What We Know about Nonoxynol-9 for HIV and STD Prevention

Abstract:
In April 1997, the National Institutes of Health released preliminary results of a clinical trial studying the potential impact of the spermicide nonoxynol-9 (N-9) on the risk of male-to-female sexual transmission of HIV. The study, conducted among sex workers in Cameroon, found that the N-9 film offered no additional protection against HIV, gonorrhea, and chlamydia for the study participants when provided as part of an overall HIV/STD prevention program including counseling, condom promotion, and STD treatment. Although N-9 is still considered safe to use, the researchers did find a slight increase in genital ulcers among study participants who used the N-9 film over those who used film containing a placebo--this is important because researchers believe that genital irritation, inflammation, and ulcers can increase a woman's susceptibility to becoming infected with HIV. CDC's recommendation for those who are sexually active with a partner of unknown HIV and STD status remains the same: consistent and correct use of male latex condoms, with or without the use of additional spermicide. If it is not possible to use male latex condoms, CDC recommends using female condoms. CDC does not recommend using spermicide alone to prevent HIV. In addition to the fact sheet and a letter describing the study in Cameroon, this packet contains the fact sheet "Questions and Answers about Male Latex Condoms to Prevent Sexual Transmission of HIV" and a research summary entitled 'Condom Effectiveness Against Sexually Transmitted HIV in Serodiscordant Couples.'

Publication: CDC Update


Date Published: 4/3/1997

Pages: 10

Comments:
The fact sheet "Questions and Answers about Male Latex Condoms…" is entered separately as #6242 (printed in a different format but with the same text).

Location Code: 14132