The simple answer is “no,” but many people fail to realize why.

One should never engage in a sexual encounter without bringing the right protection.

This means that yes, I’ve done my share of standing awkwardly in line at the pharmacy with a box of Trojans.

I’ve also seen that uncomfortable stare from the cashier as I put that purchase on the conveyer belt.

I won’t lie to you; it’s not a fun experience to go through. Nonetheless, I still go through with the purchase, awkward looks and all.

Not only that, but I’ll continue to endure this experience willingly and for several good reasons.

The first thing to recognize is that your partner might be thinking the same thing, that it’s your responsibility to bring a condom (which it is).

If you’re both going in with that kind of mindset, you’ll both arrive minus a rubber. You shouldn’t ever assume that she’s thinking ahead for you.

Secondly, there are consequences to unprotected intercourse. Even if she’s using birth control, caution should still be taken.

Remember that it takes only a single misstep for that one magical night to turn into 18 years of hard responsibility.

Finally, if the woman you’re with is kind enough to invite you home for that certain activity, you really should provide protection as a gesture of respect.

If you come without a condom, you’re basically saying to her that you don’t respect her body enough to help protect it from possibilities of pregnancy or an STD, despite the wonderful intimacy that she is sharing with you.

Remember, you’re not here to sow your oats.

Sex is a wonderful thing that is meant to be enjoyed by both yourself and the woman you’re with, but like all good things, it should be enjoyed responsibly.

If you don’t go prepared, you may have serious consequences to deal with down the road, consequences that no one night of pleasure is worth.

Read the gay perspective here.