Expert warns against practices that can cause condom failure

Using condoms incorrectly, particularly with oil-based lubricants, significantly raises the risk of breakage and compromises protection against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, an HIV prevention expert has cautioned. Taofeek Adeleye, Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, issued this warning in Lagos during a training event for journalists and social media influencers on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP). The training, organized by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in collaboration with the World Health Organisation (WHO), aims to improve public access to accurate HIV information.

Adeleye stressed the importance of correct condom usage, advising against oil-based substances like palm oil or vegetable oil, and recommending water-based lubricants instead. This advice aligns with guidance from international health bodies, including the U.S. Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (US-CDC) and the WHO, which emphasize that oil-based lubricants can weaken latex condoms, leading to breakage.

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You can’t use palm oil, honey oil, balsamic, or vegetable oil. You can use water-based lubricants, which are advisable.

Beyond lubricants, Adeleye also highlighted the necessity of using the correct condom size and taking general precautions before sexual activity. His remarks come as Nigeria intensifies its multi-pronged approach to HIV prevention, which includes condoms, testing, and PrEP. While PrEP is effective in reducing the risk of HIV infection for those at risk, it does not offer protection against other STIs or unintended pregnancies. Therefore, health organizations continue to recommend condoms and lubricants as essential components of comprehensive HIV prevention services, even for individuals using PrEP.

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I always advise men that when you are going to engage in sexual activity, you should also look around. When you are coming in here, you look at the room before you enter. You don’t just go into a place without knowing what is there.