National Condom Week runs from February 14th to the 21st, so it’s time to celebrate a great, effective contraceptive—the condom!

Barrier Method

Condoms are a barrier method of contraception, meaning they block semen from entering the vagina. They can be used during sex (vaginal, but also oral and anal) to reduce the chance of both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). They are the only contraceptive that protects against both! But here’s a question—when having sex, whose responsibility is it to bring condoms?

Whose Responsibility?

Ideally, everyone’s! A common misconception is that only the partner with a penis needs to worry about providing a condom, but this is not a good practice. Your partner’s condom could break or be expired. They could forget to bring one. You may have a latex allergy and need a condom made of a material you can tolerate. Or, what if your partner only brought one and you end up needing an additional condom?

Safer Sex

By having condoms, even if you don’t plan to wear one yourself, you can help provide for safer sex. Plus, while most people think of external condoms, which are worn on the penis, there are also internal condoms, which can be used in the vagina or anus.

Best to Be Prepared

If being prepared with a condom is so important for safer sex, why the thinking that only one partner should be responsible for having a condom? It can often stem from stigma and judgment; some people think having condoms means you’re “looking for sex” in a derogatory, slut-shaming way. This is often aimed at those who are female-identified. Yet those who identify as male are often praised for having condoms. This is an outdated double standard.

No matter your gender, if you plan to have sex, it’s best to be prepared so you can have safer sex.

Availability

Condoms are available at supermarkets, pharmacies, online and sometimes for free or at a low cost at health clinics or your doctor’s office. There is no age requirement to purchase them.

By having a condom when you plan to have sex, you can help create safer sex for both you and your partner. You can help prevent unintended pregnancies and STIs, so why not have a condom on hand?