Buttons loosen. Door locks. Passion escalates. The night was filled with lingering kisses and seductive glances...

Do I ask him? Or will he know? How will he know if I don't tell him? Does he have any? Of course he does, hes a guy but what if he doesn't? Should we just do it without one? What if I start carrying some with me in my purse no no no that would make me a slut. How does being safe make me a slut? Oh my God what if I get pregnant. Oh my God

Sex is not supposed to be like this. Sex should be free of worry and doubt, and most importantly, it should involve a contraceptive. Whether use a condom, diaphragm, vaginal ring or birth control, using protection is essential in preventing unwanted pregnancy and sexually transmitted diseases.

Using a contraceptive is easy, but the issues around that thin piece of rubber are touchy.

According to Feminist Womans Health Center [FWHC], condoms are the most commonly used contraceptive and are 85-98 percent effective. Please guys, go to Eckerd or Harris Teeter and cough up four bucks for a pack. Don't put yourself or your partner in jeopardy when the situation can easily be prevented. Unfortunately, this is easier said than done when alcohol is involved.

Women don't buy men Viagra and men don't buy women their monthly feminine supplies. Therefore men should always pay for condoms.

The bottom line is the guy definitely should pay for as well as supply condoms.

Moving onto the female version of the condom, the FWHC says that the diaphragm is 86-94 percent effective as a means of birth control. It works by releasing spermicide for up to eight hours after intercourse to kill sperm that can be left in the vaginal wall. The downfall is that it must be inserted no earlier than two hours prior to intercourse or the spermicide wont do its job. Sex isn't supposed to be complicated.

The vaginal ring and birth control pill have been proven by the FWHC to be 92-99.7 percent effective in preventing an unwanted pregnancy.

It releases estrogen and progestin hormones into the body, stopping ovulation and creating a barrier to prevent sperm from fertilizing an egg.

If a couple is in a long-term relationship they should, go for birth control. Women should make their partners split the cost, and if hes not up for it, they should mention how much more economical it is than purchasing condoms over and over again. One can find birth control at the R.N. Ellington Health and Wellness Center for under the cost it would take to buy a dozen condoms a month.

If couples are not ready for a long-term commitment like birth control, they should consider trying the diaphragm for a change, which cost up to $45.

Couples should feel comfortable enough to talk about what type of contraceptive is meant for them. If they arent, then why are they having sex?

Features Editor: Caroline Matthews - 02/22/07