Co-ed Campus

Safe sex has always been one of the biggest issues with sexually active young adults.

I hear many students say that sex without condoms feels much better than sex with them.

To be honest with my opinion, I am not going to disagree.

Not using condoms during sex feels more natural and can stimulate better sensations more easily than if you were to use them.

Sex without condoms feels amazing.

In an emotional aspect you feel as if your bodies are more "one" then you would if there was a layer still between you.

On a more physical aspect, sex without a condom can trigger greater sensations because of the skin to skin contact, texture and friction created by the movement.

While this is true, safe sex still needs to be taken into account.

Tips to make sex feel more natural, such as adding a small amount of lube to the inside of the condom or buying tighter fitting condoms, are often suggested and often ignored.

These easy tips keep being neglected partially because supplies may be limited or the sex is unexpected and also because it is easier to revert back to something you know, i.e. condom free sex, rather than trying something new.

Let's be realistic. When something feels better one way, why would we revert to another?

Despite pregnancy scares and talks about STDs, many people will continue to neglect the use of condoms for the sensations that it creates.

If you do chose to follow that path, it is very unlikely that anyone can convince you or force you to do otherwise.

There are several tips in taking precautions that are still available that would decrease the chance of pregnancy.

One very obvious tip is if you are not going to use condoms then find another type of protection.

It is common and easy for girls to receive birth control as another effective form of protection.

Birth control does not protect against STDs and is definitely not full-proof protection.

What birth control can do is stabilize your period so it is easier to chart when sex without a condom is safer.

While it is easy to get a prescription for birth control, many college-aged girls who I have spoken with said that it is hard to pay for the protection.

This is understandable seeing as many girls do not want their parents to know they are sexually active because it is personal and private business.

A tip to consider if you do not take birth control would be that if you decide not to use condoms, you should know that the easiest time to get pregnant is in between cycles.

The safest times to have sex would be several days before and after a woman's cycle, or while she is on her period.

A common idea about having sex without using condoms is that pulling out is a successful way to be safe.

While pulling out before a climax can lessen the chances of getting pregnant, sperm is still deposited at random moments before and during sex.

If pulling out relaxes some nerves about getting pregnant, then take that precaution, but remember that it is not a very reliable method.

Sex is amazing and most people will try to enjoy it to its fullest because simply, why wouldn't they?

Sex is natural and beautiful and can provoke some of the most amazing sensations and feelings. As humans who enjoy actions that make us feel good, many of us will engage in sex to its fullest even if that means further endangering ourselves.

Many people risk pregnancy and STDs every day by having condom-free sex because we want that extra stimulation and friction to entice us physically, or because we are aiming for the deeper emotional connection.

This is a personal choice that no one can talk you out of or tell you not to do.

As long as you are able to handle the consequences and possible mistakes of your actions then pursue the direction you want to go in but take these tips as helpful advice that could make the experience better and easier on your nerves.

( Kayleigh Wold is a freshman journalism major from Danville, Ind. She can be reached at sascamed@isugw.indstate.edu)