‘Stop using condoms for too long; dispose them after ejaculation to avoid STIs’ — Dr. Abena Yeboah tells youth

The Health Director of the Ayawaso West Municipality, Dr. Abena Yeboah, has advised young people to change condoms after each round of sexual intercourse to avoid infection.

Dr. Yeboah emphasized that while condoms are effective contraceptives that provide protection against sexually transmitted diseases, improper usage poses a significant danger to their health.

The senior medical doctor highlighted that using a single condom for a longer period exposes one to sexually transmitted infections (STIs).

"Every condom has a probability of getting torn. This is because you are not supposed to use condoms for too long. Once you are done using it and you ejaculate, you take it off and discard it.

“While there is no specific time limit for wearing a condom, after climaxing, it should be removed. After one round of sexual intercourse, it is essential to use a new condom for the next encounter," Dr. Abena Yeboah explained, as quoted by Adomonline.com.

Dr. Yeboah pointed out that the country has witnessed a concerning increase in STI cases due to unhealthy sexual practices. She emphasized that it is crucial for individuals to understand that all condoms can tear during sex and one contributing factor is the repeated use of a single condom.

She highlighted a gap in sexual education, particularly among students. She noted that adolescents often rely on information from social media and peer discussions about sex, contributing to the rising incidence of STIs among young people.

"Given the prevalence of information on social media and the desire of young people to explore various sexual practices, including oral sex and other unsafe behaviors, it is imperative that we incorporate comprehensive reproductive health education into our teachings," she emphasized.

Regarding the role of religious leaders in sexual education, Dr. Yeboah encouraged them to take an active role in educating their congregations about sex and promoting responsible contraceptive use.