Let’s Talk About Sex
Let’s face it; we as a society avoid talking about sex. It seems as though we all have that slightly awkward conversation about the birds and bees during health education classes in high school and maybe even with our parents during an age they feel appropriate…and then that’s it.
Even though it may seem a little awkward at first, it is important to have a conversation with your partner about what forms of protections you both are using during sex to ensure that both of you are having a fun and safe time.
Statistics from the 2016 NCHA survey show that almost 40% of students who have had sex within the past 30 days rarely or never used a condom or other protective barriers (e.g. male condom, female condom, dam, glove) while having vaginal sex. Sex is natural and human but can come with many serious life changes or consequences for the individuals involved. This is why it is so important to use protection and protect both you and your partner.
These are common excuses that you may encounter from partners who do not want to use a condom accompanied by great responses you could use if you are ever put in that situation:
Don’t worry; I’m on the pill.
I’d like to use a condom anyway. It protects both of us from infections we may not realize we have.
Condoms don’t feel good. It won’t be natural.
Let’s put sex on hold, until we have a chance to work out our differences.
I don’t have a condom with me.
Let’s satisfy each other without having sex.
Whenever I wear a condom they feel uncomfortable because they are too small/big.
Did you know that they have different sizes? Maybe we can find one that would fit you better.
They cost too much.
I can help pay for them, or we can get them for free at the SWELL (MUSC B118), SWC clinic (MUSC B101), SHEC (MUSC 202) and the Pride Community Centre (MUSC 221).