Condoms - NYC Health

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Condoms

Condoms are highly effective in preventing the sexual transmission of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections (STIs). Consistent and correct use of condoms can also prevent unintended pregnancies. You can get free condoms and other safer sex products across the city.

Free products are distributed at local businesses, community-based organizations and health care facilities. The Health Department's NYC Condom Availability Program gives away more than 30 million free safer sex products every year to over 3,500 locations throughout the five boroughs. These free products include male NYC Condoms, internal condoms (FC2) and lubricant. Learn more about the history of the NYC Condom Availability Program (PDF).

Find or Order Free Safer Sex Products in NYC

Individuals

You can get free safer sex products in the mail by ordering through our online Door 2 Door service.

Find a location offering free safer sex products near you:

Search the NYC Health Map.
Call 311.

Organizations

Businesses and other organizations can order free safer sex products to distribute, including branded NYC Condoms, through the NYC Safer Sex Portal.

Enter NYC Safer Sex Portal

For more information about how to get free safer sex products, email condoms@health.nyc.gov or call 311.

Education and Outreach

The NYC Department of Health works with local businesses and other organizations to provide condom education and outreach across the City.

We can distribute products and healthy living literature at your event or conduct customized presentations and trainings for your staff and community.

Complete this form to invite the Health Department to your event.

How to Use Safer Sex Products

If you take pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP), remember that it only protects you against HIV, not other STIs or unintended pregnancy.

How to Use an External Condom (Male)

How to Use an Internal Condom

Do's and Don’ts for Using Condoms (PDF)

Product Concerns or Questions

If you think you used a damaged safer sex product during sex, do not douche the vagina or anus. Douching will not prevent the transmission of disease or unintended pregnancy.

For more options on how to protect yourself, call 311 or see below:

Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is an emergency medication for people who are HIV-negative and may have been exposed to HIV. If you think you were exposed to HIV, call the NYC PEP hotline at 844-3-PEPNYC (844-373-7692), or go immediately to a clinic or emergency room and ask for PEP. You should begin PEP within 36 hours — but not more than 72 hours after — a potential exposure to HIV.

Visit an NYC Sexual Health Clinic for a variety of sexual health services, such as emergency contraception (Plan B) and other birth control options. You can also search for health services on the NYC Health Map.

You can submit concerns or questions about NYC safer sex products online or by calling 311.

Additional Resources

NYC Condom Availability Program Timeline (PDF)

CDC: Condom Fact Sheet

More Information

NYC Sexual Health Clinics

HIV/AIDS

Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs)

Birth Control

Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP)

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)