Ah, weekends at the Forest. The bass is pumping, the drinks are pouring and we’re raging as hard as ever. That, of course, means hookups are happening every which way you turn your head. So as I looked around the hazy and cramped frat basement last night, I couldn’t help but gaze upon the couples dirty dancing and wonder…what’s next for these naughty Deacs?
Ideally, I would hope for a scene of consensual and mutually pleasurable sex between two people who *fingers crossed* actually know each other. But I’m not so naïve to believe that’s always the case. However, I AM bold enough to let you know that if it’s not the case, you could be walking away from your one night stand with something, er, highly contagious…
Yes, STDs are gross. And yes, I would prefer to think of Wake as some sort of STD free fairyland where we’re all magically immune to getting and transmitting diseases. But since it’s not, us collegiettes have to take responsibility for protecting ourselves. This is not always as easy as it sounds, but I’m here to try to make it a little easier.
No Condom = No Action
I hate to sound like your 7th grade health teacher, but he/she was right. If he doesn’t put a condom on, you shouldn’t be getting it on. It doesn’t matter if you take your birth control religiously every day (kudos), pregnancy isn’t the only thing that a condom helps prevent. HIV, HPV, genital ulcers, gonorrhea, Chlamydia, and trichomoniasis are just a few of the STDS you’re inviting if you choose to skimp on the condom. And if he complains that “it doesn’t feel as good,” that’s his problem, not yours. Tell him that it’s a condom or nothing, and say it firmly. He’ll put one on.
If You See Something, Stop
It’s possible that you might find yourself with a clear view of his package. If you do, take a second and LOOK. You may spot some bump, lump or discoloration that seems out of the ordinary. If it looks or smells weird, there’s a chance that something is funky down there. Don’t freak out, at least now you know NOT to proceed. Even if you ask and he tells you he’s clean, it’s hard to trust him if 1. You don’t know him that well, or 2. You’re both intoxicated. So get yourself out of that situation! Go to the bathroom and don’t come back, or say you’re going to be sick and excuse yourself (that one always works).
Be Smart
Experimenting with someone new can be exciting and super hot. But if you’re not careful about being safe, you may leave his bedroom with more than just a great sex story. Always take a second and pause before doing the deed; ask yourself, Is this something I want to do? Save intimate moments for people you trust and are comfortable with. Make sure to have those important discussions about your sexual pasts and what you’re comfortable with. At the end of the day, us collegiettes have to look out for ourselves.