Expired Condoms and Neglected Dispensers to Be Removed

New Sign on Condom Machines in Roe

By Emily Temple (Whetstone Staff Writer)

Students purchasing condoms available in residence hall laundry rooms on Wesley campus should read the fine print—specifically, the expiration date.

In a random sample of condoms taken from machines around campus in September, it was noted that all had “expired” in March, six months ago.

That is because condom machines will soon be disappearing from residence halls on campus, said Jill Maser, director of student health services.

“The machines were instituted by a former dean,” Maser said.  “Due to a lack of usage, the machines are being discontinued and will not be restocked.”

In February 2010, the Whetstone covered the unveiling of Wesley’s condom machines under ex-Dean of Students Mary Alice Ozechoski.  As new condoms typically take about four years to expire, this means machines’ original contents have been available for more than four years without high enough demand to necessitate a refill.

Some students are not surprised.

“I don’t think students get their condoms from the machines,” said Tiana Crosby, a junior living in Roe Hall.  “They prefer to get the free ones from the Wellness Center.”

“I didn’t even know we had a condom machine there,” said Patrick Wittle, a junior resident of Zimmerman.

In some halls, students didn’t have the option of laundry room condoms. Dispensers in Roe and Malmberg are jammed and accept no coins and offer no condoms.

The condoms available in the Wellness Center are within their expiration dates (late 2018) and available to students at no charge.

Besides ensuring usage within the expiration date, students should also store condoms in a cool, dark place and check them thoroughly for any sort of damage or discoloration before use, experts say.  Failure to do so can result in an unintended pregnancy or the contraction of a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

If students are concerned that they may have contracted an STD, or just want more information on safe sex and correct condom use, Maser says the best course of action is to visit the Wellness Center to schedule an appointment.

“The staff [of the Wellness Center] is always available to speak with students about testing, resources, and treatment,” she said.