Spermicide may aid in spreading disease

By JOYCE DURIGA
Collegian Staff Writer

For students who thought using a condom was the most foolproof method of safe sex, new information says condoms with nonoxynol-9 may aid in passing sexually transmitted diseases, including HIV.

The Food and Drug Administration released information last month stating that it is requiring spermicide companies to abide by stronger regulations in factories and is calling for more conclusive studies on the effects of spermicides, particularly nonoxynol-9.

Nonoxynol-9 is a detergent-based lubricant used in many condoms, including Lifestyles and Trojan. Detergents, typically used as cleaning agents, can cause irritation, and many men and women who are allergic to nonoxynol-9 might experience burning or itchiness after usage.

Although it is easy for men to detect any irritation or reactions to the spermicide, in women, nonoxynol-9 can also cause painless irritation in the vaginal walls that can only be detected through an exam, said Sally Maud Robertson, co-executive director of the AIDS Project of Centre County, 301 S. Allen St.

Elaine Jurs, assistant director of the Office of Health Promotion and Education with University Health Services, said tiny tears in the mucus membranes of the vaginal lining caused by reactions to spermicides can be portals of entry for disease transmission, particularly HIV. When condoms are used incorrectly or not at all after the irritations are already present, people have a greater risk of infection.

Robertson said the risk of irritation and STD transmission pertains mostly to people who frequently use contraception with high levels of nonoxynol-9 -- such as the sponge or condoms with nonoxynol-9.

"We don't have any indication of what a safe level of usage is," Robertson said.

Because there is no conclusive information on who should be concerned, Jurs urged caution with nonoxynol-9 use but did not think it should be completely eliminated. She encourages people to test the spermicide first to see how it reacts to the skin.

But Robertson and the AIDS Project is not taking any chances. "We have literally thrown out cases of condoms," she said.

Robertson encourages the use of condoms with water-based lubricants or adding lubricants such as Astroglide and K-Y Jelly to nonlubricated condoms. Condoms with water-based lubricants are not as prevalent as ones with spermicide but are available locally.

Bob Ray, pharmacist with health services in Ritenour, said they do not currently sell condoms with water-based lubricants but may order them in the future. The pharmacy in Ritenour sells nonlubricated condoms and condoms with nonoxynol-9.

Ed Kilpela (senior-chemical engineering) thinks that more students should be educated about the problems with nonoxynol-9.

"I think few students actually know about it," he said. "Since Ritenour sells condoms with nonoxynol-9 there should be some sort of education available."

Concern arises mainly with people who use condoms as a form of birth control, since they tend to use spermicides most often, said Penny Repsher, director of education at Family Health Services, 214 N. Allegheny St. in Bellefonte.

Repsher and Robertson both stressed that methods such as the Pill and diaphragm should be used for birth control and the condom for STD prevention.

Lubricated condoms passed out early last month in the HUB by HealthWorks, an organization of trained students who provide health workshops and resources to the University, have a water-based lubricant. HealthWorks distributes lubricated and nonlubricated condoms during presentations, along with education about the spermicide's potential hazards.

"People seem to have an aversion to using nonlubricated condoms," said Ilise Marrazzo (senior-health policy and administration), a sexual health educator for the group. Lubricated condoms always seem to be taken first, she added.

HealthWorks no longer distributes condoms with this spermicide.