Nonoxynol-9

"Too many young adults are not aware of the harmful and potentially deadly consequences of using this product. People are trading the misbelief of greater birth control reliability for an increased risk of contracting HIV, the virus that causes AIDS and other STDs". - CondomDepot.com ~ Read The Press Release Here >

So What Exactly Is Nonoxynol-9 Spermicide?

What is Nonoxynol-9 ("N-9")? · N-9 is a chemical in a category of compounds called "surfactants". Surfactants work by disturbing the cell membrane. · N-9 kills sperm and is the active ingredient in most over-the-counter ("otc") spermicidal products available in the United States and many other countries. · Initially it was thought that N-9 was also an effective microbicide against Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) and HIV (AIDS). In vitro (laboratory) studies show that N-9 produces bacteriacidal and virucidal effects by disrupting the cell membrane and the viral envelope. But recent in vivo (in people) studies are changing the way people think.

According to the World Health Organization...

• Although Nonoxynol-9 has been shown to increase the risk of HIV infection when used frequently by women at high risk of infection, it remains a contraceptive option for women at low risk.
• Nonoxynol-9 offers no protection against sexually transmitted infections such as gonorrhea or chlamydia.
• There is no evidence that condoms lubricated with Nonoxynol-9 are any more effective in preventing pregnancy or infection than condoms lubricated with silicone, and such condoms should no longer be promoted. However, it is better to use an Nonoxynol-9 lubricated condom than no condom at all. You can read more info about why Non9 doesn't work here.
• Nonoxynol-9 should not be used rectally, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

Fact #1 - Nonoxyol-9 Does Not Kill HIV

For years many have believed that Nonoxynol-9 kills HIV. This is NOT true. The CDC, NIH, and WHO have all published research eliminating the rumor that Non-9 kills the HIV/ AIDS virus. 

Fact # 2 - Nonoxynol-9 May Actually Increase Your Risk Of Acquiring HIV

There is evidence that supports an increase risk of HIV when using Nonoxynol-9 Spermicide. According to published research from the CDC, you may be more likely to contract HIV when using products containing Non-9. This harmful spermicide product causes skin irritation which can lead to small tears in tissue allowing HIV to be contracted more easily. This information is confirmed with additional research from the National Institute of Health (NIH) and the World Health Organization (WHO). 

"It appears that when used frequently in the vagina, contraceptive products containing Nonoxynol-9 can cause disruption of the vaginal epithelium (cell wall) - a condition that may increase a woman's risk of becoming infected with HIV. The impact of N-9 on the vaginal epithelial appears to be dose-related. Small infrequent doses of N-9 (once a day or less) appear to cause little or no disruption of the epithelium, whereas more frequent, larger doses consistently cause disruption."
(WHO/CONRAD Technical Consultation on Nonoxynol-9, June 2002)

Fact # 3 - Nonoxynol-9 Does NOT Decrease Pregnancy Rates

According by a report from the World Health Organization (WHO). There is no proof that using non-9 will reduce your risk of becoming pregnant. Using a condom properly is over 98% effective. 

Some heterosexual couples seek out N-9 lubricated condoms with the hope of achieving back up protection against pregnancy in case of condom breakage or slippage. However, there are no data to substantiate whether or not the amount of N-9 bio-available on condoms is adequate to provide back up protection from unwanted pregnancy.
(There is considerable less N-9 on condoms than in most over the counter contraceptive products).

Fact # 4 - Nonoxynol-9 Does NOT Protect You From STD's And HIV

Three randomized controlled trials have failed to detect any statistically significant effect of N-9 against common bacterial STDS (Roddy et al. 1998; Van Damme 2000; Roddy et al. 2002). As a result, the US Centers for Disease Control and the World Health Organization have concluded that products containing N-9 should not be promoted for STD protection.

"My girlfriend and I first started having sex about 3 months ago, using Trojan condoms with this spermicide in it. After the very first time, she experienced some irritation in the vagina and I had a small irritation on my penis. We continued having sex using this same condom with this spermicide in it and we continued to experience really bad irritation. It would go away in a day or two, but immediately return after having sex. I freaked and thought some how we had given each other an STD, which didn't make much sense because we had used condoms, and we were also having very similar irritations, like a rash with little sores. We were unaware that this spermicide was the culprit. Instead we changed lubrications and condoms, BUT we even bought another brand that had this spermicide in it, figuring that we should just be extra careful, not knowing this was the cause. Well, that was the last time we did that, because after we had sex with those condoms, I contracted a big red, irritated rash right on the tip of my penis (near the opening) and it freaked me out. I went on-line and did research and wouldn't you know it, this is what came up! We have since changed condoms (after letting my penis heal for close to a week!!) and got back to doing the humpty and having fun. It's only been once but so far so good.

Thanks for this info!! You saved my penis, and my relationship." ~ New York, NY
( Source - The NinerOnline.com 3-8-2004 )

If you have experienced any discomfort or irritation after using a lubricated /non lubricated condom OR lubricant, it does not mean that the product contains Non9. You have an allergy or sensitivity to latex or lubrricant ingredients. You can read more about condom and lubricant allergies here. 

Have Questions About Non-9?
Either Contact Your Health Care Provider, Planed Parenthood or You May Also Email Us 

Other Information Sources:

www.conrad.org
www.who.int/reproductive-health/rtis/index.htm
www.MayerLabs.com
www.global-campaign.org
www.cdc.gov/std/treatment/default.htm

Global Campaign for Microbicides

PLEASE NOTE: We Recommend Using a Condom Lubricated With NONOXYNOL-9 Only When That Is The Only Form Of Contraception Available. Also Note: Condoms, when used properly, are a very effective way of protecting yourself against HIV and STD's and unwanted pregnancy. However, Abstinence Is The Only 100% Effective Way Of Eliminating Your Risk Of STD's and Unwanted Pregnancy.

Info On Proper Condom Usage >