Heavy spermicide use increases risk of HIV

Off Our Backs, Oct 2000 by Eastlick, Megan, Roberson, Amaya

Nonoxynol-9 has been shown in several tests to increase the chance of HIV transmission when it is frequently used. This finding is of special significance for prostitutes who are among those who use large amounts of spermicides. The spermicide may cause genital ulcers which can increase the likelihood of HIV transmission during sex.

This is a disappointment to many who were hoping that Nonoxynol-9 could be used as a vaginal microbicide which would help women protect themselves against HIV. The search for a vaginal microbicide is an important step in the fight against HIV/AIDS in the developing world where many women do not have control over condom use. Despite this setback, scientists will continue to search for another compound that would be able to provide a barrier against the transmission of the virus.

-info from Sojourner 9/00