It's a fact; condoms provide the general public with safer and, in some cases, even more pleasurable sex. If used correctly and consistently, condoms are highly effective at protecting us from the transmission of several sexually transmitted diseases (STDs), including HIV, during vaginal, oral or anal intercourse, and they are 98 percent effective at preventing unplanned pregnancy.

Condoms are a necessary part of many healthy sexual relationships. As a teen myself, I believe having the proper information—minus all the lies, myths and urban legends that many teens believe—is crucial. Let's take a minute to break down some common myths.

Myth #1: You have to be over 18 to buy condoms, and they cost a lot

FALSE: Nope, there is no legal age to buy condoms. The salesperson behind the counter may raise an eyebrow, but he or she can't refuse to sell you condoms or require your parents' permission. And he or she shouldn't make you feel bad for choosing to protect yourself and your partner!

You can buy condoms at grocery stores, drug stores, pharmacies, gas stations, vending machines in bathrooms or over the Internet. They cost, on average, between 35 cents and $2 each. And you can often get condoms for free or at reduced cost at family planning clinics, like Planned Parenthood.

Myth #2: Condoms don't really protect you from STDs.

FALSE: Condoms DO protect from the spread of HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia, syphilis, trichomoniasis and any other STDs that are spread through the exchange of fluids. An Advocates for Youth publication on condom effectiveness reports that in a study done on couples in which one partner is HIV-positive and the other is HIV-negative, the virus was not transmitted during vaginal or anal sex when condoms were used correctly and consistently.

Condoms do not, however, protect users completely from STDs like herpes and HPV because they can be spread through skin-to-skin contact. Condoms only cover the penis, so not all the exposed skin is protected. You must agree though—some protection is better than none!

Myth #3: Wearing two condoms is more effective than just one.

FALSE: This is a common urban legend, since most people believe that "two is better than one." But it is NOT TRUE. Two condoms can create a lot of friction, which can make the condoms break.

Myth #4: Condoms are uncomfortable and decrease my sexual pleasure.

FALSE: As the Trojan slogan says, "Pleasure you want. Protection you trust." Ladies and gents, any guy that tells you a condom is a no-no because using one doesn't feel good, obviously isn't worth it. You CAN get pregnant or get an STD the first time you skip using a condom.

Remember, condoms come in many different colors and flavors, and with a little imagination, they can enhance a sexual experience. Condoms can also help a guy last longer before he ejaculates. Let's put it this way, your potential enjoyment is all a matter of preference and communication.

Myth #5: I'm allergic to latex; therefore, I cannot use condoms.

FALSE: Condoms can either be latex or polyurethane. People who are allergic to latex can use polyurethane condoms, which are as effective and work the same way. In fact, the Durex Avanti condom, which was the first non-latex condom on the market, is made out of unique polyurethane called Duron, and is proven to be twice as strong as latex.

The facts are there; condoms do work! Simply make sure to always check the expiration date and wear them correctly, and you increase the odds that you will have a healthy sexual relationship with less risk of a life-changing drama!