"I think one of the biggest causes of unprotected sex is the fear of being perceived as uptight or uncool," says Ryan M. Kull, C.S.W., a clinical social worker and co-director of the Gay Health Advocacy Project. "We've all been in that situation where we think the words 'Do you have a condom?' are going to spoil the moment, but those words should be expected nowadays."
Kull suggests that you should never be timid or uncertain when asking about contraception. Keep your request short, direct and simple. "Do you have any protection?" is just about the best way to ask without ruining the vibe.
"Assume the worst though," Kull adds. "Assume that your partner has [no protection] and always carry at least a couple of condoms with you just in case."
Am I a Slut?
That question may not apply to you if you're a guy, but if you're a single girl, it's probably always going to be in the back of your mind: "Am I a slut if I carry condoms around in my purse?"
The answer, of course, is no, you're not a slut. You're just smart. No matter how much you like the guy you're with, chances are you're probably going to be a little bit more responsible than he is. That's not science talking -- just call it experience.
Therefore, stashing one or two condoms away in your purse is probably an extremely good idea. If you're worried about your parents or anyone else going through your purse and discovering its precious cargo, consider that they now make condom holders that look like compacts. Thank God for modern technology!
There's Safety in Numbers
It's pretty widely accepted that when it comes to safe sex, the first word we think of is condoms. Sure, there are all kinds of other contraceptives out there, but the condom is tried and true.
That might not mean all that much to you, but according to Planned Parenthood stats, the truth of the matter is that if you're currently sexually active, you've got about a 70 percent chance of transmitting or contracting a disease or infection before you're done with college -- that's seven out of every 10 people. That's why it's not only smart to keep your stock of condoms fresh, but it's important that you don't skimp on the quality.
