Spermicides do not protect against HIV
12 July 2002
Spermicides do not provide protection against HIV or other sexually transmitted infections (STIs), the World Health Organization (WHO) has confirmed.
Nonoxynol-9, contained in most spermicides and sometimes added to male condoms as a lubricant, may actually increase the risk of HIV infection in women having frequent sex, the United Nations agency said.
Medical director of FPA Health Dr Terri Foran said she was not surprised by the findings. She said the WHO research confirmed anecdotal evidence that frequent spermicide use caused 'such a degree of vaginal irritation' in some women, that it increased the risk of infection rather than decreased it.
'I would hope that, in Australia, very few people would be under the misapprehension that spermicides provided protection alone. I think, generally, they would be used more as an addition to other safer sex practices,' she said.
Dr Foran said a recent study about Australians' sexual attitudes and behaviours, conducted on behalf of the condom manufacturer Durex, showed that only about 1 per cent of men and women aged 16-55 years used spermicides.
Last Reviewed: 15 July 2002
- 1. Medical Observer Weekly 12/7/02
