Noxynol 9

[YoungLover03]

Are there any side effects of this spermicide? I recently read somewhere that condoms with it in them shouldn't be used more than once a day? Is that dangerous?

[Brandye]

No, it is not that dangerous. NonX is a detergent - similar to dishwashing liquid. A few people do have some allergic reaction to it. In the last few years the muth of its protecting against HIV has been disspelled and it is now recommended that it not be used in anal sex.

It is the most common form of spermicide and is in many products. There are a few other spermicides and if you have concerns, read the labels. If you are having a sex marathon, it should be replenished. I have spent all weekend with nonx in me.

I recommend that every act with a condom have spermicide (jelly, foam, film, suppository) in the vagina. This greatly enhances the protection.

[YoungLover03]

I'm sorry Brandye could you elaborate on one of your points concerning the use of the spermicide during a sex marathon: why are there warnings that say do not use Nonoxynol 9 condoms more than once a day? You said in your post that the spermicide is harmless.

Thanks,
Jason.

[Brandye]

Vaginal spermicides are available without a prescription, in the following dosage forms:

Benzalkonium chloride
Suppositories (Canada)

Nonoxynol 9
Cream (U.S. and Canada)
Film (U.S.)
Foam (U.S. and Canada)
Gel (U.S. and Canada)
Jelly (U.S.)
Suppositories (U.S. and Canada)

Octoxynol 9
Cream (U.S.)
Jelly (U.S. and Canada)

Here is a list of the three most common spermicides. Non-9 is by far the most common. Benzalkonium is beginning to show up in other products. Among the jellies, foams, suppositories, films you can find one without non-9 if you are concerned.

The issue came forward about three years ago. During studies of condom protection against HIV, it was discovered that there was a possibility that the non-9 could cause a breakdown of the epithelium and admit the virus. The problem is worse for anal sex - the tissues of the rectum and vagina are quite different.

Non-9 has been the most common spermicide for half a century with little problem. The current warning is governments and companies bending over backwards to be on the safe side. If you experience discomfort with non-9, stop using it and switch brands of spermicide to one without it. In male-male anal sex, contraception is irrelevant; don't use it. The coated condoms do not have enough to be effective at anything other lubrication. I recommend dry polyurethane condoms and use the spermicide in the vagina.

My allusion to sex marathons was inappropriate. My point was, I have gone for days with the stuff in me and if you are not on the pill and having a "sex weekend" or whatever, you are better off with it than without.