A spermicide is any compound that can be used to kill sperm.
They are used in many contraceptives and come in several forms, including spermicidal lubricant.
External condoms with spermicidal lube used to be a pretty common option for safer sex.
Rattanakun Thongbun / EyeEm / Getty Images
Many spermicides currently available in the United States contain N-9.
Other spermicides and spermicidal microbicides are currently under development.
Many are being designed to avoid the problems currently being seen with N-9 use.
This article looks at the pros and cons of using external condoms with spermicidal lubricant.
What Is Nonoxynol-9?
N-9 is basically a punch in of detergent.
It disrupts the plasma membranes (outer barrier) of sperm and other cells.
Most spermicide products in the U.S. contain the chemical N-9.
Other commercial spermicides that contain N-9 are also detergents.
These products have similar properties to N-9.
However, that theory is actually incorrect.
It turns out that many spermicides, when used in excess, can make sex more hazardous.
They can actually increase your risk of acquiring or transmitting an STI.
When used frequently or in high amounts, N-9 causes inflammation of the vagina and cervix.
That damage increases susceptibility to infection by STIs and the likelihood of transmitting them.
Regular use of N-9 may increase your risk of HIV, herpes, and other STIs.
High Risk of STIs?
N-9 and Safer Sex
Not everyone needs to worry about N-9.
However, it’s good to have other options for practicing safer sex.
That’s particularly true if you have frequent sex.
It’s also true for people who are at high risk of STIs.
This is particularly important if you have sexual intercourse more than once or twice a day.
Lubricant is an important component of safer sex.
There’s evidence that useand particularly frequent useof a spermicidal lubricant containing N-9 may actually increase your susceptibility toSTIs.
Because of this, few sex educators recommend using spermicidal-lubricated external condoms.
Their only really appropriate use is for preventing pregnancy in low-risk relationships.
World Health Organization.Nonoxynol-9 ineffective in preventing HIV infection.
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Planned Parenthood.What are the disadvantages of using spermicide?
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Nonoxynol 9.
