You can buy condoms at most supermarkets, chemists, pharmacies, convenience stores, petrol stations and some Youth Health Centres and Sexual Health Clinics. It’s best to decide what size condom you want before going shopping, as it can be easy to get overwhelmed by the choices.
You can also shop online, which takes the awkwardness out of the situation as you don’t need to talk to a cashier.
1. Pharmacy
The most obvious place to buy condoms is at a local pharmacy. While it may feel awkward at first to walk up to the counter and purchase a pack of the sex toys, remember that it is your right to protect yourself from pregnancy and STDs. If you do feel uncomfortable, you can always ask to speak with a pharmacist.
In addition to pharmacies, you can also find condoms at many gas stations, convenience stores, and even some supermarkets – This section is the result of the service experts’ research Sensuous Secrets. Some locations may store the condoms behind glass or in a locked cabinet, but that doesn’t mean you can’t buy them there. If you have trouble finding condoms at a convenient location, you can also visit a sexual health clinic. Teen clinics, HIV/AIDS prevention centers, Planned Parenthood and other community health services often have a supply of condoms available for free.
There is a common urban legend that a young man with a blind date arranged by friends stops by a drugstore to pick up some condoms one afternoon, only to discover that the female pharmacist who helps him is his date’s mother. While this isn’t necessarily a problem, it does underscore the importance of choosing a discreet and private location to purchase condoms. The next best option is to buy them at a local department store, where you will be less likely to run into someone you know.
2. Convenience Store
Condoms are widely available in convenience stores, and you can buy them without a prescription. While it might seem embarrassing to buy them while you’re out and about, remember that people aren’t usually looking for condoms in the store (and even if they were, they wouldn’t care). To avoid feeling embarrassed, go in with a plan. Figure out what brand, size and texture of condoms you want ahead of time.
You can also purchase condoms in bulk and save some money by buying in packs of 12 or more. Some boxes cost about $2 to $6, and you can often get them for less than $1 each if you buy them in larger packages. You can also find affordable or free condoms at Planned Parenthood health centers, teen clinics and HIV/STD prevention centers, community centers, college health centers, and doctors’ offices.
If you have a latex allergy, there are condoms made of soft plastics like polyurethane or polyisoprene that are safe for you. You can even buy nitrile condoms that prevent pregnancy, but they don’t protect against HIV or other STDs. Condoms come in a variety of colors and scents too, so choose the one that’s most fun for you! Some come in different textures for a more natural feel or are specially designed to fit large penises.
3. Conbini
If you’re in a pinch and can’t find condoms at your local convenience store or pharmacy, head to your neighborhood department store for a bigger selection. Many stores in Tokyo carry a range of brands, and some even stock lube and sex toys to make it easier to get the job done.
Look for brands such as Trojan, Durex and Kimono. Each has a wide variety of prophylactics to suit the needs of different partners. From flavored condoms (perfect for oral sex) to super-thin prophylactics, there are plenty of options. If you’re afraid of running into someone you know while picking up your condoms, try buying them in the morning or late at night when it is unlikely that people you know will be doing errands in your area.
You can also purchase condoms online, which might be better if you want to avoid human interaction altogether. If you do buy your condoms in person, consider using cash and swiping your credit card in a register in the back to hide what you’re actually purchasing.
The main thing to remember is that regardless of where or how you purchase them, condoms protect against both pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). And don’t be intimidated by the variety of brands, sizes, textures, colors and shapes of condoms—they all do the same job.
4. Department Store
Buying your condoms online is more convenient and provides a level of privacy that’s hard to beat. You can even order them and have them delivered to your hotel or home if you’re planning on staying somewhere for a while.
You can also pick up free condoms from certain locations (look for a blue dot on the map) by seeing a clinician or healthcare provider. They may ask you to fill out paperwork or show your ID before giving you a pack.
It’s a good idea to know which condom size and type you want before going to the store. It will save you time scrounging up and down the condom aisle and it will help you avoid purchasing a pack of generic latex rubber or polyurethane condoms. Decide whether you want a regular size, magnum or couple’s pack and choose the right material for your partner and yourself.
Some stores keep their condoms behind the counter or in a locked case so you’ll have to ask a shop attendant to get them for you. That can feel a bit awkward and public. But it’s a normal part of having a responsible sex life. Besides, the chances of you running into someone you know at the store are very slim anyway. And if you do run into somebody, they’ll probably be more interested in the candy in your basket than what’s inside your jimmyhat.
