According to the Society of Family Health, Nigerians use 400 million condoms yearly. Findings from a study conducted in the country revealed that condom is used both for prophylactic and family planning or pregnancy prevention purposes. It was also discovered that encumbering beliefs, adverse experience, gender-related fears and tensions among others militate against the wide usage of condom.
The condom section at your local pharmacy, patent medicine store or shopping center can be overwhelming with so many colors, sizes, and shapes, where do you even begin?! The good news is, when it comes down to it, you can’t really go wrong. Condoms have several benefits because any time there’s skin-to-skin contact during intercourse, there is a high tendency for the transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). In addition, when used correctly, they protect against pregnancy 98% of the time. But when the time comes to select your type of rubber, don’t stress too much it’s all about preference. Here’s the lowdown on the nine types of condoms in Nigeria and the 3 top brands:
Latex
The most common condom, standard latex is a reliable choice to help prevent pregnancy and STDs. But if you notice any itching, redness, or rash after using one, ask your doctor to test you for a latex allergy. “Irritation could also be caused by other factors like lubricant or excessive dryness.
Non-latex
If you do have a latex allergy, there are plenty of alternatives. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports that non-latex condoms have a higher rate of breakage compared to latex, bringing their effectiveness closer to 95%. What exactly are these alternatives made of? The most common material is polyurethane, but some brands use polyisoprene, nitrile, or lambskin.
Lambskin
Speaking of lambskin, this type of sheath is probably the most controversial on our list. Thanks to the natural material, some people find lambskin condoms have less of a reduction in sensation than latex condoms, making them better. However, lambskins will not protect against STDs and are not as effective at preventing pregnancy, that’s because the naturally occurring pores in lambskin are large enough to let some viruses (like HIV and herpes) pass right on through. So if the idea of another animal’s skin doesn’t weird you out and you’re aware of the risks, lambskins are a possible (although not quite recommended) option.
Spermicidal
Spermicide, a chemical substance that immobilizes and destroys sperm, is found in multiple forms (jellies, foams, creams, film, or suppositories) and is often combined with a barrier method (in this case, a condom). The substance is 70% to 80% effective on it’s own, but when combined with a condom, that stat jumps to 97%. That’s actually a percentage point lower than condoms on their own (it’s because there’s slight chance spermicide could damage the latex of a condom). You should also be aware it can cause irritation or an allergic reaction, in which case, you’re better off sticking with spermicide-free. SEE: How to Wash Your Vagina
Female condoms
We don’t hear about female condoms often, most likely because they’ve shown to be less effective than male condoms due to their difficult placement, and apathy towards the product by many women in Nigeria. The typical use failure rate is 21%. But when used correctly they have 95% success at preventing pregnancy and STDs, making them only slightly less effective than male condoms. If female condoms are your only option, definitely use them, but combining them with another form of birth control, such as the pill or an IUD, for optimal protection against pregnancy. The beauty of this contraception option is that it gives women control over their own protection against STDs. Plus, you can insert them up to 8 hours before making out, which means no need to pause for a condom-break in the heat of the moment.
Lubricated
According to experts, lubricated condom is not only going to be more comfortable, but it’s going to decrease the chance that [the condom] is going to break or come off since vaginal dryness can cause friction. If you decide to use your own lube, proceed with caution. Not all lubricants are condom-compatible. Products like baby oil or coconut oil will break down the condom, so stick with water-based or silicone-based lube.
Ultra thin
Many people swear by ultra thin latex condoms, touting them as a barrier option that doesn’t totally reduce sexy sensations. But does thinner material mean they’re more likely to break? Not necessarily. “Most condom failures are from the condom not being used soon enough, or if it rolls off while you’re still inside of someone. That has nothing to do with the type of condom.
Novelty
Your friend bought you a whole box of glow-in-the-dark condoms as a joke gift for your birthday, but they’re not actually safe to use, right? Turns out novelty condoms are totally fine. Since they’re typically made from latex, they’re just as effective as your average condom. It all comes down to personal preference; it’s not a safety issue. So if you want to turn your partner’s business into an iridescent light saber, well, may the force be with you. Night Light Glow in the Dark Latex Condoms.
Flavored
Similar to novelty condoms, it’s all a matter of preference when it comes to flavored. They’re just regular latex condoms covered in flavoring, making them equally effective to their non-cherry-infused counterparts. But if you find yourself having a strange reaction down south, skip the added flavoring to see if that’s the culprit.
Most Used Brands of Condom In Nigeria
There are many bad brands of condoms in Nigeria owing to smuggling and other nefarious activities. This has led to a booming market where low quality condoms are being paraded as high quality products. The best and the most used condoms in Nigeria are:
Durex Condoms
Founded as the London Rubber Company in 1915, Durex has over 90 years of experience making condoms. Today, Durex offers an array of condoms, lubricants, and vibrators. Durex was the first condom manufacturer to develop and use electronic testing on their products. International standards require condoms to withstand up to 18 liters of air in electronic testing. Durex condoms can handle a whopping 40 liters of air without being compromised.
Compared to other brands, Durex has a relatively small range of products. Only seven types of condoms are listed on its website. Here are some of their more popular options:
- Avanti Bare RealFeel condoms are ultra-thin, non-latex condoms that simulate skin-on-skin contact. They’re made from high-tech polyisoprene, which is a great option for people with latex allergies who want better STI protection than they might get from natural materials.
- Invisible Ultra Thin condoms are the thinnest condoms available in the Durex line. Durex claims these maximize sensation while providing security and protection.
- Intense Sensation Studded condoms have hundreds of studs. This latex condom is designed to enhance pleasure. It also features a reservoir tip for added protection.
Fiesta Condom
Fiesta Condom is a premium condom brand readily available in Nigeria. Fiesta premium Condoms are 100% electronically tested and manufactured to meet the highest international quality standards (EN ISO 4074: 2002) and provide the ultimate in protection and pleasure for couples.
Fiesta premium condoms are available in 12 different variants of colours, textures, shapes, flavors, thickness and sizes, so you can enjoy a different, exciting and pleasurable experience every time you have sex. Fiesta condoms are effective, safe, affordable and quality product. Fiesta premium Condoms are great choice because they can prevent both pregnancy and Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs), so whenever you use Fiesta condoms, you get double protection combined with pleasure every time. Dkt also Produces the Kiss Condom.
Gold Circle
This is the most used condom in Nigeria. Gold Circle (GC) condoms have been available since 1986, and are highly subsidized to ensure affordability to the poor and vulnerable. This condom is produced by the Society of Family Health and has been their pinnacle product with over 20 years in the Nigerian Market.
The most widely used Classic undergoes two levels of quality assurance test, hence its double tested assuring premium quality. A pack contains three solid latex condoms. Gold Circle condom offers dual protection to encourage family planning and prevent Sexually Transmitted Infection in Nigeria. Gold Circle Condoms are made of latex, well lubricated and shrinked wrapped. Gold Circle also comes in other variants. The new improved Gold Circle Condoms is designed to provide maximum pleasure and protection. It is ribbed for extra sensation and strawberry flavored for your delight. See Types Of Family Planning In Nigeria
