The Joint United Nations Programme on AIDS (UNAIDS) released the results of a four-year study on the effectiveness of a nonoxynol-9 (N-9) gel as a microbicide (a chemical substance that kills viruses and bacteria) against HIV. Nearly 1,000 women sex workers in Benin, Ivory Coast, Thailand, and South Africa participated. The study found that the women who used N-9 were not only unprotected from HIV, but became infected with it at an approximately 50 percent higher rate than the placebo gel using participants. Additionally, the more often women who weren't using condoms used N-9 alone, the greater their risk of HIV infection. These research results demonstrate that N-9 may have facilitated HIV transmission. Previous studies have shown its potential to irritate the tender mucous membranes of the rectum and vagina in some users, increasing the likelihood of abrasions.

These latest findings have caused UNAIDS and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to re-evaluate their recommendations concerning N-9.

N-9 has also been used for its spermicidal action in inactivating sperm. Condoms coated with spermicide were believed to have sufficient N-9 to serve as a back-up method of contraception, as well as a form of safer sex. Now it is clear that there isn't enough N-9 on the condom to protect against pregnancy when used for back-up purposes. It is the condom alone that is the best barrier to infection and pregnancy at this time.

On the basis of this new information, the Office of Health Education has decided to change its practice with regard to condom distribution. Health Education will continue to purchase non-lubricated, as well as those lubricated without spermicide. N-9 condoms will no longer be available. If you use a separate lubricant instead of, or in addition to, the lubrication coating condoms, select water-based or silicon-based lubes that do not contain N-9.

-from Go Ask Alice