Well Now

Health Enhancement Services

“Hey, did you see the new condom machines in the restrooms? Do you think anyone buys those things? Fifty cents for a condom! Do they think we’re made of money? Are these name brand condoms or generic ones?”

These are some of the comments we’ve heard in the few weeks since the new condom vending machines were installed at locations around campus. To answer these and other questions, an update on condoms and condom vending is in order.

To help prevent the spread of sexually transmitted diseases on this campus, it has been one of our objectives to make obtaining condoms as easy as possible for those students who want condoms. For us, this means distributing condoms during our presentations in academic classes, residence halls and student organizations. Condoms will still be available at no charge in the Health Service waiting room; and now students can purchase condoms relatively anonymously at vending machines located in men’s and women’s restrooms scattered around campus.

The condoms in the vending machines cost $.50 a piece and contain instructions for use. The vending machines are available whenever the buildings in which they are installed in are open. The machines are located in the restrooms at the following locatons: Holmes Student Center (level between the center bookstore and the Campus Activities Board), University Health Services (west entrance), Founders’ Library (adjacent to vending area), Campus Recreation Center (locker room), Gabel Hall (locker rooms), Anderson Hall (central locker area) and all residence hall main lobbies.

While condoms can be very effective in preventing sexually transmitted diseases, the only 100 percent effective means is abstinence from sexual intercourse and other activities that increase your risk of becoming infected with a disease. Having sexual relations with only one person who is disease free and who has sexual relations only with you or using condoms are the next best alternatives.

All of the condoms distributed on campus are high quality and contain a spermicide called Nonoxynol-9 that offers further protection from accidental pregnancy and disease infection. Condoms are not 100 percent effective. How you store, handle, and use them are the biggest reasons for condom failure.

Success with condoms, like most things in life, comes with familiarity and practice. Your first experience with condoms should not be when you’re most concerned with other matters. Catch my drift? Practice opening them, putting them on and getting used to the feel of them. Women, as well as men, should be comfortable with them before the first time they are used for intercourse.

Contrary to public perception, not all condoms are made exactly the same. Condoms do not come in small, medium or large; but length, width and thickness can all vary significantly. Try different varieties to see which ones are right for you and your partner.