Safe sex: Who should be responsible for carrying condoms?
- By Kyra Lennon – Thu Jun 2 9:36am PDT
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A few weeks ago, Black Eyed Peas star will.i.am commented that he thinks women who have condoms in their house are “tacky.” My initial reaction was one of surprise. What’s so wrong with a woman being prepared? Protecting yourself from STDs should always be a top priority when you are dating. In order to explore further, I conducted a short survey to find out what women think about this subject. When it comes to staying safe, who should carry the condoms? Is it down to the man, or should the woman take responsibility too?
The man should carry condoms
“The man. He is the one who has to wear the condom, so he should be the one to buy them!” – Eleanor, N.Y.
“I think the man should be responsible because it is his job as a man to protect his woman.” – Emma, Colo.
The woman should carry condoms
“The woman should be responsible for carrying condoms. I know it sounds weird, but it’s better to be prepared. Men aren’t always reliable when it comes to contraception so the woman should take care of it. I always carry condoms. Some people think it is trampy for a woman to do that but I call it being sensible.” – Julia, N.C.
Both men and women should carry condoms
“Both! You shouldn’t presume your partner would have them and make sure you protect yourself.” – Lucy, UK
“I think any sexually active person should be responsible for their own health and safety during sex. It’s wrong for one partner to assume the other will bring a condom. If you’re mature enough to be having sex, then you should be mature enough to be carrying condoms. ” – Clare, UK
“Traditionally the man is the one to carry the condoms. There is less of a social stigma for men to acquire them. Yet a smart modern woman will also carry condoms, or should because she should insist on protection of her own health, and instead of interrupting a heated moment with a man who doesn’t have condoms with him she can say “Here it is, no glove, no love.” Because ultimately the woman bears the greatest risk of having her life turned upside down with the possibility of disease or unwanted pregnancy.” – Sophia, Ariz.
“If both of you carry them then you’ve got more chance of being protected. Being safe is a man and a woman’s job; always look after yourself and be safe rather than sorry.” – Teresa, UK
The survey results show that most women believe everyone – man or woman – should be responsible for their own sexual health. Although there may still be a slight stigma about women carrying condoms, overall, the general opinion is that there is nothing wrong with a woman being prepared, just in case the man isn’t. Far from being “tacky,” it seems that the majority feel that staying safe is more important than how they might be seen.
Most interestingly, hardly anyone felt that responsibility for carrying contraceptives was down to just one person. The three quotes listed in favor of men or women taking charge were the only ones I received. This gives the impression that modern times have led to more modern thinking, which can only be a positive thing!
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