Nonoxynol-9 Resources

Recent studies have found that nonoxynol-9 (N-9) can cause irritation in some users and increase the risk of sexually transmitted infections or HIV. To read more about this topic from leading sexual health authorities, please visit the following pages:

World Health Organization (WHO) - http://www.who.int/rhl/hiv_aids/nscom1/en/index.html
Centers for Disease Control (CDC) - http://www.cdc.gov/mmwr/preview/mmwrhtml/mm5118a1.htm
Global Campaign for Microbicides - http://www.global-campaign.org/whatsup_with_n9.htm

WHO Statement on N-9

As a result of the findings about N-9, the World Health Organization and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have issued the following directives for the use of nonoxynol-9:

Nonoxynol-9 is appropriate for contraceptive use in some instances. For women at low risk of HIV infection, the contraceptive use of nonoxynol-9.
Foam, creams, jelly, film, and suppositories - alone, or preferably in conjunction with a barrier method, remains an option. However, women who have multiple daily acts of vaginal intercourse should choose another contraceptive method (WHO/CONRAD, 2002).

Nonoxynol-9 is not a microbicide - it should not be used for protection against sexually transmitted infections.
The World Health Organization has concluded that "N-9 should not be used for the purpose of STI or HIV prevention. Condoms should always be used to prevent infection" (WHO/CONRAD, 2002).

Nonoxynol-9 should not be used for anal sex
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention advises that "N-9 can damage the cells lining the rectum, thus providing a portal of entry for HIV and other sexually transmissible agents. Therefore, N-9 should not be used as a microbicide or lubricant during anal intercourse" (CDC, 2002).