Install Condom Dispensers in All Essay

One survey at a college also contemplating condom dispensers arrived at this surprising finding: 41% of students "said that they would have sex without a condom if one was not immediately available" (Cooper 2006, p.2). When condoms were left out for free at the health center, noted one nurse, the students took them by the handful. "Condom dispensers are a good, consistent source," of condoms for students, in other words, students do not need to do a great deal of pre-planning to use them, which lessens the chance they will accidentally find themselves unprepared. "They ensure that condoms are both affordable and available to students" (Cooper 2006, p.2).

Regarding the cost, most universities that have implemented the plan have found the machines extremely cost-efficient: "One benefit of condom dispensers is that they would pay for themselves…The money placed into the machines would be used to purchase more condoms" (Cooper 2006, p.1). The machines do not need regular servicing like food vending machines. Much like feminine hygiene dispensers, they merely need to be refilled. Also, feminine hygiene products are often obtained in single-use units in bathrooms, even though technically they 'should' be purchased in preplanned packages in the drugstore. While not a perfect analogy, this is another response to the argument that the availability of condoms in drugstores means that the machines will not be used. Busy, time-pressed students at a community college may not always show the forethought to purchase condoms, like many other personal care products before they need them. While in an ideal world students would give a great deal of planning and consideration to both condom purchases and sexual partners, making condoms available is a necessary nod to the realities of student life and can promote positive health practices that last long after the student has left college.Yes, naysayers will say that students with poor planning skills should not be engaged in intercourse at all. But a school is supposed to teach, not merely lecture students on what constitutes responsible behavior. The presence of the vending machines acts as an important 'nudge' in the right, healthy direction. Hopefully condom use will become a healthy habit long after graduation.

Works Cited

Cooper, Adra. "Condom dispensers proposed to help CAP STDs." The Guilfordian.

September 26, 2006. May 20, 2009. http://media.www.guilfordian.com/media/storage/paper281/news/2006/09/29/News/Condom.Dispensers.Proposed.To.Help.Cap.Stds-2318180.shtml

Wexler, Kimberly. "South Carolina Students' Demand for Condom Dispensers Denied."

University Wire. February 20, 2008. May 20, 2009.

http://www.aegis.com/news/ads/2008/AD080345.html.....