Sex sells. Not only does sex sell clothes, music, movies and mostly everything else the media tells us is sexy, but it also sells protection.
The condom industry is a multi-billion dollar industry, and companies are successful in selling them because they know no one wants any sexual encounter to result in an STD, and also because not everyone wants to get pregnant.
Since I graduated high school and came to Northeastern, I have become more sexually active. I went to an all-male private Catholic high school so, strictly speaking, I had no sex life until college.
As I was becoming more sexually active, I was preparing myself for everything that comes along with it – including the money I’d be dishing out for protection. For many, the use of condoms isn’t even questioned, nor should it be. Yes, condoms can be expensive and maybe even a little uncomfortable, but the benefits – both long – and short-term – make them worthwhile.
I have never engaged in sexual intercourse without wearing a condom for a couple reasons. Firstly, there’s the whole pregnancy thing. I don’t want to, nor am I ready to, impregnate any woman who is not yet my wife – and I’m definitely not ready for marriage anytime in the near future. Secondly, with all of the potential risks and dangers that come with STDs, practicing safe sex is imperative for me.
As much as we want to believe our partners when they tell us they’re healthy, we can never be sure of anything or trust anyone but ourselves. That’s why I urge all men to play it safe, and wear a condom. I don’t mean to put all the responsibility on us guys. I think women should fulfill their roles as well by taking birth control and/or taking whatever measures they need to in order to protect themselves and their partners from the health and pregnancy risks involved.
If the situation arises in which you, or your partner, are concerned that something is not right, whether it could have been avoided or not, it doesn’t matter. You must remember that you are not alone. People make mistakes; we all do. And instead of dwelling on the issue, try doing something about it.
Right here on campus, at the University Health and Counseling Services (UHCS), there are several testing options offered. In addition to confidential STD screenings, UHCS also encourages students to discuss their sex lives and to ask counselors any questions that they may have.
If for whatever reason you do not feel comfortable reaching out to the health office here on campus, you can look into one of the following testing centers and clinics: Planned Parenthood is located at 1055 Commonwealth Ave. To make an appointment, call: 800-258-4448. Also, there is a Local STD Testing Center located at 319 Longwood Ave. To make an appointment, call: 877-616-1644. Fenway Community Health Center offers both sexual counseling and testing. The Center is located at 7 Haviland St. To make an appointment, call: 617-267-0900. Every one of these references offer testing for all STDs, as well as treatment options.
It is important to remember that you should be open and honest when dealing with issues of this nature, otherwise you won’t receive the care that you need. Sex, and the issues that come along with it, isn’t taboo like it used to be. You should feel comfortable being open and talking about your sex life. And if you’re going to seek help, those who will provide you with these services need to know exactly what you’re doing.
So, while you’re going about your daily lives and making it through each passing day here on campus, remember to be careful about sex. Have fun, and always be prepared.
‘Forks and Spoons’ presents a single student’s perspective of relationship topics during college. ‘Forks and Spoons’ is written anonymously by a news correspondent. It is run anonymously as to ensure the writer’s level of comfort in issuing free thought. The content of these pieces does not reflect the News’ thoughts or opinions. E-mail Ashley, special section editor, at [email protected] to submit a column.
