;64(3):292-304.Planned Parenthood.Internal condom.OHIV.Org.Free condoms.Planned Parenthood.Where can I buy condoms & how much will they cost?Nemours TeensHealth.How Can You Tell if a Condom Has Expired?Steiner MJ, Dominik R, Rountree RW, Nanda K, Dorflinger LJ.Contraceptive effectiveness of a polyurethane condom and a latex condom: a randomized controlled trial.Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101(3):539-547.
CDC.Sexually transmitted infections prevalence, incidence, and cost estimates in the United States.
Crowley JS, Geller AB, Vermund SH. National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine; Health and Medicine Division; Board on Population Health and Public Health Practice; Committee on Prevention and Control of Sexually Transmitted Infections in the United States.Patterns and drivers of STIs in the United States.Sexually Transmitted Infections: Adopting a Sexual Health Paradigm.National Academies Press (US); 2021.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.U. S. Pregnancy rates drop during last decade.
United States Joint Economic Committee.The economic impacts of contraception.
Planned Parenthood.What is the effectiveness of condoms?
Algur E, Wang E, Friedman HS, Deperthes B.A systematic global review of condom availability programs in high schools.J Adolesc Health.2019;64(3):292-304.
Planned Parenthood.Internal condom.
OHIV.Org.Free condoms.
Planned Parenthood.Where can I buy condoms & how much will they cost?
Nemours TeensHealth.How Can You Tell if a Condom Has Expired?
Steiner MJ, Dominik R, Rountree RW, Nanda K, Dorflinger LJ.Contraceptive effectiveness of a polyurethane condom and a latex condom: a randomized controlled trial.Obstet Gynecol. 2003;101(3):539-547.
Khosropour C, Sullivan PS. Receipt and use of free condoms among US men who have sex with men. Public Health Rep. 2013 Sep-Oct;128(5):385-92.Ndabarora E, Mchunu G. Factors that influence utilisation of HIV/AIDS prevention methods among university students residing at a selected university campus. SAHARA J. 2014;11:202-10. doi: 10.1080/17290376.2014.986517.Renaud TC, Bocour A, Irvine MK, Bernstein KT, Begier EM, Sepkowitz KA, Kellerman SE, Weglein D. The free condom initiative: promoting condom availability and use in New York City. Public Health Rep. 2009 Jul-Aug;124(4):481-9.Sionean C, Le BC, Hageman K, Oster AM, Wejnert C, Hess KL, Paz-Bailey G; NHBS study group; Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). HIV Risk, prevention, and testing behaviors among heterosexuals at increased risk for HIV infection–National HIV Behavioral Surveillance System, 21 U.S. cities, 2010. MMWR Surveill Summ. 2014 Dec 19;63(14):1-39
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