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Study reveals strong support for campus sexual health vending machine

Wangkun Jia - stock.adobe.com

October 27, 2026

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A sexual health vending machine at Tufts University in Medford, Massachusetts, has improved students' perceived access to contraceptives and other sexual health products, according to a study published in Frontiers in Public Health.

Researchers surveyed 118 students between October and December 2025 and examined vending machine restocking records to evaluate usage and attitudes. Of those, 98% agreed that the machine made sexual health products easier to obtain, while 99% considered it important for the university to provide such resources. Installed in October 2022, the machine dispenses free condoms, dental dams and lubricant without requiring a student identification card.

Nearly 69% said the machine increased their likelihood of using a condom, with recent users significantly more likely to report that effect. Restocking records also indicated substantial activity, including the replenishment of 1,509 condoms, 60 dental dams and 222 units of lubricant during November and December 2025.

Privacy emerged as the most significant obstacle to wider adoption. Approximately 38% of respondents said they had considered using the machine but decided against it, with nearly 82% of that group citing concerns about being seen. Students also suggested offering additional condom sizes, more lubricant options and menstrual products.