How to Buy Condoms Discreetly

Last Updated: July 25, 2022 Approved

Buying condoms is a normal thing to do if you are engaging in sexual activity, but it's also normal to feel a little awkward while purchasing them. Luckily, though, there are ways to do so without feeling nervous or bringing much attention to yourself. The most important thing is to remember that you're being responsible by practicing safe sex!

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Preparing to Buy Condoms

1
Relax and keep your cool. Take a deep breath and remember that buying condoms is responsible and normal. You will probably feel like everyone is staring at you and the cashier is judging you. In reality, people are not paying that much attention to you. You are not the first person who has ever come to the store to buy condoms.
2
Do your research. Figure out what type of condom you are going to purchase before beginning your mission. Determine the brand, condom size, and material (e.g. latex, polyurethane, lambskin) you prefer.^{[1]
X
Research source} Going into the store with a specific condom to buy will keep you from spending extra time in the store. Pick out a few options in case the store does not carry one of the brands you are interested in buying.
- Also, find out how much the condoms will cost. You want to be prepared when you go to the store.
- Only consider brands that are FDA approved.
- If you are a guy, measure your erect penis to help you choose the right size condom. You can also use an online condom calculator to help you make a decision.
- Search online for condoms, and read reviews.
- Feel free to experiment with different types and sizes of condoms.^{[2]
  X
  Research source}
3
Choose a store that is not close to where you live. Purchasing from a store that is 20 or 30 minutes away can keep you from running into people that you know. You may also feel calmer knowing that you probably will not see your family, friends, or classmates.
- Visit the store before you buy your condoms. Take a few minutes to see what section (e.g. family planning aisle, pharmacy, etc.) the condoms are located. If the condoms are kept behind a counter, you may want to purchase your condoms from a different store.
4
Plan to shop during off peak hours. Visit the store when it's relatively quiet and there are only a few other shoppers. Stores are less busy in the early morning hours and very late at night. You will not have to worry about running into other people in the aisles or other people noticing that you are buying condoms.
5
Think of the condoms as just another item. Think of your condoms as just another personal care item that you are buying like toothpaste, shampoo, or deodorant. Changing your mentality can help you be less nervous. Simply include that aisle during your shopping trip, pick out what you are looking for and continue shopping.
- Appear calm and confident when you purchase the condoms. You do not want to draw extra attention to yourself because you are acting nervously.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Making your Purchase

1
Buy a few other items. While not necessary, you might feel more comfortable if you buy a few things and put them in your cart before buying condoms. This way, you are not standing at the counter with nothing but a box of condoms. You can also use the other items in your cart to cover up the condoms. This way other people will not be able to look in your basket and automatically see the condoms.
2
Go to a convenience store. Convenience stores and gas stations often sell condoms as well. These stores are smaller and have less people. If you purchase from a convenience store, you may have to talk to the cashier and let him or her know that you need to buy condoms, as most times they are located behind the counter. If you do not mind interacting with the cashier, but want to avoid large crowds, this may be an option for you.^{[3]
X
Research source} Sometimes the bathrooms have vending machines that dispense condoms and other small sex-related items.
3
Use cash and throw away the receipt. Throw away your receipt at the store. You do not want to walk around with a condom receipt in your pocket, wallet, or jacket. If you throw away the receipt as soon as you walk out of the store, you do not have to worry about a parent or friend finding out about your purchase. If your parents monitor your credit card/debit card spending you may want to buy the condoms with cash. You will not have to answer any questions about a charge in your card.
4
Try self-checkout. Instead of using the checkout line, buy your condoms from a store that has an automated checkout, where you scan your purchases and bag them yourself. This will allow you to avoid talking to a cashier. Most grocery stores and large retailers have self- checkout stations.
- If self-checkout is not an option, paying for the condoms at a more secluded register in the back (e.g. the hunting section or automobile section) is a good way to avoid crowds of people and you can sometimes also avoid long lines.
5
Buy in bulk. Buying condoms in bulk will keep you from having to go to the store so much. Keep your extra condoms in a cool, dry place. Check the expiration date before you use the condom. If a condom is expired or damaged, it will not be effective.
6
Buy them in an adult store. If you're over 18, you can visit an adult store to purchase condoms. You will not feel out of place at an adult store because everyone there is buying sex-related items. The people who work at an adult store are usually very knowledgeable about the merchandise and can answer any questions you may have about the different condom options.
7
Buy condoms online. There are plenty of websites that will let you order condoms and have them delivered to your home. The condoms are usually delivered in plain, discreet packaging as well. They typically require payment for debit or credit card but will use a much more discreet name on the bill. You won't have "Jack's Sex Shop and Condom Store" on any of your card bills. If you don't have a credit or debit card, you can go to a store to buy gift debit cards that can be used mostly anywhere debit cards of that credit card company is accepted.
- Simply search, "buy condoms online," to find a site where you can purchase condoms.
8
Go to a clinic. Teen clinics and HIV/STD prevention centers, Planned Parenthood, and some local health departments offer condoms free of charge with no questions asked. If you have questions, there will be people there who will be genuinely happy to answer them.
- You can call the clinic or visit the website to make sure that they provide free condoms.

Expert Q&A

Question

Is it embarrassing to buy condoms?

Jacqueline Hellyer
Licensed Psychosexual Therapist
Jacqueline Hellyer is a Licensed Psychosexual Therapist and the Founder of The Love Life Blog and The LoveLife Clinic. With over 20 years of experience, Jacqueline specializes in sex advice, sex tips, and relationship advice. In addition to being an accredited Psychosexual Therapist with the Society of Australian Sexologists (SAS), Jacqueline is also a Professional Certified Coach with the International Coach Federation (ICF). Jacqueline holds a BSc in Biochemistry and Human Sciences from The Australian National University, a Graduate Diploma in Applied Science from the University of Canberra, a BA in Languages and Literature from the University of New England (AU), an MSc in Sexual Health from The University of Sydney, and an MSc in Consciousness, Spirituality & Transpersonal Psychology from The Alef Trust. Her work and expertise have been featured in Australian Men’s Health, Cosmopolitan, Australian Women’s Health, Marie Claire, and 60 Minutes.

Jacqueline Hellyer

Licensed Psychosexual Therapist

Expert Answer

Not at all! Buying condoms is a very normal thing to do, whether you're young or old. Try buying a variety pack if you don't have a lot of experience buying condoms—you can try different types and sizes and see what's comfortable for you.