Senior Manager for Prevention Programmes at the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Taofeek Adeleye, warned Nigerians in Lagos on Thursday, August 20, 2026, against using palm oil, vegetable oil and other oil-based substances as sexual lubricants, particularly when using condoms.
Adeleye gave the advice during a national training programme for media personnel on HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis, organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS and the World Health Organisation.
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His warning centres on a practical but often overlooked aspect of safer sex. Oil-based products can weaken latex condoms, increasing the risk of breakage and potentially undermining their protective function.
The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention similarly advises people using latex condoms to choose water-based or silicone-based lubricants and avoid oil-based products.
“You can’t use palm oil, honey oil, balsamic, or vegetable oil. You can use water-based lubricants, which are advisable,” Adeleye said.
The advice is particularly relevant in settings where household oils may be readily available and sometimes considered convenient alternatives to purpose-made lubricants.
However, the CDC specifically lists cooking and vegetable oils among products that can damage latex condoms.
Adeleye also encouraged people to ensure that they use condoms that fit properly, noting that individuals may need to try different sizes to determine which offers the most suitable fit.
“Two or three condoms, you will know the one that fits you,” he said, stressing the importance of becoming familiar with correct condom use.
Proper lubrication itself remains important because inadequate lubrication can contribute to condom breakage. Health guidance recommends adequate lubrication during sexual activity, with water-based lubricants commonly advised for use with latex condoms.
Adeleye further advised people to pay attention to their surroundings and make informed decisions before engaging in sexual activity.
He also addressed the use of saliva when purpose-made lubricant is unavailable, advising against using saliva from another person.
The discussion formed part of a wider conversation around HIV prevention as Nigeria continues to promote a combination of interventions, including condoms, HIV testing and PrEP.
PrEP is designed for people who do not have HIV but may have an increased risk of exposure.
When taken as prescribed, it substantially lowers the risk of acquiring HIV, although it does not protect against other sexually transmitted infections.
Condoms therefore remain an important part of broader sexual health protection. Correct use, appropriate sizing and compatible lubrication can all help reduce the likelihood of condom failure.
For people using latex condoms, the central message is straightforward: purpose-made water-based or silicone-based lubricants are safer choices than household oils. Oil-based products can weaken latex and make condoms more likely to break.
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The warning highlights how seemingly minor choices during sexual activity can have important consequences for HIV and STI prevention, making accurate public health information especially valuable.
Oreoluwa is an accountant and a brand writer with a flair for journalism.
