Frequently Asked Questions

To get free condoms from the Condom Access Project, you need to be between 12 and 19 years old and live in California.
You can either pick up free condoms or you might qualify to get free condoms by mail, depending on where you live. Use our Get Free Condoms form to find out how you can get condoms.

You may qualify for free condoms by mail if you are between the ages of 12 and 19 and live in Alameda, Fresno, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento, San Bernardino, San Diego or San Joaquin Counties, or parts of San Francisco.

If you qualify for free condoms by mail, you’ll get a plain, padded envelope sent to the address you provide. The outside doesn’t say anything about condoms.

You get 10 condoms (a variety of types), lube (to reduce the chance of your condom breaking), and some reading material about STDs. In Los Angeles County, your package might include a different brand of condoms (Learn more about LACondom.com.) 

You should receive your condom mailer within 10 business days after you send us your information. If you didn’t receive your package, email teensourceorg@gmail.com. 

If you live in Los Angeles County, get free condoms mailed to you at home from LAcondom.com. If you live outside of California, search Condomfinder.org for places to pick up free condoms, no matter your age.

The CAP map will explain whether you can pick-up free condoms at the site on a walk-in basis or if there are other requirements to getting free condoms (like signing up for medical services). All sites on the map are teen-friendly, but if you have any trouble picking up condoms at a site, let us know at teensourceorg@gmail.com.

Condoms keep you safe by helping to prevent sexually transmitted infections (STIs) during vaginal, anal or oral sex. Condoms are also a type of birth control that can help prevent pregnancy, and can be used with other birth control methods. TeenSource.org has much more information about STI prevention. Learn more about using condoms.

Sexually transmitted infections, or STIs (sometimes called STDs or sexually transmitted diseases), are infections spread from any type of sexual contact including vaginal, anal or oral. Chlamydia, gonorrhea, HPV, herpes, hepatitis B and syphilis are all types of STIs. The only way to be 100% sure to avoid STIs is to not have sex. If you’re having sex, use a condom every time you have sex to help prevent STIs.

When condoms are used correctly they provide significant protection, but condoms do not prevent STIs and pregnancy 100% of the time. Choosing not to have sex is the only 100% effective way to avoid pregnancy and STIs.

The best way to know if you have a sexually transmitted infection (STI) is to get tested. Most people who have chlamydia or gonorrhea don’t have any symptoms. You can have serious long-term health problems if you don’t get medical treatment of an STI.

Find a clinic where you can get free or low-cost confidential testing and treatment near you.

That’s a great question, but only you can answer it. Take time to think about whether you’re ready to have sex. Talk it over with your partner, your parents, or a trusted adult or friend. There’s no rush. Don’t let anyone pressure you into having sex before you’re ready.

Talking about sex with your parents can be awkward. Remember, your parents care about you and can help you make smarter decisions. Even if the idea grosses you out, your parents probably know a lot about sex. Learn how to talk to your parents about sex.

(Hey parents! Learn why condom access is important for California teens.)

If you’re ready to have sex, talk with your partner about protection. Conversations about sex can be difficult, but talking honestly helps you take care of yourself and your partner. Talking about condoms and safer sex is a demonstration of respect for your partner and yourself. Learn about condoms, birth control, preventing STDs, and healthy relationships.

It’s perfectly normal to be nervous about sex, especially if it’s your first time. Get to know your partner emotionally and talk with them about how you’ll have safer sex together. It’s also normal if you’re not ready to have sex. There’s no rush, so take it slow and don’t let anyone pressure you into doing anything you don’t want to do.