TAMPON TALK

What was worse when growing up? The Curse itself or talking about it?

In my case, it was the later. We spoke in code, furtively whispering about The Curse, Aunt Flow, being on my pyramid, the rag. In my high school days just saying the word "Midol" out loud was a bold move; actually asking someone for one was a breakthrough moment of rare candor. Talking about menstruation, or anything else directly connected to sex, was taboo.

Have things changed much from the '60's?

Thanks to YouTube and Google, kids have easy access to a plethora of images and information pertaining sex.

After typing the phrase "celebrity se.." without adding the letter "x" into Google's search field, Google graciously suggested via drop down box that I check out the following 10 links:

1. celebrity sex-tape
   
2. celebrity sexy-lips
   
3. celebrity series
4. celebrity see through
5. celebrity secrets
6. celebrity series boston
7. celebrity search
8. celebrity sex-tapes
9. celebrity sexiest bodies
10. celebrity fantasy

If by some stretch of the imagination, the words see through, secrets and fantasy are linked to celebrity sexually, 7 out of 10 of the suggestions Google freely offers will provide web pages with sexual content.

Yes, the sixties have long come and gone. Yet, we still are a squeamish society when it comes to talking about sex. Why is this an issue?

Over 50% of all new HIV infections are found in people under the age of 24. Isn't it time we start learning how to talk about sex before it is too late.