Every time I see a banana, I can’t help but think of the health class scene in Never Been Kissed. Who else remembers that? They practice putting condoms on bananas, and it’s just as epically awkward as my high school health class.

I think we tend to assume that most people who have made it to college know how to use a condom. But a friend of mine is a peer health educator, and as part of a yearly event, her group challenges people to see if they can properly put on a condom. Using bananas, of course. And most people make at least one mistake. Yikes! When it comes to pregnancy and STDs, I don’t want any mistakes, ever.

Luckily, Trojan has our back. This video is a little silly, but it’s full of good information. A little reminder never hurts, so sit back, relax, and let the experts tell you how it’s done.

Across the border in my home country of Canada, rates of STDs have rapidly been increasing since 2000. Syphilis cases have increased 10 times over, while chlamydia rates have increased 66 percent. Public-health experts are saying that this can partially be attributed to the popularity of online dating.

The problem is that people get to know each other in advance, so by the time they meet there are already increased levels of intimacy. Because of this felt intimacy, people are less likely to have a conversation about safe sex. Add this to the decrease in condom use among female college students, and it’s definitely something we should be talking about.

Public health agency statistics indicate that the more the HIV epidemic appears to become a thing of the past, the less people focus on a message of safe sex. There are, of course, other factors than just online dating, but the response should be the same. Communicate with your partners, practice safe sex, and get tested.

In California, the public health department is encouraging online-dating site owners to allow daters to have a safe-sex option in profiles and link to local HIV-testing venues with the option to send e-cards to past partners when results come in. It’ll be interesting to see if this ever happens.

Leah has her Bachelor of Journalism in sight with just over a month left at Ryerson University in Toronto. When she’s not working on the Ryerson Review of Journalism she’s baking tasty cupcakes and hunting for a job (hopefully that pays). Follow her @Elleandbee. 

[Lead image via badahos/Shutterstock]

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Are condoms really necessary?

Just when you thought social media sites couldn’t get any less private…you can now ‘check in’ when you’re getting it on. Because everyone is dying to know when and where you’re doing it? Seriously, what would grandma say? While I can get on board with the promotion of safe sex, I think broadcasting to the world when and where you’re getting it is a bit presumptuous. Trust me, no one gives a sh*t.

Never-the-less, Planned Parenthood gave out 55,000 condoms with QR codes on the wrappers. Anyone with a smart phone can scan it to check in on wheredidyouwearit.com. It gets better– users can then rate how good the sex was! Is anyone going to be honest? I really hope that no one over the age of 18 uses this app–it’s juvenile and tacky (alright, maybe a tiny bit funny, but have some class!).

What do you think of this app? Would you use it? Is it funny or a whole new level of creepy?

There was a study completed recently about college-aged women and condom usage, and the results were that the women used condoms less frequently the more time they spent in college. This was true for both women in monogamous relationships and women who engaged in casual sex.

Of course, women often blow off condoms when they go on the pill or another form of birth control, but preventing pregnancy isn’t the only aspect of safe sex that is important. Condoms are the only way to prevent the spread of most STDs (HPV and herpes not included). Maybe this is just my perception, but it seems like in the last few years, there has been a huge de-emphasis in the importance of staying STD-free. There’s still a significant stigma against people who have them, but not a lot of talk about preventing the spread. I think it’s interesting that this study chose to highlight women’s role in condom usage, when ultimately, it’s up to the guy to agree to wear one (yes, female condoms are available, but they’re more expensive and more difficult to use properly, and they are not really discussed).

How many of us have been in a situation where we’re hooking up and the guy just slides in without much warning? Or how many of us have encountered men who are absurdly petulant when their partner asks them to put one on? They always have a litany of excuses or justifications — “It doesn’t feel as good”/”I can’t stay hard with one on”/”I’m clean, don’t you trust me?” This is the point where you should definitely extricate yourself from the situation, because he’s obviously a jerk and isn’t looking out for your best interests. Unfortunately, when you’re in the moment it doesn’t always feel that way, especially if neither of you have condoms handy.

While there is a lot to be said about moving slowly enough to take the time to confirm each other’s STD status, that’s often not how it happens. Which is…well, it is what it is. But that’s what condoms are for — avoiding the semi-awkwardness that comes with asking someone to show you their recent STD results before getting it in. I think that our society is neglecting to really make condoms seem imperative, so unfortunately there are going to be men out there who treat condoms like they’re completely unnecessary. And it’s hard to be that person who has to inform a grown man that they are, in fact, a must.

However, since we can only control our own actions, I think it’s really important for us, as women, to at least use the agency that we have to protect ourselves. There is absolutely nothing wrong with keeping a stock of condoms, and having a couple in your bag, just in case. So even if you’re in a situation with a guy who conveniently doesn’t have one on him, you’re prepared. If he still resists, take your ball, go home and resolve to find less lame guys in the future.

[Lead image via Dino O./Shutterstock]

Valentine’s Day has a truly obnoxious reputation. In its most popular form, I find it a totally worthless and empty affair. Couples are expected to fall over themselves to celebrate this totally arbitrary day in February because that’s what’s expected. There’s all of this make-or-break pressure that is usually put on the guys to make it the most romantic day ever, and us ladies are supposed to be shrieking, superficial harpies desperate for blood diamonds, overpriced chocolate, flowers that will die in two seconds and a dinner that breaks the bank. Heaven forbid you’re single, then you are expected to be utterly miserable because your life obviously has no meaning. It’s a mess.

Therefore, I’m totally up for reclaiming this day and making it about sexy self-indulgence. That’s definitely something our society doesn’t value nearly as much as it should; and I mean, who isn’t in love with feeling sexy and sensual, whether it’s for a partner or for yourself?  I was given the incredible opportunity to review an array of sexy products. While a few of them are couple-centric, the vast majority are totally appropriate if you’re riding solo.

initiating the gallery...

In accordance with FTC guidelines, I must disclose that I was given these products free exchange in exchange for my honest assessment. 

[Lead image via Zametalov/Shutterstock]

February is National Condom Month, which is something we at CollegeCandy take pretty seriously. For real, the best kind of sex is safe sex, for a number of different reasons, and making the conscious decision to use condoms or other contraceptives is taking charge of your sex life in a really positive way.

Even the porn industry seems to be taking notice! Recently the Los Angeles City Council voted 9-1 to grant approval to an ordinance that would require the city to deny all permits in which “actors” were not following the condom requirement. Now, the LA porn industry is pissed because all their actors are being forced to wear condoms. According to USA Today, about 90% of the porn we all watch (and admit it — you’ve watched some porn, don’t be shy ladies) is filmed in Los Angeles. That means roughly 90% of the porn our boyfriends, friends-with-benefits and guys that live on our floors are watching is coming from LA. What does this ordinance mean for the porn industry? Well, even though technically the producers could film outside of the city limits of LA, hopefully this law will spur a chain reaction of laws protecting those in the industry from STDs and promoting safe sex.

While the ordinance is a great idea for the actors, I think it’s even more important for the fans of porn. We’re wondering what sort of impact this going to have on the aforementioned porn lovers in our lives. We all know that guys love to imitate what they see in porn — hence the popularity of anal sex, “facials,” and the idea that all women are down for a threesome – I mean what IS that about?! If men (and women) are consistently watching porn where condoms are present, I wonder (and kind of hope) that men start seeing condom usage as not a nuisance, but something that is just second nature.

If anything, hopefully this ordinance will spark both fans and familiars of the porn industry to get informed about condom usage and other ways to protect themselves when having sex. In honor of National Condom Month, I will leave you with this – Don’t Be a Fool, Wrap Your Tool.

Dear Tuffy Luv,

I’m a senior in college and have been in a serious relationship for the past 5 years. He’s my high school sweetheart. I know, we’re so cute! We just got engaged and are getting married when I graduate (he’s two years older and is already working).

Now that we’re engaged, I want to go on birth control, but I’m not sure what to try. What do you recommend?

Thanks, Tuffy!

Engaged!

Dear Engaged,

First of all, congratulations!!! You’re right, that’s super cute. Go, girl!!! Secondly, a disclaimer: Tuffy ain’t no doctor, mmmkay?! So go to your OB/GYN to get REAL advice! But in the meantime, here’s what I got:

I’m going mostly by Planned Parenthood, so you can check out the link here:

(BTW!!! If you don’t have insurance and need to see an OB/GYN, Planned Parenthood is a great resource!!! Clicky click that link!) Basically, if you’re going to have sex and you don’t want a baby, you have to use protection. If you’re also worried about STDs (which MOST of you should be!!!), you need to use a condom and that’s pretty much that. You could kind of use a female condom, but those seem to be slightly less effective and have a few downsides (may be uncomfy, can slip inside you during sex, etc.). CONDOMS, people. CONDOMS!!! There are also a bunch of options you can use WITH condoms to prevent pregnancy.

Some women like the diaphragm. It’s fairly effective but it doesn’t protect, of course, from STDs. It’s like a little cup you insert in your hooha. It’s nice and inexpensive and each one lasts for about two years.

Then, of course, there’s the ever-popular birth control pill. Be careful when you go on these, since they do pump you full of hormones and some people have serious side effects. (Read up here.) Really wonderful for some women, really harmful for others. Remember, the pill does NOT protect against STDs!!!

Similarly, there’s the sponge. It soaks up the spermies and kills ‘em. Check but not as effective as we’d like.

Then there’s the patch, which is quite effective (for pregnancy, NOT STDs!). You have to wear it. Like an accessory. Same hormonal risks, but, again, great for some.

The shot: Depo-Provera. Very easy, lasts three months a shot. A little more expensive because it’s more convenient.

NuvaRing: an insertion thingy. VERY effective but pricey and a little risky. Read up, kids.

Aaaand the birth control implant. Very expensive up front but lasts three years. Mostly pretty safe, from what I understand.

I mean, basically, you just have to do your research and talk to your doctor. I applaud you for being responsible!!!!!!!! Please, kids, protect your bodies and your futures!!!!!!!!!!!!

Hearts & Skulls,

Tuffy Luv

Question?! Answer: Ask Tuffy Luv. Or smash.

I was struck with complete disbelief after reading about a woman who, despite using multiple forms of birth control, keeps getting pregnant. Like, pregnant seven times in 5 years. Like, she and her husband only had sex three times since September and she’s currently expecting another kid. Did I mention she’s tried the Pill, condoms, injections and an IUD…and they still don’t work? Yeah, after the shock wore off, I came to the conclusion that this woman is full of it.

Was she really using condoms all this time? Or was she actually on the pill or had the shot? What are the odds after practicing every form of contraceptives known to man that NONE work on 23-year-old Gemma Potter? What causes her genetic makeup to be so incredibly different from most other females on earth? There is no sperm that strong and no contraceptive that weak. I think she might be yearning for some extra media attention or her husband might be slipping off that condom during hot and heavy lovemaking. I mean, hey, it’s in the heat of the moment, how could she ever tell?

Condoms and birth control have proven to be extremely effective to the greater public. As an adolescent teenager growing up, “safe sex is the best sex” is all I ever heard. If I remember correctly, I think there was an actual song to go with that slogan…but anyways that’s beside the point! The point is, everyone is taught to wear condoms or get on birth control if you don’t want to get pregnant! Those methods have been tested hundreds of times by well-educated doctors and scientists who know what they are doing. So the real question is, if she is not lying, she is not using contraceptives the right way. There is no way in Hell they could have failed her seven times in a row.

Let’s face it, after the first, second and third baby that came during her supposedly “protected” sex, what person in their right mind would rely on any other form of protection to work for them? Obviously the form of protection she’s using is being used incorrectly, so she needs to seek guidance on the matter.

If all else fails, the answer is quite simple actually. DON’T HAVE SEX AS MUCH or GET YOUR TUBES TIED! Potter complained about not having a real career or actually being able to go out and have a drink with her girlfriends because she is pregnant all the time. Do you want to ultimately be knocked up your whole life and therefore exist broke and friendless, or do you want your life back? The question is simple, Ms. Potter.

Ultimately, I recommend these two energizer bunnies go back to Sex Ed classes and learn the correct ways to practice safe sex, because they obviously missed the memo. I wish the two of them the best and a baby-free future. Good luck!

What do you think? Are these two really being careful and Ms. Potter is simply an ultra-fertile Myrtle? Are they missing a crucial step along the way when using condoms, the Pill or another method?

Maya is a freshman print journalism major attending Howard University in Washington D.C. She loves fashion, beauty, and all things glamorous. Follow her on tumblr at myprincessdiaryxoxo.tumblr.com or on twitter at @Mayaalena

At least that’s the mission behind the hot, new, perfectly plaid-patterned condom company, Sir Richard’s condoms.

In honor of National World AIDS day, we wanted to give it up (pun intended) to a fairly new company that makes it their mission to help out countries in need. I recently met with one of Sir Richard’s leading ladies, Mia, to talk about their company, their philosophy and their branding.

The company was founded on the belief that buying condoms is just plain awkward. You feel like everyone is looking at you, judging you and saying a Hail Mary in your honor. They’re forgetting to recognize that you’re practicing the delicate art of safe sex. Sir Richards smartly created a brand that is, for lack of a more eloquent adjective, cute. Their packaging actually makes me want to buy a couple condom boxes and put them on display.

Personally, I find the subtle “Sir Richards Condoms” label on the bottom right to be way less in your face then some of the other leading condom brands out there and different colors represent the different types (pink for pleasure dots, blue for extra-large, green for classic ribbed and orange for ultra-thin). It’s the kind of marketing tactic that would make me feel a little less awkward running into the grocery store at 3am.

Sir Richard’s is also partnering up with local artists, activists and companies like Partners in Health (PIH) to one-up the rest of the sexual awareness industry. Co-creating a condom brand that is used in PIH’s 12 clinics, Sir Richards has made condoms free in Haitian healthcare communities. And that’s just the beginning. After they launch the donation base in Haiti in early 2012, Sir Richards plans to keep on givin’.

Company execs have a big plan for America, too. For every condom you buy, they will donate one to a developing country. So that means Sir Richard’s has roots in America, Haiti and neighboring third world countries where sexual awareness is limited and sexually transmitted diseases are running rampant. The payoff for thousands of kinky college kids? We’re basically helping thousands of people get protected every time we use a rubber! You’re welcome, world.

Before walking out of our meeting with a goodie-bag of condoms and four separate boxes to give to friends (maybe I’m the new naughty Santa?) I learned a little bit about Sir Richard’s college tour bus. Lovingly nicknamed “Lucy,” the bus has already traveled up and down the Cali coast, stopping and spreading the word about their condoms. They’ve got plans to hit the Northeast on the tail end of spring semester in 2012 and they want to hear from you! While their tour dates haven’t been confirmed yet, they’d love to know what schools would be interested in a visit. Hop on over to their site and see how you can invite them to your campus.

Their product has exceeded FDA standards and they’re made from 100% natural latex, omitting caseins (which make them vegan friendly!) and lubed up without spermicide, glycerin and parabens. As of now, Sir Richard’s can be found and purchased at any Whole Foods Market (where they’re a top-shelf seller), upscale boutiques, independent grocers or boutiques on the West Coast.  Not near any of those? Find them online where you can sign up for a monthly subscription.

Gettin’ it on and givin’ back. I could get used to that.