What You Should Know About Using Condoms With Spermicidal Lubricant

Condoms with spermicidal lube used to be a pretty common option for safe sex. However, that began to change once people started to become aware of the potential dangers of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) use.

N-9 is the most common commercially available spermicide, and it is associated with an increased risk of a number of STDs, including herpes and HIV.

Characteristics and Uses

Price

Average. Spermicidally-lubricated condoms don't cost more than other condoms.

Ease of Acquisition

Condoms with spermicidal lube are available at most drug stores and online

Use During Vaginal Intercourse

The only time when condoms with spermicidal lubricant might be considered to have an advantage over other condoms is for monogamous heterosexual couples who are more concerned about pregnancy than STDs. Otherwise, there's no reason to choose condoms with spermicidal lube over condoms with non-spermicidal lube. For that matter, there's also no benefit over using unlubricated condoms with your preferred lubricant.

Use During Oral Sex

Condoms with spermicidal lubricant are particularly bad for oral sex. Nonoxynol-9 not only can make your tongue go numb, it also tastes horrible.

Use During Anal Sex

Nonoxynol-9 may cause damage to the rectal lining that could increase the likelihood of transmitting HIV or another infection.

Condoms without N-9 are probably a better idea for anal sex.

The Verdict

Spermicidally lubricated condoms are, most often, latex condoms lubricated with nonoxynol-9. Although spermicide should increase the contraceptive efficacy of the condom, that may be offset by the disadvantages of a spermicidal personal lubricant.

There is evidence that use -- particularly frequent use -- of a spermicidal lubricant containing N-9 may actually increase a person's susceptibility to STDs. Because of this, few sex educators will recommend the use of spermicidal lubricated condoms.