Daily Dates explores topics related to sex such as effective contraception methods, the legalities of sexting, BDSM and what it’s like to have a child in college. Effectively being able to talk to your romantic partner about sex-related topics, such as contraception methods used and your sexual history are crucial to having a successful sex life. 

Column: What it’s like to have a kid in college

Paige Stephenson, junior in public relations, writes about her personal experience of having a child at 16. 

The process of becoming a mother drastically affected relations with friends and family. I was no longer seen as the sweet and innocent Paige everybody knew. Even though my family and friends never said it, some were clearly disappointed and embarrassed by me.

Some friends changed, some stayed the same. Now, I have friends who did not enter my life until the younger stages of motherhood. In a sense, I am a superhero in their eyes.

Birth Control: How much do you really know?

Tiffany Nelson, junior in advertising, explores the benefits of different contraception methods. 

Birth control has been around longer than most probably realize. Condoms are thought to have been around since 1000 B.C., although during that time they were made of linen sheath. The rubber condoms most people know today came around in the 1800s and have been popular ever since their debut, according to a Planned Parenthood report.

Hormonal options like the pill didn’t become available until 1957 and were only prescribed to women with severe menstrual issues. Since then, a lot of changes have been made to contraceptives, and innovations are still being made today.

So, how do you know what option is right for you?

Column: How to Order Dinner Like A Dominatrix

Aaron Kirch, president of Cuffs and sophomore in mechanical engineering, outlines how ordering dinner for your partner and BDSM relate. 

Would you ever trust your partner to order dinner for you? Wouldn’t it be exhilarating to not know what you’re getting? How much closer would you feel to your partner when that amazing dish arrives?

Now step into the shoes of the person ordering. Could you order for your date and get the exact right dish?  Wouldn’t you be tickled pink to have a partner who trusts you that deeply? If that sounds tempting to you, I dare you to try that on your next date. With your partner’s permission, of course.

Sexting Legalities

An amendment to Iowa’s harassment law, concerning what is referred to as “revenge porn,” was put in place in July 2017. The amendment ensures that an ex-boyfriend or girlfriend who has distributed a nude or semi-nude photo of their previous partner will be held accountable by law. Under Iowa Code Section 708.7, the ex-partner could face up to a two-year prison sentence if their intent was to intimidate, annoy, harm or harass.

With technology and people’s opinions of sexting in general ever-changing, it’s a hard thing for law enforcement and legislatures to constantly update. Writing and implementing a law can take months, if not years, and by the time it is being put into law, there can be new technologies out that blur the lines of the laws. A great example would be Snapchat.

When interviewed about their knowledge on the legality of sexting, many students were unsure of the exact law, but knew if they were a consenting adult it was not illegal.

“Sexting, like normal intercourse, is only legal if both parties are of age,” said Leo Livingston, senior in English.