If you didn't notice, there was a condom on the front page of this issue.

Well, probably.

We were only able to procure 10,000 prophylactics while our circulation runs around 11,000.

The condoms were donated by Planned Parenthood, the Regional AIDS Intercommunity Network and the Infectious Diseases Institute at the OU Health Sciences Center.

Our intention with today's issue is to promote safer sex and the idea that, if people are going to do the "dirty," they should do it as cleanly as possible.

STDs are on the rise. (See page one for full story.) Condoms are not conveniently available on this campus. (Also see page one.) Furthermore, our completely unscientific estimate is that more students than not are having some sort of sex.

So when the time comes, be prepared. Know what to do and what not to do with your condoms.

Men: Don't keep them in your wallets. Everyone: Don't keep them in your cars.

Condom packages read, "If used properly, latex condoms will help to reduce the risk of transmission of HIV infection (AIDS) and many other sexually transmitted diseases." They also caution that condoms should be kept at cool temperatures and can deteriorate under heat.

Users should also throw a condom away if the latex seems cracked or flaky. Condoms only offer their maximum protection if used correctly and consistently each and every time, from start to finish.

We have already heard the argument that we are promoting sex by providing condoms. But, in actuality, we are hoping to encourage students, faculty and staff to practice safer sex if they decide to have sex at all.

In short, protect yourself, because the numbers are shocking.

Reported cases of chlamydia in Oklahoma increased from 10,371 in 2004 to 12,957 in 2005. Females accounted for nearly four times as many cases as males. In 2005, those ages 15 to 24 accounted for 80 percent of females infected. The same age group accounted for 66 percent of males infected.

Whether you actually use the condoms we have provided is your choice. Perhaps you won't trust a Jimmy Hat taped to your daily newspaper. We won't blame you.

But we support safer sex. We support the idea of condom machines in residence halls. And we support increasing awareness about STDs, pregnancy and sexual behavior in general.

Sex shouldn't be embarrassing. It is, however, something to take seriously.

When the time comes, be prepared.
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