Collegian Sex Column

White: We need a better sex vocabulary

Skylar White, Collegian Columnist • August 25, 2026

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board. Generation Z lives — and...

Weishaar: Ethical porn can benefit your sex life

Audrey Weishaar, Collegian Columnist • February 13, 2026

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board. Say you are a young adult...

Pavelko: Abstinence-only sex education wrongfully uses scare tactics

Hana Pavelko, Collegian Columnist • September 24, 2025

Editor's Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board. Sexual education is extremely...

Thorn: Crisis pregnancy centers do not care about women

Astrid Thorn, Collegian Columnist • April 8, 2025

Chances are, if you live in Fort Collins, you have likely seen the Alpha Center on College Avenue. Though it may not be obvious from its generic name or unassuming exterior, the Alpha Center is a facility that claims to offer services to pregnant people, specifically to individuals experiencing unplanned pregnancies.

Thorn: Low sex drive is completely normal

Astrid Thorn, Collegian Columnist • March 3, 2025

There is no denying that sex can be exciting, fun, inviting and something to be sought after. Sex is a crucial part of life for many people across the world and a major factor in many people’s romantic relationships. One important aspect of a person’s sex life is the frequency with which they desire sexual contact. This is an issue that requires sensitivity, as discourse surrounding it can involve a great amount of societal pressure and shame.

Seriously: Valentine’s Day protection means 1 less Scorpio man

Astrid Thorn, Collegian Columnist • February 13, 2025

Valentine’s Day is arguably the sexiest day of the year. It is the one day a year that is entirely devoted to love, intimacy and getting it on, making it the perfect excuse for an extra steamy, extra long night of fun. But remember to take caution when getting frisky this Valentine’s Day because if you’re not careful, you may find yourself staring at a positive pregnancy test a few weeks later, and if that alone isn’t enough to scare you, here’s something that should.

Seriously: What your birth control says about you

Astrid Thorn, Collegian Columnist • November 19, 2024

Birth control is a hot topic, especially among female-bodied individuals in college. The beauty of pregnancy prevention lies in its customizability, with modern medicine giving us numerous great ways to keep the babies away. What a lot of people don’t realize is that birth control is almost like medical astrology — the kind of birth control you choose can reveal who you are to your core. 

Thorn: Sexually explicit media pushes harmful dynamics, sets unrealistic expectations

Astrid Thorn, Collegian Columnist • November 12, 2024

Editor’s Note: All opinion section content reflects the views of the individual author only and does not represent a stance taken by The Collegian or its editorial board. The current generation of...

Thorn: My Halloween costume is not my consent

Astrid Thorn, Collegian Columnist • October 28, 2024

Halloween is upon us, and the festivities are ramping up. In college, Halloween takes on a new meaning, with the holiday revolving more around dressing up and partying all weekend long. College students opt to attend Halloween-themed house parties as opposed to trick-or-treating, and the sheet ghost costumes of childhood are traded in for more revealing, risqué get-ups. While these parts of the holiday are incredibly fun, they come with safety concerns that must be acknowledged. 

Thorn: Talking about sex with your partner is important

Astrid Thorn, Collegian Columnist • September 16, 2024

For many young people, having sex is much easier than talking about it. It can often feel awkward to bring up sexual desires in conversation with a sexual partner or partners, but it is an essential part of developing a positive sexual relationship, not only with your partner but also with yourself.

Thorn: Remember these best etiquette practices to have sex in dorms

Astrid Thorn, Collegian Columnist • August 28, 2024

Moving into the dorms can be incredibly exciting, especially for first-year students who are living on their own for the first time. There are countless new freedoms that come with living in a college dorm, one of which is the opportunity for new levels of sexual exploration and experimentation.

Pavelko: Correct condom use is important

Hana Pavelko, Collegian Columnist • November 15, 2023

There are a variety of different contraceptives. Whether barrier methods, hormonal methods or even sterilization, they can all be used to reduce the chance of getting pregnant. One of the most common is a condom, a sheath designed to keep bodily fluids from coming into contact during sexual interactions. A male condom, or an external condom, is the one most people are probably familiar with.