February 14th to February 21st is the United States National Condom Week. This is a week in the United States to spread awareness and information about safe sex! Sex is fun. Sex is an important part of our lives. In a relationship, it is one of the many things that can bring couples more intimacy and trust. But let us be honest here: Sometimes people just have sex with each other for the absolute pleasure of it. Whether it be having sex with your partner, with a friend, or with a hot piece you met just that night, sex is satisfying. Casual sex may not have been “the norm” or accepted long ago, but it happens more and more as time goes on, and it happens more often than people may think.
Something else that happens often is STDs. People in the throes of passion may forget in those crucial moments to protect themselves with a condom. Maybe they forgot because they were intoxicated, maybe they thought they were probably safe from infection, or maybe they just didn’t have a condom with them. Well it’s time to wake up Los Angeles, because you simply can’t take the risk anymore.
Whether you’re sleeping with a stranger or in a new relationship with someone you care about, you should protect yourself and your partner from potential risk. Sure it might be a little awkward fumbling with the wrapper for a minute, but if you find out later you have an STD, wouldn’t it be more awkward telling your partner they have to go get tested as well? Save yourself the potential embarrassment, and take the few seconds to put on a condom. Sex just isn’t as enjoyable if you think you have a chance of contracting an STD. The stress of waiting for test results to come through just isn’t worth it.
And that old excuse that it just doesn’t feel as good? Nonsense! Sure it doesn’t feel exactly the same with one on, but these days condom companies are making thinner condoms, condoms with lube on the inside and out, twisted designs, there are ribbed, studded, warming sensation, numbing sensation, tingling, colored, flavored, and even glow in the dark condoms! So grab some and have even more fun with your partner trying out different kinds.
It’s true for lots of college students that we’re just plain broke. And spending up to 15 bucks for a box of condoms seems pretty steep to us, but no more excuses! Out of the Closet is a thrift store with LOTS of locations in Hollywood and Los Angeles, and even in Long Beach and Huntington Beach. Not only is it a cool thrift store with lots of cheap clothing (and lots of designer deals!), but they also have FREE condoms at the register (and even free confidential HIV testing). So next time you feel like picking up a sexy outfit so you can get laid later that night, grab a condom too.
Also, if you’re going to college, check out your campus health care center which can give you condoms, test you for STDs, and give you the information that you need. You can also check out your local Planned Parenthood for cheap and confidential help with contraceptives and information.
If you’re simply too embarrassed to grab condoms in person, check out LOVE. LOVE offers free condoms, and has been fighting the spread of HIV and other STDs for years. CondomDepot.com also offers many different brands and styles of condoms for reduced prices, and can send them directly to you in discreet packaging.
February 14th to February 21st is the United States National Condom Week (started on University of California Berkeley Campus in 1978). Spread condom awareness, not STDs! Valentine’s Day is a day of love, so love yourself, love the one you’re with, and protect each other. Even if you are not having sex yourself, or you and your partner have both been tested and came through with healthy results, grab a free condom if you see one. You never know, you could help out a friend in need.
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