“I now use withdrawal method”- Lagosians lament as price of condoms rises by 200%

The increase in condom prices is impacted by the rising inflation, cost of production, and the exchange market.

Some residents of Lagos have raised concerns over the increasing prices of contraceptives, saying it would lead to unsafe sex and unwanted pregnancies among citizens.

These residents mentioned this while speaking in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

According to them, the increase in the prices of these contraceptives have led them to using the the withdrawal method to avoid unwanted pregnancies.

Checks at some pharmacies showed that there has been a 200% rise from 50% in the prices of condoms compared to last year.

While the residents lamented this increase, they also pointed out that access to affordable contraceptives was critical in ensuring protection against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs), and planning the desired pregnancy.

Felix Atuche, one of the residents who spoke, said the increasing price of condoms had made him resort to withdrawal methods, hoping it doesn’t result to pregnancy.

“We got married two months ago and my wife and I are currently undertaking our master’s degree, so for us, pregnancy has to wait for about two years.

“I usually use the Durex Fetherlite Elite condom because it heightens the feelings between partners, just like skin to skin.

“I used to buy the pack for ₦1,900 but now it goes for ₦2,500 to ₦3,500, depending on the pharmacy I buy from. The cost is getting unaffordable for me because of the number of packs I need.

“I resorted to the withdrawal method but my wife has been avoiding sex with me because she’s scared of getting pregnant,” he said.

Also, a businesswoman, Monisola Ajayi, said that her sexual health was of utmost concern to her, hence she uses female condoms during sexual intercourse.

“A few years ago, I contracted STIs from my husband. I got treated and forgave him, but the incident left a scar on my heart, so, I always ensure I use a condom to protect myself. Female condoms are available but more expensive than male condoms.

“10 pieces of Fc2 vaginal condom go for over ₦4,200 now, before it was around ₦2,000.

“If I don’t have a condom, then no show for oga except he buys it for me. The hardship in the country is negatively affecting our sexual health,” she said.

Similarly, a youth corps member, Celestine Adesola, said that youths needed to be enlightened on the issues of safe sex practices.

“Valentine’s celebration is this week, and some parents would be shocked if they knew the unimaginable and risky practices that their teens and youths want to indulge in for fun. I would advise that enlightenment should be intensified among teens and youths.

“Also, non-governmental organisations should increase the distribution of free condoms to protect the health of youths,” she said.

Michael Achoji, a pharmacist, explained that the rise in condom prices was impacted by the rising inflation, cost of production, and the exchange market.

He appealed to the government to prioritize sexual and reproductive health issues through sustained interventions that would ensure access to affordable contraceptives.