Most people know that condoms serve the dual purpose of protecting against sexually transmitted diseases and preventing pregnancy. But in a recent survey from the American Sexual Health Association, up to 40 percent of women say they're more likely to have sex without a condom if they've been drinking. The survey tallied results from 925 women aged 16 to 25 and found that only a third of them would pack a condom before a night out, and just half of the women would feel comfortable buying condoms. Another study in the Journal of Adolescent Health found that women who start using oral contraceptives for birth control typically stop using condoms. While preventing pregnancy is a benefit, protection against STDs doesn't happen when oral contraceptives are the only method of protection.
The study found that these women didn't often return to regular condom use, either. So when is it OK to ditch condoms? Obviously if you're monogamous, the temptation to skip them is there, but unless you're completely exclusive – and know for sure that this is the case – continue using them. Before that, you both should be tested for STDs and know whether or not previous partners had HPV or herpes. An HIV test needs to be done at least three months after exposure, so it's best to wait if it hasn't been that long since you or he were with another person. If not on the pill or other method to prevent pregnancy, then it's not wise to quit condoms yet. Ask yourself if you're ready to deal with the consequences of not using a condom – and if he's worth it.