Fear of regrown spiky hair pricking the condom

I have regrown my groin hair and intend to keep it that way. But I’m aware that hair that has regrown in all places,regardless of your groin,head or armpit will look and feel spiky. If I’m gonna use protection when there’s long hair at the root(i think it’s called) of the penis, do I wear the condom over the long hair or leave the hair outside of the condom? Either way I’m just afraid that the regrown hair(that still looks prickly/sharp) will prick the condom and leave some very small holes which can still be dangerous in terms of HIV transmission .

1 Like

Hi there,

The likelihood of a hair pricking and breaking a condom is very small - hair is tough, but not that tough. Forceful/rough sex is a bigger risk.

You mentioned HIV, which is a very specific fear. Now I’m not a doctor or a psychologist, but everything about this very detailed thought is reminiscent of OCD to me - I’d know, because I also have OCD. How is your mental health? Do you experience lots of anxiety?

Please understand that HIV is now a manageable condition, it’s no longer the death sentence it used to be. Whilst I certainly wouldn’t encourage people to catch and spread it, it can be managed if it is caught. Still take precautions certainly, but understanding the enemy can help you manage your anxiety around it.

If I were you I’d take this reassurance, but please, please discuss your mental health with your doctor, and seek therapy, not medication. I pushed for therapy and it gave me my confidence back. I hope it will for you too.

Good luck :blush:

2 Likes

Hey I’d say it’s very unlikely your hair would make holes in a condom as they are designed to be durable

1 Like

It’s not just HIV, what about chlamydia, HPV, syphilis, and I’m sure there are a few more we can think of!!! :wink:

If you’re unsure and want to put your mind at ease, just wait one more week. By then the hair will be long enough to be flexible.

If you’re impatient, just put one on and have a wank. That should put your mind at ease.

1 Like

I have a family member alive having contracted HIV in the 80s. Yes it’s “manageable”, but blimey, it takes a toll.

Also, having seen her daughter and husband die, it’s not been a great ride in any sense.

You’re very correct, it’s not the death sentence it used to be, but it’s no walk in the park, the treatment that keeps it at bay, whilst wonderful, has some serious side effects.

2 Likes

Oh I know. I used to work for the NHS, so I know. That’s why I say it’s “manageable”; it’s manageable, but the side effects of the drugs that make it maneageable are, as you rightly say, far from pleasant. Also as you rightly say, things like survivor guilt are a very real thing, and that’s why I say it’s not something I advocate anyone relax about - it’s still a big risk, it’s just no longer necessarily a deadly risk. We certainly shouldn’t treat it flippantly, but we also need to be realistic with our fears - sensible with our precautions by all means, but know too when our brains are getting the better of us.

You’re also very right here. All STI’s should be taken seriously, not just the one that killed Freddie Mercury.