A health expert has warned Nigerians against using palm oil, vegetable oil and other oil-based substances as sexual lubricants, particularly when condoms are being used.
Taofeek Adeleye, Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, gave the warning in Lagos during a national training for media personnel on HIV Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the World Health Organisation.
Adeleye advised people who use condoms to choose water-based lubricants, which are considered a safer option for use alongside condoms.
He also encouraged people to use condoms that fit properly and to take appropriate precautions before engaging in sexual activity as part of efforts to reduce the risk of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
Expert Warns Against Oil-Based Products
According to Adeleye, substances including palm oil and vegetable oil should not be used as substitutes for purpose-made sexual lubricants, especially when condoms are involved.
He recommended water-based lubricants instead and urged people to avoid taking unnecessary risks during sexual activity.
The warning is particularly important for people relying on condoms for protection, as using inappropriate substances with condoms can compromise their effectiveness.
Saliva Also Discussed
The health expert also addressed the use of saliva when a proper lubricant is unavailable.
He advised against using saliva from another person, saying individuals who choose to use saliva should use their own rather than someone else's.
The training also focused on HIV prevention strategies, including condom use, HIV testing and PrEP, a preventive medication used by HIV-negative people who may have a higher risk of exposure.
Adeleye stressed the importance of combining preventive measures rather than relying on a single approach.
Call for Better Sexual Health Awareness
The expert's warning comes as health authorities continue efforts to improve public understanding of HIV prevention and reduce misinformation surrounding sexual health.
Health professionals encourage people to use products specifically designed for sexual activity and to seek reliable medical advice when unsure about the safety of a particular product.
For people using condoms, water-based lubricants are the recommended choice highlighted by the expert, rather than household oils such as palm or vegetable oil.
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