Wrong condom size may cause discomfort, discourage consistent use — AHF

The Prevention Programme Manager of the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Taofeek Adeleye, has warned Nigerians against using ill-fitting condoms, saying the wrong size could cause discomfort and discourage consistent use.

Adeleye spoke during a two-day national training for media personnel on lenacapavir, organised by the Institute of Human Virology Nigeria in collaboration with the National Agency for the Control of AIDS.

“Do women wear the same size of bra? Men do not also wear the same size of condoms. Condoms come in sizes,” Adeleye said while demonstrating the correct use of male and female condoms.

He explained that selecting the appropriate size was important for comfort and pleasure and could encourage consistent condom use as part of HIV and sexually transmitted infection prevention.

Adeleye also urged Nigerians to check the expiry date and condition of condom packaging before use, warning that improper storage could compromise the quality of latex condoms.

“When you pick up a condom, the first thing you check is the expiry date,” he said.

He cautioned against keeping condoms in places exposed to excessive heat and sunlight, including car boots and shelves close to ceilings.

“This is rubber. Once there is heat, it cools; the continuous process over time compromises the quality of the condom,” he said.

The AHF official further warned against using teeth or sharp objects to open condom packs, saying this could puncture the condom before use.

He demonstrated how to identify the correct side of the condom, roll it down properly and leave space at the tip. He also advised users to hold the base during withdrawal after ejaculation to prevent spillage.

On lubrication, Adeleye warned against using oil-based substances such as vegetable and olive oils with latex condoms, stressing that adequate, compatible lubrication could reduce friction and the risk of condom breakage.

He also demonstrated the use of the female condom, describing it as another option for HIV and STI prevention.

Adeleye urged journalists to educate the public about condoms alongside other HIV prevention options, including pre-exposure prophylaxis and other biomedical and behavioural interventions.

“You probably cannot stop people from having sexual activity. It will continue happening, whether we like it or not. So, there are prevention options,” he said.

The training on lenacapavir brought together media professionals as part of efforts by IHVN and NACA to improve public understanding and media coverage of emerging developments in HIV prevention.

Lenacapavir is a long-acting HIV prevention medicine that has attracted global attention as a potential additional option in the HIV prevention response.

Adeleye said the emergence of new prevention technologies should not diminish the importance of existing tools but should broaden the range of options available to individuals and communities.