"Prevention is better than cure", this sentence has been used in ads, commercials, and particularly in any situation where there is need for caution. Other words that can be used in place of "Protect" are defend, guard, safeguard, and shield, all these words imply "to keep secure from danger or against attack," meanwhile to protect means using of something (such as a covering) as a bar to the impact of what may attack, injure, or prevent unwanted development. There would be no need for safety if danger didn't exist, with the current world systems and it's double standards, protection has been overemphasized in some areas.
The recent #ENDSARs saga which took place in October, 2020 reminds me of the danger in defence. In an ideal situation, those vested with the responsibility to guard Nigerians i.e. The Police, turned out to be the ones terrorising young people, bullying and even killing some.
In African countries like Nigeria, the politicians and public officials who are elected to put things in order and promote the people's welfare end up being corrupt and they leave these people worst than they met them. Looking back at history, a lot of research and deductions have identified a major factor in all these discrepancies which is Colonialism. Some people in their myopia would argue and give so many reasons why Colonialism was beneficial and advantageous meanwhile I cannot seem to pinpoint anything good about that C word apart from the virus of underdevelopment and the seeds of greed.
Back to my major concern, if you are one of those people who think protection is absolute, I do not think you should read further, that is, if you got this far. Colonialism can be likened to forgetting a condom in your body or your girl's body.
However, in this post I want to reveal the dangers of the illusion we call protection using condoms. Yes! The latex we use to prevent unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs).
Contemporarily, the gospel of condoms for the prevention of STDs has dominated the airwaves to the extent that that we feel invincible when we use latex during sex. Free condoms litter the streets in the name of population control and family planning; I am not against these but the danger of having a condom in your body is way worse than pregnancy or anything. The aim has been largely defeated.
As a lady, I thought it would be wise to share this story here as many times it goes unnoticed and could cause big problems. I experienced it first-hand I wouldn't want anyone to take it lightly. If you're a man, check your lady and for women, please be alert and conscious of what goes into your body. More than a week ago I had sex and maybe we were both carried away so no one noticed, but the condom slipped inside me unannounced and I had no idea an alien was in my system. Few days after the deed, it was that time of the month and the cramps were more severe than usual, I thought, "oh well, it's normal some days are like that...". Luckily for me I went to use the toilet and as I sat there, I felt something like a lump so I tried to pee it out assuming it was the usual blood clots, but to my surprise, I found the condom soaked in blood. "E shock me"
The severity of this event almost made me pass out from fear of being killed by the Protection, condoms. I thought of those who may have died due to such carelessness or simple oversight especially with the shitty healthcare systems available in these parts.
It's crazy how we often throw caution to the wind and let go, taking things for granted.
One thing I've learnt from this is Mindfulness, being conscious of my environment and the people around. Staying alert and making sure that no stone is left unturned. This could happen to anyone and to be honest, I'm overwhelmed because I did not think this would be me.
Well, it is wise to note that we live and learn everyday. This got me thinking about getting IUD implants it whatever options there are besides condoms.
My blog goes beyond just writing to entertain, I'm here to share my story as someone somewhere can learn from it and make changes suitable changes in their life.
Decades after independence from Colonialism, the condom they left in Nigeria's body has caused so much pain, diseases, discomfort and even death. It's high time we take charge of our lives and stop taking things for granted.
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