Are Condoms The New Ick?

“Look at you looking for a condom and like how it’s ruining the mood” (Batchelder, 2025a). On October 24th, 2025, influencer Hallie Batchelder posted a controversial clip from her podcast, “Extra Dirty”, sharing that she got “the ick” when a sexual partner suggested using condoms to practice responsible sex (Batchelder, 2025a). Many viewers quickly pointed out how dangerous this message was, including fellow influencer Clarke Peoples who shared that “it’s not a mood killer to try and protect yourself, the person you’re sleeping with, or your future children by using a condom. The mood killer is finding out that you have an incurable disease” (Peoples, 2025). Despite the backlash, Hallie posted another TikTok on October 25th, 2025, to her 650,000+ followers doubling down on her anti-condom stance (Batchelder, 2025b).

Unfortunately, Hallie isn’t alone in how she thinks about condoms. Her comments echo real misconceptions and barriers that stop many young adults from using them. Let’s unpack her main claims and see what the research actually says.

1.     Condoms “Ruin The Mood”

The core of Hallie’s claim is that condoms “kill the vibe”, a feeling many young adults share. In one study, participants described condoms as an annoying interruption that disrupts the natural build-up to penetrative sex and orgasm (Bruan, 2013). While the act of pausing to grab and put on a condom can feel awkward, it doesn’t have to! Partners putting condoms on each other, keeping up dirty talk, or continuing touching while the condom goes on can allow for condom use to be a part of the sexual script (Planned Parenthood, 2024). Being prepared also helps; keeping a condom close by before things get exciting can make the transition quick and natural (Planned Parenthood, 2024). Condoms don’t have to “ruin the mood” — they can be part of it!

2.     A Condom Isn’t Necessary If Hormonal Birth Control Is Being Used

Hallie also says that she doesn’t need condoms because she has a “stronger IUD than, like, Zeus” (Batchelder, 2025a). Relying on other forms of contraception to replace condoms is very common. In a study of 15- to 24-year olds who didn’t use condoms, nearly half said it was because they were using another method of contraception, such as oral contraceptive pills (Rotermann et al., 2020). The problem is that while IUDs and oral contraceptives are effective at lowering the risk of pregnancy, they do not protect against sexually transmitted infections (STIs; Deese et al., 2018), a serious concern given the rise of STIs in many regions (World Health Organization, 2024). Reframing condoms as a both-and rather than an either-or option provides peace of mind for pregnancy and STIs, creating space for genuinely worry-free sex!

3.     Requesting to Use a Condom Means You Think Your Partner Sleeps Arounds

Finally, Hallie shared that she takes offence when someone asks to use a condom, saying, “…are you calling me a whore and are you trying to protect yourself from STDs I might have?” (Batchelder, 2025a). This reflects the misconception that wanting protection is the same as accusing a partner of being promiscuous. In reality, people request condoms to protect themselves and their partners (Farrington, 2016). Even if someone only has one sexual partner, they can still contract an STI, and many people have no obvious symptoms (Gordon, 2024). With this in mind, condoms are an act of care, not an act of distrust.

So… Are Condoms Really The Ick?

The short answer is no! Despite Hallie’s arguments, research and logic tell us that condoms do not only keep us reliably safe, but they show care for the person you are sleeping with. Plus, condoms can make for some great fun!

Anonymous, Psychology ’26, Queen’s University

References

Batchelder, H [extradirty]. (2025a, October 24). it’s a no from me [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@exxtradirty/video/7564807544313531662?_r=1&_t=ZS-91UZ4V7Hkie

Batchelder, H. [halliebatchelder]. (2025b, October 26). Oopsies [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@halliebatchelder/video/7565237161532984589?lang=en

Braun, V. (2013). ‘Proper sex without annoying things’: Anti-condom discourse and the ‘nature’ of (hetero)sex. Sexualities, 16(3-4). doi.org/10.1177/1363460713479752

Deese, J., Pradhan, S., Goetz, H., & Morrison, C. (2018). Contraceptive use and the risk of sexually transmitted infection: systematic review and current perspectives. Open Access Journal of Contraception, 9, 91-112. doi.org/10.2147/OAJC.S135439

Farrington, E. M., Bell, D. C., & DiBacco, A. E. (2016). Reasons people give for using (or not using) condoms. AIDS and Behavior, 20, 2850-2862. doi.org/10.1007/s10461-016-1352-7

Gordon, L. P. (2024, January). Should I Worry About Getting an STD? KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/teens/std-odds.html#:~:text=Even%20if%20someone%20has%20had,unprotected%20sex%20with%20different%20partners.

Peoples, C [claaaarke]. (2025, October 26). there’s nothing cute or funny about shaming safe sex especially when reproductive health and healthcare at large are under attack [Video]. TikTok. https://www.tiktok.com/@claaaarke/video/7565512549915987255?lang=en

Planned Parenthood. (2024, March 29). How do you use condoms and other barriers without totally killing the vibe? Planned Parenthood. https://www.plannedparenthood.org/blog/how-do-you-use-condoms-and-other-barriers-without-totally-killing-the-vibe

Rottermann, M., & Mckay, A. (2020). Sexual behaviours, condom use and other contraceptive methods among 15- to 24-year-olds in Canada. Health Reports, 31(9), 1-11. DOI:10.25318/82-003-x202000900001-eng

World Health Organization. (2024, May 21). New report flags major increase in sexually transmitted infections, amidst challenges in HIV and hepatitis. World Health Organization. https://www.who.int/news/item/21-05-2024-new-report-flags-major-increase-in-sexually-transmitted-infections---amidst-challenges-in-hiv-and-hepatitis#:~:text=In%202022%2C%20the%20Seventy%2Dfifth,for%20the%20period%202022%2D2030

Mood Up, Libido Down: Antidepressants & Sexual Dysfunction in Women

One in six women in the United States rely on antidepressants to live a “normal” life (Tierney et al., 2016). Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) constitute some of the most commonly prescribed drugs, and they work to increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, keeping more of it available to improve overall mood (Lee et al., 2010; Quaile, 2025). While more serotonin can stabilize emotions, it can have inhibitory effects on sexual function (Lorenz et al., 2016; Quaile, 2025). Specifically in women, increased serotonin can cause diminished or absent libido, difficulties with arousal (reduced genital sensitivity and lubrication), and delay/trouble reaching orgasm or anorgasmia (Lee et al., 2010). These side effects can impact a woman's quality of life and create severe distress (Lee et al., 2010). This blog explores the ways in which antidepressant prescriptions can negatively impact libido, arousal, and orgasm in women, leading to sexual dissatisfaction.

Libido is the term for someone’s sexual desire, and loss or decline of this is a commonly reported adverse sexual side effect in women taking antidepressants (72% of women in one study; Tierney et al., 2016). Higher serotonin can suppress dopamine, a necessary neurotransmitter for sexual motivation and reward (Michelson et al., 2000; Quaile, 2025). When there are fewer dopamine signals in the brain, there is less desire, contributing to lower libido (Michelson et al., 2000; Quaile, 2025). The effect of diminished interest in sexual activity is something that affects more women than men globally and is highly reported by Americans. An analysis of low sexual desire from antidepressants across various European countries revealed that up to 34% of women compared to 15% of men reported post-SSRI low sexual desire (Kennedy & Rizvi, 2009). However, changes in sexual interest may be more subjectively experienced and context dependent, making it more difficult to specifically attribute to medicine (Michelson et al., 2000).

Another commonly reported adverse sexual effect in women taking antidepressants is problems with sexual arousal, operationally defined as vaginal lubrication for individuals with vulvas (83%; Tierney et al., 2016). Elevated serotonin can inhibit nitric oxide synthase – a family of enzymes - which decreases blood flow to the genitals, making genital arousal feel blunted (Lee et al., 2010; Quaile, 2025). Vaginal arousal is also facilitated by activity in the sympathetic nervous system and harmony between it and the parasympathetic nervous system is necessary for vaginal lubrication (Tierney et al., 2016). SSRIs interfere with the natural balance between the two systems which may explain why women taking SSRIs report more dysfunction in sexual arousal than men (Tierney et al., 2016). Psychological arousal could also potentially be dissociated from physiologic arousal, meaning that even if women experience sexual desire/interest or are mentally aroused, they may not have sufficient vaginal lubrication to have enjoyable sexual intercourse (Michelson et al., 2000).

Lastly, many women on antidepressant medications experience extreme difficulty achieving orgasms or anorgasmia (the inability to achieve an orgasm; Jani & Wise, 1988). SSRIs can halt the brain’s reward response and delay or completely block orgasmic ability (Kennedy & Rizvi, 2009; Lee et al., 2010; Quaile, 2025). Studies show that a high frequency of women (anywhere from 30% to 70%) prescribed serotonergic antidepressants report orgasm difficulties since starting the medication (Quaile, 2025). Since pressure is often placed on making orgasms the final goal of sexual activity (Janssen et al., 2025), many women with this side effect are left feeling sexually unsatisfied (Janssen et al., 2025).

In conclusion, with the decrease of mental health stigma and the increase of pharmacological treatments being prescribed (Angermeyer et al., 2013), the issue of antidepressants potentially causing sexual problems needs more awareness and a deeper understanding. It is crucial that women around the world can receive treatment for anxiety and depression without sacrificing their pleasure or sexual wellbeing. People should be able to have both medicinal assistance and sexual satisfaction, without being forced to choose one.

Katrina Caeiro (she/her), Psychology and Sociology Joint Honors, 4th year, Queens University.

References

Angermeyer, M. C., Matschinger, H., & Schomerus, G. (2013). Attitudes towards psychiatric treatment and people with mental illness: changes over two decades. British Journal of Psychiatry, 203(2), 146–151. doi:10.1192/bjp.bp.112.122978

Jani, N. N., & Wise, T. N. (1988). Antidepressants and inhibited female orgasm: A literature review. Journal of Sex & Marital Therapy, 14(4), 279–284. https://doi.org/10.1080/00926238808403810

Janssen, A. K., Csako, R. I., Rowland, D. L., & Hevesi, K. (2025). The Satisfaction of Women's Orgasms: The Relationship Between Women's Orgasmic Pleasure and Sexual Relationship Satisfaction in Aotearoa/New Zealand. International journal of sexual health: official journal of the World Association for Sexual Health, 37(2), 251–262. https://doi.org/10.1080/19317611.2025.2464535

Kennedy, S. H., & Rizvi, S. (2009, April). Sexual Dysfunction, Depression, and the Impact of Antidepressants. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 29(2): p57-164. https://doi.org/10.1097/JCP.0b013e31819c76e9  

Lee, K. U., Lee, Y. M., Nam, J. M., Lee, H. K., Kweon, Y. S., Lee, C. T., & Jun, T. Y. (2010). Antidepressant-Induced Sexual Dysfunction among Newer Antidepressants in a Naturalistic Setting. Psychiatry investigation, 7(1), 55–59. https://doi.org/10.4306/pi.2010.7.1.55

Lorenz, T., Rullo, J., & Faubion, S. (2016, September). Antidepressant-induced female sexual dysfunction - mayo clinic proceedings. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinicproceedings.org/article/S0025-6196(16)30302-0/fulltext

Michelson, D., Bancroft, J., Targum, S., Yongman, K., & Tepner, R. (2000). Female Sexual Dysfunction Associated With Antidepressant Administration: A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study of Pharmacological Intervention. Am J Psychiatry. 157: p239-243. https://psychiatryonline.org/doi/pdf/10.1176/appi.ajp.157.2.239

Quaile, H. (Ed.). (2025, August 19). A guide to the sexual side effects of ssris: Vella. Vella Bioscience. https://vellabio.com/blogs/vella-voice/sexual-side-effects-of-ssris