Lubricants containing N-9 may enhance rectal transmission of HIV and other STIs.
It has been shown that men who have sex with men actively seek lubricants that contain nonoxynol-9 (N-9) because they believe that N-9 may help to prevent infection by HIV. However, indirect evidence suggests that N-9 may actually enhance infection. Microscopic examination of rectal lavage and biopsy specimens collected at different time points following rectal application of a lubricant containing 2% N-9 showed rapid exfoliation of the rectal epithelium. Because the rectal epithelium protects target cells in the submucosa from HIV, we conclude that lubricants containing N-9 should be avoided during rectal sex.
Phillips
David M
DM
Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. dphillips@popcouncil.org
Sudol
Kristin M
KM
Taylor
Clark L
CL
Guichard
Laura
L
Elsen
Robert
R
Maguire
Robin A
RA
D001706:Biopsy; D004848:Epithelium / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000635:transmission*; D006801:Humans; D008153:Lubrication; D008297:Male; D017137:Nonoxynol / Q000009:adverse effects*; D012007:Rectum / Q000473:pathology / Q000821:virology*; D012725:Sexual Behavior; D012749:Sexually Transmitted Diseases / Q000635:transmission*
D017137:Nonoxynol