Australian AIDS organizations last week called for the withdrawal of
spermicides and lubricants containing nonoxynol-9 (N-9), which has been
shown to increase the risk of contracting HIV. Nonoxynol-9 was designed as
a spermicide about 50 years ago and is now contained in most vaginal gels,
creams, foams, suppositories, sponges and films.
It is also used as a lubricant either added to condoms or for use during
intercourse.
The spermicide had been promoted as a means of preventing HIV, but a
recent Lancet study (2002;360:971-977) found frequent use may in fact
increase the risk of HIV transmission.
The head of the Australian Federation of AIDS Organizations, Don Baxter,
said up to 10 percent of condoms sold in Australia include nonoxynol-9 as
a lubricant. "Not a high percentage of condoms use nonoxynol-9, it's
usually a particular brand, but they are fairly widely available," he
said. Baxter advised all gay men to avoid using condoms with nonoxynol-9
and said AFAO would call for the product to be withdrawn from pharmacy
shelves.
http://www.mombu.com/medicine/medicine/t-cdc-who-find-n9-condoms-increase-aids-50-condoms-spermicides-panic-rectum-withdrawal-1938356.html