We’re always told that we need to look after our health and do everything we can to stay as healthy as possible. That should also extend to our sexual health. 

STIs are on the rise, unwanted pregnancy isn’t something to risk, and all of this can be reduced massively by simply being a little more careful. 

For many years, protection was considered to be the man’s job. But why? Why should it be down to the man to make sure that he has condoms in his pocket or in his bedroom drawer? Far too many people have the idea that women take the pill, guys buy the condoms, but if we’re going to protect our health as we’re told we need to, that means everyone taking responsibility for protection.

So, as a woman, do you carry condoms in your purse?

If you don’t, here are a few reasons why you should make a change. 

You Need to Take Responsibility For Your Own Sexual Health

You shouldn’t put your health in the hands of someone else, especially someone you may not know that well just yet. STIs aren’t something to risk and many go undetected without symptoms for many years. 

For instance, chlamydia is the most commonly diagnosed bacterial infection in America; it can be completely avoided by using a condom. The numbers could be even higher, because many people have chlamydia without even realizing it, therefore spreading it around when not using protection. 

Of course, it’s not just chlamydia - HIV, gonorrhoea, HPV, syphilis, the list goes on. You can also add the risk of pregnancy to that. 

You Never Know Where an Evening Will Take You

Let’s be honest, sex is rarely planned. You could be out with a guy on your fourth date and have no intention of being intimate yet, however after a great night things start to heat up and before you know it, you’re right there. If you don’t have a condom in your purse, you have to hope that he has one in his pocket. 

You never know where an evening is going to take you and if you want to avoid awkwardness and maintain your safety, keep a spare condom in your purse. This does not make you appear “slutty” or any other negative connotation that may be associated with a woman merely protecting her own health. It’s sensible and something you need to do. 

You Know That Your Own Condoms Are Safe

How can you tell how long that condom has been in your guy’s bedroom drawer? Short of asking to look at the packet and checking the validity date, you have no clue. Out of date condoms do not protect you, so if you have your own in your purse, you know that it’s safe, valid, and going to do the job it needs to do. 

You also know that the condom you have is safe in terms of quality. Not all condoms are the same; some cheaper versions may not be the best and by having your own, you know exactly what you’re using. Remember, that condom is going directly inside of you, so don’t play Russian roulette with its quality. 

You’re Free to Enjoy The Whole Experience

When you have no worries about safety you’re free to enjoy the build-up, the foreplay, and the main event. When you have to have the “do you have a condom” conversation, it ruins the mood and pauses the experience. Then, if he doesn’t have one and you don’t either, someone has to run out to the store or you call the whole thing off. 

It’s also possible that you become so caught up in the moment that you risk unprotected sex because neither of you has any protection on you. This isn’t something you should open yourself up to, especially when it’s so easy to just keep a condom in your purse. 

A woman carrying a condom isn’t something to avoid, it’s something to encourage. If more women admitted that they do indeed keep a condom on them “just in case” perhaps even more women would adopt the habit too. Then, together, we make sex safer for everyone by knocking down the completely unfair stigma that carrying condoms involves. 

You don’t have to go around telling everyone, you just need to have the peace of mind that if the occasion arises, you’re covered and can enjoy the moment without interruption or risk.