Exeter students are demanding larger condoms after complaints that condoms provided by OUSU are too tight, uncomfortable and have even snapped on some occasions.
The JCR passed a motion to provide a different brand of condoms to its student body.
Exeter’s Male Welfare Officer, Mark Curtis, introduced the motion at a JCR meeting last week because of the Safex band’s growing unpopularity. The committee subsequently decided to purchase Durex condoms instead.
JCR President Simon Heawood justified the decision, saying, "Although Safex is recognised by all the appropriate authorities, it is a slightly unknown brand with which people have experienced problems. In light of this, the JCR decided that renewing confidence in contraception provision was a good use of the money currently floating around for welfare," he said.
"We therefore voted unanimously to buy Durex condoms, a more recognised brand, at extra expense in the future."
Curtis added, "We are working very closely with the OUSU welfare team, who are well aware of the concerns with Safex condoms. OUSU are planning on ordering a bulk supply of Durex in the next week or so, which inevitably will cost a little more, but our JCR is willing to pay for better contraception and will still be getting them via OUSU."
The change means that in the weeks running up to the Christmas vacation, Exeter will have a transition period during which both condom brands are supplied. As the current Intelligent Vending condom machines from OUSU are unable to fit Durex, the new brand will be stocked in a welfare cupboard while Safex will continue to be provided.
OUSU reacted positively to the news, saying that it had received some negative feedback concerning Safex in the past. Louise Randall, OUSU Vice-President for welfare, said she was currently in talks with Durex. She insisted that OUSU was keen to give Oxford students whatever brand they wanted, saying, "We have no way of knowing how students rate welfare supplies until they email to tell us, or take motions like this, and I’m really pleased that we’re going to be able to make a positive change as a result. "I hope common rooms understand that I am keener than anyone to be providing the best condoms possible for students."
