Health
Using teeth to open condoms could ruin protection — Experts
Men who are always in a hurry to have sex and have a habit of opening condoms with their teeth may need to reconsider their actions if they truly want to prevent pregnancy and protect themselves against HIV and other sexually transmitted infections, medical experts have said.
The experts said opening condoms with teeth could perforate them and defeat the purpose of using them for protection.
Condoms have been identified as a key component of a comprehensive HIV prevention strategy.
The experts stressed the need for responsible and proper use of condoms, including proper storage to preserve their quality, and advised users to use water-based or silicone-based lubricants rather than oil-based products when using latex condoms.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH HealthWise on proper condom use, the experts also stressed the importance of using condoms with lubricants.
They noted that condoms are highly efficacious in preventing pregnancy, STIs and HIV, but their effectiveness is highly dependent on correct and consistent use.
According to the World Health Organisation, condoms, when used correctly and consistently, are safe and highly effective in preventing transmission of most sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, as well as unplanned pregnancies.
The global health body notes that condoms are safe, inexpensive, and widely available.
The WHO explained that when using a condom, lubricants, also known as lube, make it less likely that the condom will break, slip or fall off and can enhance pleasure during sex.
A Senior Prevention Programme Manager at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Adeleye Taofeek, said when used correctly, condoms can prevent HIV transmission, STIs and pregnancy.
Taofeek said people can enjoy sex while using condoms when used correctly and consistently.
The programme manager said, “A condom is made of latex rubber, usually packed in a condom pack (wrapper) made of an aluminium foil laminate or a multi-layer plastic polymer composite. This airtight seal blocks air, light and moisture to keep the product safe and clean.
“For each pack, there are four edges: two smooth and two rough edges. Condoms are thus seamlessly opened from the rough edges. Oftentimes, people do not take this into consideration and attempt to open the condom from the smooth edge, which becomes difficult and frustrating. Out of frustration, there’s a tendency to resort to using the teeth, scissors or blades to tear open the aluminium foil laminate.”
He warned against practices that can cause condom failure or defeat the purpose of using them during sexual activity, including opening condoms with the teeth.
“This is not correct, as this act is capable of damaging or compromising the quality and integrity of the condom. The teeth may cut or create an opening on the condom, thereby making it unfit for use,” he said.
Taofeek warned that condoms have an expiry date, noting that the average shelf life of a condom is four years from the time of manufacture.
He added that expired condoms should not be used as their quality could be compromised.
Taofeek also stressed the importance of using water-based lubricants with condoms, warning against using palm and vegetable oils as sexual lubricants.
He urged men to ensure that they use condoms of the appropriate size and take precautions before engaging in sexual activity as part of efforts to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
For the Head of Project at the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Dr Oladipupo Fisher, no one should open a condom with their teeth.
“The purpose of using a condom is as a barrier against pregnancy, HIV and STIs,” Fisher said.
He stressed that condom use helps prevent people from contracting and spreading HIV.
“When you use your teeth to open a condom pack, it could perforate it, and the purpose of using the condom could be defeated. People should learn how to use their hands to open condoms. The manufacturer has made it to be opened with your hands. There is a line there that you need to position your hands and open it. When you use your teeth to open the condom, you could perforate the condom and render it ineffective,” he said.
He advised men to avoid risky behaviour and embrace a healthy lifestyle.
The WHO says condoms are currently the only available multi-purpose prevention technology against HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancy, adding that condom use has been a significant tool in decreasing HIV transmission globally.
Data obtained from its website by PUNCH Healthwise indicates that condoms are highly efficacious in preventing pregnancy, STIs and HIV.
It, however, pointed out that the effectiveness of condoms in practice depends on their correct use, adding that the risk of pregnancy or STIs, including HIV, is greatest when condoms are not used correctly during every act of sex.
“Very few pregnancies or infections occur due to slips or breaks. Condoms significantly reduce the risk of most STIs when used consistently and correctly during vaginal, oral and anal sex. When used correctly with every act of sex, 98 per cent of women whose male partners use male condoms will be protected from unplanned pregnancy,” the WHO said.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS also advocates the use of condoms for the prevention of HIV, STIs and unplanned pregnancies.
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