N-9 increases STD risk

Many people believe that if a little spermicide is good, than many of spermicide is bound to be better. But that theory is bound to backfire, because many spermicides, when used in excess, can actually increase the risk of getting or giving to a sexually transmitted disease (STD).

A spermicide is connections are used to kill sperm. Spermicides are used in many contraceptive methods, and they come in several forms. Contraceptive foams, creams, suppositories and film all contain spermicides and spermicides is also necessary for membranes and cervical caps should be effective. Most spermicides currently available in the United States contains nonoxynol-9 (N-9), which is also spermicide today sponge. Other spermicides and spermicidal microbicides are currently under development, and many are designed to avoid the problems currently seen with N-9 use. Nonoxynol-9 is basically a type of detergent. It disrupts the plasma membranes (outer barrier) of the sperm and other cells in the laboratory and has proved to be quite effective at killing many STD pathogens including HIV, herpes, Chlamydia and gonorrhea. Other commercial spermicides containing oxtoxynol-9 is also detergents and has similar properties to nonoxynol-9. When used in high doses, or when used often, causing the N-9 two types of damage on the vaginal epithelium (layers of epidermal cells.) It causes inflammation of the vagina and cervix, and it can actually kill the layers of cells. Both of these actions render a woman more susceptible to infections by various sexually transmitted diseases. They can also make it easier for her to transfer to his partner Std.

Regular use of N-9 can increase a person the risk of HIV, herpes and other sexually transmitted diseases. It may not itself requires frequent use for problems to be seen. At least one study in mice has shown that only a single vaginal dose N-9 can increase susceptibility to herpes infection. Consider using non-lubricated condoms with your own N-9-free lubricant or non-spermicidal condoms, especially if you have sexual intercourse more than once or twice a day. Talk to your doctor about possible alternative forms of contraception, if you use a diaphragm, cervical cap or today sponge, and you are at risk for sexually transmitted infections.

Sources:
Hillier s. et al. "In Vitro and In Vivo: the story of Nonoxynol-9." 2005. JAIDS: 39 (1): 1-8.
Gupta, g. "Microbicidal spermicide or spermicidal microbicide?" 2005. Eur J Contr Repro health care: 10 (4): 212-218.
Cone, r.a. et al. "Vaginal Microbicides: detection of toxicity in vivo which paradoxically increases the pathogen transmission" 2006. BMC infectious diseases: 6: 90

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