Condoms are a popular way to prevent STIs and pregnancies. If you have never bought a condom, you probably have a few questions. One of which is:
Do grocery stores sell condoms?
Yes, grocery stores do sell condoms. Big stores generally have a good selection, while smaller stores only stock the most popular brands.
If you want to learn more about where to find condoms in grocery stores, why they are sometimes locked up, and where to buy condoms if you don’t want anyone to see you, then keep reading.
Where To Find Condoms In Grocery Stores
In most grocery stores, you find condoms in the health or family planning aisle if the store has one.
If a store has its own pharmacy, condoms could also be located in the pharmacy. Some stores, however, have condoms locked in a cabinet, and you will have to ask someone to unlock it for you.
Does Walmart Sell Condoms?
Yes, Walmart stores stock a good selection of condoms. You usually find brands like Durex, Magnum, Trojan, and SKYN.
If you do online shopping at Walmart, an even wider selection opens up to you. You can get the condoms shipped to you or pick them up at your local store.
Why Are Condoms Locked At Some Stores?
You may be a little shocked by some stores when you walk in to buy condoms. You probably hoped you could find the right aisle, pick some condoms up, hide them among the rest of your shopping and go your own way.
In many stores, that is possible, but as many stores lock condoms up. You can thank thieves for that. Condoms are easy to steal, so stores that have already had a bad experience or want to prevent losing their condom stock will lock condoms up.
You will have to ask someone in the store for assistance.
Should I Buy Condoms In A Grocery Store Or In A Pharmacy?
Some people think that the quality of condoms bought in grocery stores may be worse than in a pharmacy – but that is not true. Pharmacies, gas stations, grocery stores, and all other stores that sell condoms get their stock from the same brands.
A pack of Trojan condoms bought in the grocery stores is just as effective as the same pack you would buy in a pharmacy.
Read Related: Do Grocery Stores Sell Plan B?
Where Else Can I Buy Condoms?
If going out in public to buy condoms makes you feel queasy, then there is good news: You can also buy condoms online – you get them delivered to your home. Nobody will know what’s in the parcel.
You will also find a wider variety of condoms online. Obviously, you should order them well before you need them. There are also great bulk buy offers to save money – even for the big brands. Some examples are:
Trojan Bareskin Condoms are the thinnest condoms you can find in the USA. They are extra thin but still safe to use. There are 24 condoms in a pack.
Suppose you or your partner suffer from a latex allergy. In that case, some brands produce non-latex condoms, like SKYN Original Condoms, which also include 24 condoms per pack.
Are you after something a little more luxurious? Lelo Hex Originals are an interesting option. There are 36 condoms in a pack. These are extra strong but thin and look a little different. This type of condom is one of the most innovative condoms on the market.
Variety packs of condoms are a great way to figure out what type of condom you and your partner like best. The Trojan Nirvana Collection is a popular example, with 24 condoms in four varieties.
Purchasing Condoms Related Questions
How Old Do You Have To Be To Buy Condoms?
You can buy condoms at any age. You do not have to be 18 years old. Teenagers can also buy condoms, and there is no law against selling condoms to underage customers.
Do I Need An ID To Buy Condoms?
No, you should not be asked to show your ID when buying condoms. However, some stores and pharmacies might have a rule about not selling condoms to customers under the age of consent. For some, it is also a personal agenda or ignorance.
In general, you should not run into any issues when buying condoms.
Are Condoms 100% Effective?
No contraceptive is ever 100% effective, but condoms come pretty close. If you use them without making any mistakes, condoms are 98% effective.
The problem is that nobody is perfect, so most users will not quite use the condom the exact right way. This means that a more realistic percentage of effectiveness is 85-87%.
This means that out of 100 women who use condoms to prevent pregnancies, 13-15% will become pregnant if condoms are their only contraceptive method.
Can Condoms Expire?
It might sound a bit strange, but condoms can indeed expire.
Unlike food and drink, that does not mean they go bad and become unsafe to use. An expired condom is not as effective as the one you only bought recently.
Why is that? An expired condom is weaker and dryer, which means it is more likely to break and be ineffective as a contraceptive method.
Final Thoughts
There are many places to buy condoms: grocery stores, pharmacies, gas stations, and convenience stores. You can also do some online shopping – and there’s a wide variety of condoms you can try.
The most important thing to do is to buy condoms before you need them. A last-minute rush to the grocery store does not enhance a passionate evening.