The Ins and Outs of Life . . . Styles

I’ll skip the boring information we already know about condoms (meaning the information that has been plugged into us since middle school, or in more conservative places, high school.) Now everyone is always told that if you are to have sex, to do it safely and always use a condom. But as a student, can anyone really spare the money to buy condoms?

Well here on campus they can be found and are distributed for free. One such place that distributes them is the L.G.B.T.T.Q.* Collective on the second floor of the Knowles-Douglas Center, and The Quill.

Now to get into this just a bit more. Condoms are not one hundred percent effective, but are by far the most reliable. They protect against both sexually transmitted infections and pregnancy. The success rate of condoms is 94.7%. There are also a variety of condoms anyone can buy. The majority of condoms are made with latex. Then there are some that are made of polyurethane. These ones are the same thickness of latex but also display some better features than their latex counterparts. The polyurethane condoms are not as sensitive to temperature and ultraviolet rays, are good for those who have allergies to latex and have a better shelf life. Problem? Well these condoms are also more expensive and are not as elastic as the latex condoms and have a tendency to slip off. This lack of elasticity also makes these condoms easier to break and render themselves useless. But there are fun features that both these condoms allow. By this I mean that there are condoms that are thicker in select spots for mutual enjoyment and enhancing the pleasure. These ridges work by being placed at intervals that should stimulate the g-spots. On the dual pleasure condoms the tips are thicker so they massage the tip of the penis. But before you want to feel like a stud, make sure to have a package of the regular non-textured variety as these sometimes irritate the vaginal/anal walls.

For more natural alternatives there are also condoms made of sheep’s intestines. The pro to this is that they allow for more feeling sensations and are excellent for those with allergies to latex. But there are cons to this variety. They are effective against pregnancies but are not so with many STD’s as there are pores big enough for viruses to pass through.

Side orders to go with condoms include products that can be used along side of condoms to of course, enhance the pleasure for both participants. It is warned of course to never use petroleum-based products with latex condoms as this deteriorates the latex and results in the condom being ineffective. So when going to the condom aisle look around for water-based lubricants. What isgreat about water-based lubricants is that it is easy to clean and if it dries up, not a whole lot of moisture will get it going again. Like condoms, lubes come in many varieties, meaning there are some that warm up with friction or have many flavors.

Of course, please be sure to have fun and whatever you do, do it safe! Also a friendly reminder that there is a public health nurse available to students every second Tuesday in the CLC Boardroom, Second Floor of the KDC Building opposite The Quill.