nonoxynol-9

[Deedesign]

Hello Dr.

I have a question that has to deal with the nonoxynol-9 gel that is found on many condoms. I was reading all the literature on this and now I am nervous. They say that this condom should not be used and does not prevent in the HIV/STD problems. They say it can make HIV easier to catch!  I thought that when you wear condoms that is a huge preventative way to not catch things that are out there. I have engaged in many sexual experiences, vaginal, anal, oral & have used Trojan condoms that did have the nonoxynol-9 in them. Does this mean that all my condom wearing protection was for nothing? If this is such a problem with irritating vaginal tissues why are they selling these condoms still today? If I did not look at the "safe sex" part of the forum I would of never heard about this, why was it not all over the headlines back when they came out with this study?

Questions; did I practice safe sex when using these condoms or am I at risk? Even with the nonoxynol-9 won't the condom still be effective? Does the nonoxynol-9 break down the condom?

Just a concerning thing I read on this. If the women I have used it with did not have a problem, then is it ok? How much safer is it to use this condom then without no protection? When they say it help bring on the STDs, that is scary. Please advise.

FYI - Straight male - age 37 years old.

Thanks,

[H. Hunter Handsfield, M.D.]

N-9 is a fine contraceptive, which provides useful back-up against conception if the condom breaks.  N-9 is not protective against any STD.  The increased risk of HIV transmission is more of a problem for women than men, and even there, is an issue primarily in women exposed repeatedly and in large amounts to N-9, as might occur in a sex worker who has sex with N-9 present several times a day.  The problem with N-9 isn't condom integrity, but that prolonged contact can cause ulceration of the vaginal lining, which provides a portal of entry for HIV and other STDs.

You don't need to be concerned about the n-9 in your condoms increasing your risk of getting HIV.  Sex with a condom is safe sex, even with N-9, especially for men.  The way to look at it is that N-9 in condoms may make them a little less effective, but any condom is far, far better than no condom at all.

Bottom line:  For STD protection, stay away from condoms with spermicides.  But any increased risk of STD you or your partners might have experienced from using such condoms in the past is trivial.

Regards--  H3

[toddbenny]

I am having extreme sharp abdominal pain. Almost a stabbing feeling in my stomach. I have started to take prozac for my OCD, because I constantly am fearful I could have gotten hiv from sharing a straw to do cocaine. Is a sharp stabbing feeling an ARS symptom?

[ryn21]

I can not comment on nonoxynol-9 but what I will say is it does not help "bring on" stds.  That may have been a mis-statement made by the author.

[monkeyflower]

I think the trouble with N-9 is that it can be very irritating to some people, and the resulting breaks in the skin are what makes it easier to contract HIV. It definitely doesn't degrade the condom or anything along those lines. But if you and your partner aren't sensitive to N-9, then it isn't a problem anyway.  So you're fine :-)

[ebro]

you do NOT get HIV from sniffing coke... relax and forget about it