Can u buy condoms at age 13

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 at age 13

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.

How to Buy Condoms: Part 2

June 30, 2018

Can u buy condoms at age 13

Buying condoms can be an intimidating process. But like many things, it’s probably a lot scarier in your head then it is in real life. Need a little help? Worry not, here’s your condom buying manual:

  1. When’s the best time to buy? The best time to buy condoms is well before you actually need to use one. That way if a store closes earlier than you thought or you get some last minute jitters, you still have time for a re-do. If you're worried about running into someone you know, aim to hit up the pharmacy early in the morning (before school) or later at night (on your way home) when it's not a likely time that other people will be doing errands.
  2. Will I get carded? You have to be 18 to buy tobacco products or pornography. You DO NOT have to be 18 to buy condoms. You should not get carded for buying condoms and a clerk cannot legally refuse to sell them to you without looking at your ID. A checkout person also shouldn't ask your age—and if they do, you don’t have to answer. Or, you could say: "You don't have to be 18 to buy condoms and I’m not obligated to share my age with you." You can also just leave and go to a different pharmacy, gas station, or come back when someone else is working.
  3. What if the condoms are behind the counter? Some stores do keep condoms behind the counter. If this is the case, have an advance plan for what brand and type of condom you want.  That way, you avoid this awkward convo:   
    You: "Can I have a pack of condoms?"  
    Check out person: "What brand?"
    You: "Trojan."
    Check out person: "Her pleasure? Ultra ribbed? Magnum? Extended Pleasure? Oh, and do you want a 3-pack or are you going for econo-size?”
    You: “Ummmm……..”
  4. What if you’re embarrassed? You may feel embarrassed walking up to a counter and buying condoms. But chances are, the cashier DOES NOT CARE! Seriously, they’re likely so preoccupied with getting off work (or whatever else is going on in their lives) that they barely even notice—or care—what you’re buying. Besides, this isn’t their first rodeo—they’ve probably sold hundreds of boxes of condoms before selling to you. And, if this pep talk didn’t help you, just go to a place that has a self-check out and then you don’t have to deal with it. 
  5. What if you see someone you know? There is a chance (even if it’s a small one) that you’ll run into someone you know when you’re buying condoms. If you truly think this is a likely possibility, then you might want to drive to the next town over and do your shopping there. Another thing you can do is get a basket and put a big bag of candy in it so you can hide the condoms underneath. That way, if you do run into someone they won’t see what you’re buying, and you can wait to check out until the person you know leaves. You can also buy condoms online (if you have a credit card).
  6. What kind should you buy? There are a gazillion different types of condoms currently on the market. Everyone has their favorite type, but in truth, they aren’t really all that different. If you’re not sure what kind to buy you can always look up reviews online. Be warned though, some condoms come with lubricants that produce different sensations—so unless you’re up for that kind of adventure, you may want to steer clear of any with exotic names. Also keep in mind whether you’re buying latex, nitrile, or some other material; some men and women have latex allergies and will need to steer clear of this very common material.

If money is tight, check out CondomFinder.org. Just type in your zip code and see locations nearby that offer free condoms.

Good luck out there! And good for you for taking the initiative to protect both yourself and your partner. Sex is so much better when the threat of an unplanned pregnancy or an STI isn’t nagging in the back of your head.  

Want to know more? Check out How to Buy Condoms: Part 1 here!

Originally published on stayteen.org on June 30, 2015.

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How old do you have to be to buy condoms at 13?

There's no minimum age to buy condoms. You can be any age, gender or sexuality and are entitled to free contraception until you are 25 years old.

Can u buy condoms under 16?

You can get condoms for free, even if you're under 16, from: contraception clinics. sexual health or GUM (genitourinary medicine) clinics. some GP surgeries.

What is the youngest age a person can legally buy condoms?

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).