The Orbis

Issue date: 9/11/07 Section: News/Features

After venturing into the depths of Vandyland in search of the seemingly elusive campus condom supply, I resurfaced with an appreciation for finger cots, dental dams and the art of condom wrapper designs. My campus condom knowledge, previously limited to the Munchie Mart display and free bowl at the annual fall Wellness Bash, is now significantly more intimate. I returned from my quest impressed by the accessibility and enthusiasm of those involved to educate students and provide sexual health resources, but I remain unsettled that I had to put in such a concerted effort to find resources that should have been made available to me during my first week on campus freshman year.



Condoms for purchase:

One would expect that compared to condom prices and availability at CVS and Eckerd, Munchie Mart condoms, like most merchandise there, would be overpriced and understocked. However, with prices starting at an average of $4 for a pack of three at the nearby drugstores, the Munchie Mart condoms are comparatively cheap, in the $2 to 3 range. They do not lack variety either, offering several varieties of the Trojan and Durex brands.

For those who prefer to buy in bulk, the bookstore carries boxes containing 12 to 14 condoms per box. The going rate is $8.99, although they only carry the Trojan brand.



Condoms for free:

Zerfoss Student Health Center: The Health Center provides up to five free Durex condoms per student per semester, after which one can buy four for $1. The Center makes note of how many students are given condoms during the course of doctors' appointments, but visits purely for the purpose of getting condoms are not put on the health record. In terms of privacy, I felt slightly awkward announcing my search for condoms in the waiting room, but aside from that, it is an easy way to obtain them.

The Wellness Center: Whether you are looking for a finger cot, female condom or a dental dam for your sexual explorations, or prefer fun condom packaging and glow-in-the-dark condom holders such as those made by One, the Wellness Center, located on the first floor of the Rec Center, has it all. While supplies are somewhat limited and you have to ask for them, director Becky Spires has the resources and enthusiasm to put you at ease. She can address all your sexual health concerns and questions, including what a finger cot is, if you weren't sure. The Wellness Center is also involved in programming throughout the year in which they distribute sexual health supplies, from the Wellness Bash in the fall to the Love Your Lover Week and Safe Spring Break Week (in conjunction with the Office of Alcohol, Tobacco & Other Drug Prevention) in the spring. Programs such as these offer everything from condom care packages and Condom Bingo to abstinence pamphlets, addressing the sexual health concerns of every student.

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