It’s National Condom Week which means it’s a perfect time to educate (or re-familiarize) yourself on safe sex practices. According to 2025 National College Health Assessment (NCHA) data, 88.4% of University of Iowa students used pregnancy prevention the last time they had vaginal sex. Here are seven common myths and truths to prepare you to have safer sex.
You can get pregnant while on birth control.
TRUE: While less likely, no birth control 100% guarantees consequence free sex. Even when using birth control perfectly, wearing an internal or external condom better protects you from pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections (STIs). While most sexually active students at the University of Iowa used pregnancy prevention the last time they had sex, only 40.5% of students report mostly or always using a barrier method. Student Wellness provides free condoms, dental dams, and lubricant in the Wellness Suite inside the Campus Recreation and Wellness Center or at the vending machine in the basement of the Iowa Memorial Union.
Wearing two condoms is better for preventing pregnancy.
FALSE: Wearing two condoms is worse for pregnancy prevention. Using two condoms increases friction, resulting in rips in the condom. If you’re worried about you or your sexual partner becoming pregnant, consider trying different types of birth control (like the pill, the patch, the ring, or an IUD), or trying other types of intimacy that do not involved penetrative sex.
People with uteruses can get pregnant on their periods.
TRUE: Contrary to popular belief, pregnancy is possible during menstruation. People with uteruses have a unique hormonal cycle, typically lasting between 26 and 32 days. There is a length of time, called ovulation, where pregnancy is most likely. This time is usually around 14 days before the start of a menstrual period. Depending on an individual’s cycle, they could have a much higher chance of getting pregnant during a period. While some people do use ovulation tracking as a form of birth control, there are other, more effective methods, like condoms.
All lubricants are created equal.
FALSE: There are three major types of lubricant: Oil-based, silicone-based, and water-based. Silicone and water-based lubricants can be used with all types of condoms, but oil-based lubricants are not recommended to be used with latex and polyisoprene. If using a sex toy made of silicone, you should avoid silicone based lubricant.
Protection is important for oral sex.
TRUE: Oral sex can still come with many consequences. STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, syphilis, herpes, HPV and HIV can be spread through oral sex. According to the CDC, an estimated 1 in 5 Americans are currently infected with an STI. Many of those infected are asymptomatic, so using protection (like condoms or dental dams) is a great way to reduce risk. Only 3.6% of University of Iowa students mostly or always use a barrier during oral sex. Additionally, Student Health offers STI screening and treatment. Professionals recommend getting tested every 3-6 months if you have multiple sexual partners.
Once you have an STI, you cannot get it again.
FALSE: According to the International Society for Sexual Medicine, reinfection of STIs is certainly possible, especially for STIs like chlamydia, gonorrhea, and syphilis that are caused by bacteria. Treatment for an STI does not mean you will be immune in the future, and some STIs, like herpes and HIV, are treatable, but incurable. Besides abstinence, using condoms and getting tested is the best way to stay safe.
Timing matters with emergency contraception.
TRUE: Plan B, or the morning after pill, must be used within 72 hours of unprotected vaginal sex. Plan B is not recommended by doctors to be used as primary birth control, but it is 79-89% effective in preventing pregnancy. Plan B does not protect from STIs. Intrauterine Devices (IUDs) are also an effective form of emergency contraception. IUDs can be placed up to five days after unprotected sex and be 99% effective in preventing pregnancy.
Remember, safe sex supplies can be picked up at the CRWC Wellness Suite, and in our Student Wellness vending machine located in the basement of the IMU, right next to the Hawkeye Room. Both have supplies offered free of charge. If you would like to get tested for an STI, make an appointment at Student Health to get screened and treated. Learn more about Student Wellness here.