Nonoxynol-9 in lubricated condoms. Results of a study in female prostitutes.
OBJECTIVE
Debate continues on the efficacy and safety of intravaginal nonoxynol-9 for the prevention of horizontal transmission of human immunodeficiency and other sexually transmitted diseases. Little attention has been paid to the effects of nonoxynol-9 contained in the lubricant of many condoms.


OBJECTIVE
To assess the tolerability of different levels of nonoxynol-9 in condom lubricants.


METHODS
Pilot, randomized, controlled trial in 70 female prostitutes.


RESULTS
There was no association between dose of nonoxynol-9 and reported symptoms or signs of genital tract inflammation; an increased dose of nonoxynol-9 was associated with increased numbers of polymorphonuclear leukocytes on a vaginal wall smear.


CONCLUSIONS
There is no recognized simple method of defining inflammation in the female genital tract. Future studies of the effects of low-dose nonoxynol-9 on the female genital tract require highly controlled exposures, plus colposcopy with or without vaginal biopsy to define inflammation.
Ward
H
H
Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Imperial College of Science, Technology and Medicine, London, United Kingdom.
De La Court
A
A
Kitchen
V
V
D017280:Condoms; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008153:Lubrication; D009504:Neutrophils / Q000166:cytology; D017137:Nonoxynol / Q000009:adverse effects; D010865:Pilot Projects; D011477:Sex Work / Q000523:psychology; D013089:Spermatocidal Agents / Q000009:adverse effects; D014626:Vaginal Smears; D014627:Vaginitis / Q000139:chemically induced / Q000473:pathology
D013089:Spermatocidal Agents; D017137:Nonoxynol