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07/23/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 07/23/2024 14:07

Where Can I Get Free Condoms in My State

Key takeaways:

  • Free condoms are available in every U.S. state and Washington, D.C.

  • Many states have programs that will send you free condoms by mail - and sometimes lube and other sexual health products.

  • Consistent and correct condom use helps prevent pregnancy and the spread of sexually transmitted infections.

GoodRx

Many over-the-counter birth control options, including condoms, are available at drug stores, convenience stores, and supermarkets. But even if you know where to buy condoms, you may hesitate to purchase them in person. Maybe you're embarrassed, don't want people to know you're sexually active, or can't afford them.

Because this form of birth control is so effective, health departments, healthcare organizations, and advocacy groups in every state and Washington, D.C. give away condoms at no charge. And in many cases, you can order them for home delivery. Here's what you need to know about where to get free condoms in your state.

Why are condoms given out for free?

Data from the CDC shows that condoms reduce sexually transmitted infections (STIs) - also known as sexually transmitted diseases or STDs - including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

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  • You can get free and low-cost birth control. Because of the Affordable Care Act, many kinds of birth control are covered by insurance as preventive care without cost-sharing.

  • There's a condom for female anatomy. In addition to external condoms for people with male anatomy, there are internal condoms known as female condoms.

  • Vasectomy saves money over the long term. Birth control for people with female anatomy can cost more than $2,000 a year. But a vasectomy is permanent sterilization that can cost less than $1,000.

Free condom distribution programs make it easier and more affordable to access and use condoms, which:

  • Promotes abstinence or delay in sexual activity among young people

  • Reduces unplanned pregnancies

  • Lessens exposure to HIV and other STIs in sex workers, men who have sex with men (MSM), and other groups with higher rates of these conditions

  • Lowers future healthcare costs

You don't need a prescription for a condom.

Where can I get free condoms?

Many organizations host free condom distribution programs for in-person pickup or delivery by mail, including:

  • State and local government health departments

  • Reproductive health and family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood

  • Community health centers

  • College or university student health services

  • Reproductive health and family planning advocacy groups

How to get free condoms in my state

To find condoms near you, locate your state (or Washington, D.C., if you live there) below.

States:A-F | G-L | M | N-P | R-W

A-F

Alabama
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Free condoms by mail: Not available

Pick up condoms and lubricant at these locations:

Alaska
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Free condoms by mail:

  • I Know Mine (Alaska Native and rural Alaska youth only)

Pick up at these locations:

Arizona
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Free condoms by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

Arkansas
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Free condoms by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

Colorado
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

  • Vivant Health (Denver metro and Pueblo County residents only; 25 per order)

Pick up at these locations:

Connecticut
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

Delaware
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Free condoms by mail: Not available

Pick up at these locations:

G-L

Georgia
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

Hawaii
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Idaho
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

Louisiana
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M

Maine
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Free condoms by mail: Not available

Pick up at these locations:

Missouri
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

Montana
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

N-P

New Hampshire
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Free condoms by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

North Dakota
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Free condoms by mail: Not available

Pick up at these locations:

Oregon
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

R-W

Rhode Island
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Free condoms by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

South Dakota
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Texas
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

Utah
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Washington, D.C.
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

Wisconsin
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

Pick up at these locations:

Wyoming
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Free condoms and lube by mail:

  • KnoWyo (10 condoms and 10 pouches of lubricant per month)

Pick up at these locations:

National free condom locator tools

Didn't find what you needed? Use one of these locators for additional information on free condoms near you:

How to use a condom correctly

Condoms only work if you use them correctly and consistently. Here are five tips for storing and unwrapping condoms:

  1. Store condoms in a cool, dry place. Keeping them in your wallet or bag generates heat and friction, which can damage condoms.

  2. Check the expiration date. Don't use expired products. They're more likely to break or fail.

  3. Feel for a small air pocket before opening the package. Throw out any package without the bubble.

  4. Open the package carefully. Tear gently along a far edge.

  5. Throw out torn or damaged condoms. They're unlikely to provide protection.

Frequently asked questions

Are there different types of condoms?
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Yes, there are many types of condoms. Condoms vary by material (latex versus nonlatex), texture, and even flavor. Most condoms are designed for the external male anatomy. But there are also female condoms that are structured for use inside the body.

How can I access free or low-cost birth control?
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Under the Affordable Care Act, many forms of birth control are considered preventive care - which means they are covered by health insurance without cost-sharing from the consumer. This includes contraceptives and surgical sterilization for people with female anatomy. If you don't have insurance, you may be able to access low-cost birth control from family planning clinics such as Planned Parenthood.

Is there a new over-the-counter birth control pill?
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Yes, Opill hit retail shelves and the online marketplace in early 2024. It is the first FDA-approved, over-the-counter birth control pill. That means you can get this medication without a prescription.

Opill is up to 98% effective in preventing pregnancy with perfect use and about 91% effective with typical use. But it doesn't protect you from STIs like condoms. Opill costs about $15 to $20 a month, depending on the quantity you choose. Its manufacturer has an assistance program to make it affordable for eligible consumers who don't have health insurance.

The bottom line

Every state and Washington, D.C. has multiple options for free condoms by mail or available for pickup. Many offer kits that include lubricant and other safe sex products. Free condom distribution provides affordable and judgment-free access to highly effective prevention for unplanned pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections.

References

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2019). Condom distribution as a structural level intervention.

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2024). How to use a condom.

GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.

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