A recent expose by a local daily revealed that a section of residents of Kiandutu in Thika are washing condoms for reuse due to scarcity and financial constraints has left medical practitioners among other members of the public agape .
A study conducted by the World Health Organization (WHO) stated that re-use of female condoms was an emerging but perilous trend that was taking root especially in informal settlements where residents practices high risk sexual behaviors.
Poverty and lack of access to female condoms was also another reason that encouraged the habit.
The study issued the following warnings against the practice:
Virginal irritation
Before re-use, the condom are disinfected, washed, dried and then re-lubricated. However, according to the study the chemicals and especially bleaches used in this process have a potential of causing terrible virginal irritation hence occasioning discomfort to the subject.
Breach of structural integrity
The procedure involved in cleaning the used condoms according to the WHO study, weakens the structure of the condoms and may make them porous though not visible to the naked eye.
When the structure is also weakened, the condom is at a higher risk of rupturing during sexual intercourse.
This then makes it easy for organisms causing Sexually Transmitted Infection (STI’s) to be passed on to the uninfected person and even pregnancy can occur despite condom usage.
STI infections
If the condoms are not properly cleaned, the study warns that they could culminate to STI infection as the causative agents were not effectively removed.
According to Pamela Olilo, the Officer in-charge of the Infectious Diseases unit at Jaramogi Oginga Odinga Teaching and Referral Hospital, condoms (both male and female) should be used once citing that a re-use is dangerous.
Olilo however says it is imperative for health stake holders to ensure that free condoms are distributed adding that condom dispensers need to be monitored by charged institutions to ensure that the stock is revamped once it goes low.