Health experts have cautioned against using household oils, including palm oil and vegetable oil, as lubricants during sexual activity, emphasising that oil-based substances compromise condom integrity and increase the risk of infections.
Speaking on Thursday at a national media training on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) in Lagos, Taofeek Adeleye, Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation (AHF), advised the public to rely strictly on water-based lubricants.
The workshop was organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) in partnership with the World Health Organisation (WHO) to improve public awareness around HIV prevention strategies.
Dangers of oil-based lubricants and saliva
Adeleye explained that household kitchen products like palm oil, vegetable oil, honey, and petroleum-based products weaken latex condoms, causing them to tear easily and rendering them ineffective against sexually transmitted infections (STIs) or unplanned pregnancies.
Addressing alternative practices, Adeleye also warned against using another person’s saliva as a substitute for lubricant. In the absence of a proper water-based lubricant, he advised that women should only use their own saliva to minimise the risk of introducing foreign bacteria or infections into their bodies.
Condom fit and environment awareness
The AHF official urged men to prioritise proper condom sizing to ensure full protection during sexual activity. He encouraged individuals to test different sizes to find a comfortable and secure fit, emphasising that using the correct size significantly reduces the chances of slippage or breakage.
Furthermore, he advised men to remain cautious and conscious of their personal environments before engaging in sexual encounters.
Strengthening HIV prevention in Nigeria
The media training forms part of broader efforts by NACA, the WHO, and partner organisations to expand combination HIV prevention tools across Nigeria, which maintains one of the largest HIV burdens globally.
In addition to expanding access to PrEP—a medication taken by HIV-negative individuals to prevent contracting the virus—health authorities stressed that proper condom usage and water-based lubricants remain critical to preventing other STIs and reducing public health stigma through accurate reporting.
