Medical experts have warned that using the teeth to open condom packs could damage the condom and compromise its ability to prevent pregnancy, HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
The experts urged people to handle condoms carefully and open the packs with their hands, noting that hurried attempts to tear the wrapper with the teeth, scissors or blades could accidentally puncture the condom.
Condoms remain an important part of efforts to prevent HIV, sexually transmitted infections and unintended pregnancies. However, health professionals stressed that their effectiveness depends largely on correct and consistent use.
Speaking on proper condom use, Senior Prevention Programme Manager at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Adeleye Taofeek, explained that condom wrappers are designed to be opened from specific edges.
According to him, frustration caused by trying to open the wrong side of the pack could make some users resort to their teeth or sharp objects.
He said such actions could create tiny cuts or holes in the condom, rendering it unsafe for use.
“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,” Taofeek said.
He also advised users to check the expiry date of condoms before use, noting that expired products could have deteriorated in quality.
Taofeek further recommended the use of appropriate lubricants, particularly water-based or silicone-based lubricants with latex condoms, warning against the use of oil-based substances such as palm and vegetable oils, which can damage latex.
He also encouraged users to choose condoms of the appropriate size and handle them carefully before and during sexual activity.
Similarly, the Head of Project at the Lagos State AIDS Control Agency, Dr Oladipupo Fisher, advised against opening condoms with the teeth.
Fisher explained that the primary purpose of a condom is to provide a protective barrier against pregnancy, HIV and other STIs, adding that damaging it while opening the pack could defeat that purpose.
“The purpose of using a condom is as a barrier against pregnancy, HIV and STIs,” he said.
“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.”
The World Health Organisation also advises that condoms are safe and highly effective in preventing most sexually transmitted infections, including HIV, as well as unintended pregnancies when used correctly and consistently.
The WHO recommends lubricants because they can reduce the likelihood of condoms breaking or slipping during sex. It also notes that condoms significantly reduce the risk of most STIs when used consistently and correctly.
According to the global health body, when male condoms are used correctly during every sexual encounter, they provide about 98 per cent protection against unintended pregnancy among women whose partners use them.
The National Agency for the Control of AIDS also promotes consistent and correct condom use as part of efforts to prevent HIV, STIs and unintended pregnancies.
Health experts therefore advised users to avoid shortcuts when handling condoms, stressing that a few seconds spent opening the pack properly could make the difference between effective protection and condom failure.
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