What's small, comes in different colors, sizes, and flavors, and is 98-percent effective when used correctly?

A condom!

Many teens learned the facts about condoms from sex education class, but do they ever teach you what to look for when you buy condoms? Here are a few tips.

Condoms for Beginners

You don't need to be an expert on condoms to buy them. When I first bought them about a year ago, I didn't know what I was looking for, and I was pretty nervous. Condom shopping wasn't something I learned about in health class. All I knew was how important it was to use them to prevent pregnancy and transmission of most sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).

Photo by Emma Lincoln Patt

There is no right or wrong place to buy condoms, but pharmacy chain stores are the most comfortable ones. You're less likely to run into someone you know at the register.

Condom shopping can be overwhelming if you don't have some idea of what you're looking for. So, here's the 411 on some basic condom types:

• Latex: The most effective at preventing pregnancy.
•  Non-latex: Condoms made from polyurethane or natural materials, like animal skin. But animal skin condoms only protect against pregnancy, not STDs. Polyurethane condoms are good for people who are allergic to latex and are effective at both pregnancy and STD prevention.
• Lubricated: Condoms with a water-based or silicone substance applied that makes them more comfortable to use and easier to put on.
• Female Condoms: Condoms that line the vagina to help a woman prevent pregnancy or STD transmission.
• Spermicide: Some condoms come with the spermicide nonoxynol-9, but frequent use of nonoxynol-9 (several times a day) is not recommended. It's best to use water-based or silicone lubricant.

I found most of these types at my first stop. But they were all locked behind a glass case. (Some stores keep condoms locked away due to theft, but hopefully this won't become a trend.)
 

I knew what I had to do. I asked the pharmacist for assistance. She unlocked the door and locked it once I was done. I felt a lack of privacy, because she stood there as I made my selection, but I quickly made my choice.
 

Now, I know that buying condoms with someone watching isn't the best situation. But it's better than not buying and using condoms at all. It's better to go out of your comfort zone to buy condoms than risk an STD or unplanned pregnancy from just not using them.

Ask Questions

My next stop was a small convenience store. Most of the items inside were easy to find ... except for the condoms. After looking on the shelves, I finally asked a young woman behind the counter where I could find condoms. She told me they were all the way in the back of the store, and that she'd have to help me with my selection. It was awkward to think about someone else having to pull the condoms off the shelf for me, but I understood that some stores have these policies. She explained the different condom types and asked me how many packs I needed. I said one would be enough. If you find a condom that works well for you, you may want to buy the larger pack. Condoms are rarely sold in singles; three and 12 are common numbers for one pack. (Just remember to periodically check the expiration dates on condoms, so you don't use any that have expired.) If condoms are hard to find, ask questions like, "Where do you keep your birth control products?" or "Where can I find condoms?"

Strawberries with That? 

Some teens use flavored condoms during oral sex to make the taste better. Flavored condoms aren't too hard to find; they're usually located with the rest of the condoms. 

On my stop at the next convenience store, I bought my first pack of flavored condoms. They were on a self-serve rack, and I had plenty of time to pick out a flavor. Once I got to the front counter to pay, I just kept a straight face and put my condoms on the counter. The salesman didn't ask my age, because you can be any age to buy condoms. You may find it easier to buy a few other things with your condoms, so it's not obvious that they're the only thing you're getting. At this store, I bought condoms, a drink, and a magazine. The salesman just told me my price.

Don't Forget the Clinics

My final stop was my local Planned Parenthood. Many cities and towns have a Planned Parenthood or another family planning clinic. I felt most comfortable buying condoms at the clinic. There's something reassuring about getting condoms from a place that's dedicated to helping you make decisions about your sexual health care. Because it was a Planned Parenthood, the condoms were four for $1, a very reasonable price. If cost is an issue for you, definitely go to your local family planning clinic. You can get condoms there at less expensive prices and sometimes for free.

Be Prepared

Even if you're not having sex, it's a good idea to get a head start on condom shopping.  Perhaps when you are ready, you'll have overcome any discomfort about buying condoms.  It isn't half bad when you feel comfortable about the decisions you make.

Stay safe and happy condom shopping!
 

Editors' Note: Need to find a family-planning clinic? Look in the yellow pages under "clinics" or "family planning," or click here.