The effects of frequent nonoxynol-9 use on the vaginal and cervical mucosa

Article Abstract:

The physiological effects were investigated of nonoxynol-9 (N-9), a spermicide that also has activity against microorganisms and that may, therefore, protect against sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Some research results have indicated that N-9 may be associated with genital ulcers. Twenty women in Thailand who were not considered at high risk for STDs and who had normal gynecologic examinations inserted either N-9 vaginal suppositories (14 women) or suppositories containing a vaginal lubricant only (5 women) 4 times daily for 14 days. Results showed that 6 women (43 percent) in the N-9 group had either disruption and/or bleeding of the epithelium (skin lining the vagina and covering the cervix). These symptoms disappeared within one week after N-9 use was stopped. N-9 is a contraceptive that has been used for more than 30 years with few reports of adverse effects. However, its effects when used by women with multiple sex partners or a high frequency of sexual contacts may be different from those when used by stable, monogamous couples. The results of this study should not be generalized to other situations, since the intensity of use was high. A larger toxicity study of N-9's effects is being planned. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)

Complications and side effects, Spermicides

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The use of sequential self-obtained vaginal smears for detecting changes in the vaginal flora

Article Abstract:

Teaching women to take vaginal samples every day could help researchers identify the cause of bacterial vaginosis. Bacterial vaginosis is an infection of the vagina. Researchers asked 10 women to take a vaginal sample with a cotton swab every day for 30 days and apply it to a glass slide. The slides were sent to a lab were they were stained to identify bacteria. During the study, the bacteria normally present in the vagina changed from a predominance of Lactobacillus to a predominance of Gardnerella and Bacteroides. However, these changes did not lead to bacterial vaginosis.

Vaginosis

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Microbicides, meta-analysis, and the N-9 question: where's the research?

Article Abstract:

More research is needed before public health officials can recommend nonoxynol-9 to women as a way of protecting them from sexually transmitted diseases. Nonoxynol-9 is a spermicide. A 1998 meta-analysis concluded that nonoxynol-9 was effective in reducing transmission of gonorrhea and chlamydia. However, only a handful of the studies were clinical trials and some were not well-designed. Poorly designed studies often exaggerate the effect of the treatment. The effectiveness of nonoxynol-9 will also depend on how consistently women use it.

Sexually transmitted diseases, Editorial, Usage, Prevention, Sexually transmitted disease prevention

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