Durability of condoms important to prevent HIV infection: Docs

On World AIDS Day on Tuesday, various doctors and sexologists have expressed satisfaction that there has been an increase in awareness levels of the disease and its source, the Human Immunodeficiency Virus. Most, though, have expressed concern about the low awareness levels among people regarding safe sex and usage of proper quality of condoms. These, they said, are some of the main factors standing in the way of complete eradication of the disease.

Based on information provided by Dr P S Nayyer, additional project director, Delhi State AIDS Control Society there are at present, 50,000 registered HIV patients in Delhi with 18,000 of them under antiretroviral therapy.

Dr Nayyer said: “Even though contracting the HIV through unprotected sex is prevalent, people must also be careful during blood transfusion and usage of shared syringes, mainly used for the purpose of drugs. Special care must be taken in cases of pregnant women to ensure that if the mother is infected with HIV, it must not be transferred to their new born.”

On the topic unprotected sex, Dr Nayyer said: “Female sex workers, truckers and transgenders are the vulnerable lot.” On distribution of condoms, Dr Nayyer stated that 12,00,000 condoms are distributed per month across 89 NGO centres in the city.

On the usage and the quality of condoms, most doctors and sexologists have asked for greater care. “Many people still do not understand the purpose of using proper quality condoms,” said Dr Vinod Raina, a sexologist. 

“Proper size and lubrication should be seen in choosing the proper condoms,” advised Dr Raina, adding, that measures like using double condoms and blowing air through the condoms in order to see its durability are also effective measures to check the condoms incase of breakages and leakages.

Doctors also talked about the post exposure prophylaxis (pep) as an effective medical aid to prevent the HIV infection.