Sexual Health Birth Control Condoms The Pros and Cons of Spermicidal Lubricant Condoms By Elizabeth Boskey, PhD facebook twitter linkedin Elizabeth Boskey, PhD, MPH, CHES, is a social worker, adjunct lecturer, and expert writer in the field of sexually transmitted diseases. Learn about our editorial process Elizabeth Boskey, PhD Medically reviewed by Medically reviewed by Brian Levine, MD on January 13, 2020 linkedin Brian Levine, MD, MS, FACOG, is board-certified in obstetrics and gynecology, as well as in reproductive endocrinology and infertility. Learn about our Medical Review Board Brian Levine, MD Updated on August 17, 2020 Print Table of Contents View All Table of Contents Nonoxynol-9 Hidden Dangers Safer Sex Uses A spermicide is any compound that can be used to kill sperm. Spermicides are used in many contraceptives and come in several forms. Rattanakun Thongbun / EyeEm / Getty Images Contraceptive foams, creams, suppositories, and films all contain spermicides. Furthermore, spermicides are needed for diaphragms and cervical caps to be effective. Many spermicides currently available in the United States contain nonoxynol-9 (N-9). N-9 is also the spermicide in the Today sponge. Other spermicides and spermicidal microbicides are currently under development. Many are being designed to avoid the problems currently being seen with N-9 use. 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 N-9 use. What Is Nonoxynol-9? N-9 is basically a type of detergent. It disrupts the plasma membranes (outer barrier) of sperm and other cells. Scientists once believed N-9 to be effective at destroying STD pathogens, including HIV, herpes, chlamydia, and gonorrhea, but current research no longer supports this theory. Other commercial spermicides that contain N-9 are also detergents. These products have similar properties to N-9. Hidden Dangers of N-9 Many people think that if a little bit of spermicide is good, then a lot of spermicide is bound to be better. However, that theory is actually incorrect. It turns out that many spermicides, when used in excess, can make sex more hazardous. They can actually increase your risk of getting or giving someone a sexually transmitted disease (STD). When used frequently or in high amounts, N-9 causes inflammation of the vagina and cervix and can actually kill off layers of cells. N-9 causes inflammation of the vagina and cervix. It can also actually kill off layers of cells in the vaginal epithelium, the layers of skin cells that line the vagina. That damage increases susceptibility to infection by STDs and the likelihood of transmitting them. Regular use of N-9 may increase your risk of HIV, herpes, and other STDs. Some people may experience problems with even infrequent use. High Risk of STDs? If you're using a diaphragm, cervical cap, or the Today sponge for contraception and you're at high risk of sexually transmitted infections, talk to your doctor about possible alternative forms of contraception. N-9 and Safer Sex Not everyone needs to worry about N-9. However, it's good to have other options for practicing safe sex. That's particularly true if you have frequent sex. It's also true for people who are at high risk of STDs. If you have frequent sex, consider using non-lubricated condoms with your own N-9-free lubricant, or non-spermicidal condoms. This is particularly important if you have sexual intercourse more than once or twice a day. Lubricant is an important component of safe sex. It's important to use the right kind, though, and one containing N-9 may not be right for you. If you're in a mutually monogamous relationship and you've all been tested, then the potentially increased STD risk may be less of a concern. STDs don't appear out of the blue. They're passed from one partner to another. How To Prevent STDs Uses of Spermicidal Lube Condoms If you're at high risk of pregnancy and low risk of STDs, spermicidal-lubricated condoms may still be a reasonable choice. To help you decide, information about condoms with spermicidal lubricant is provided below: Price: Spermicidal-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: Condoms with spermicidal lubricant may have an advantage for people in monogamous heterosexual relationships who are more concerned with pregnancy than STDs. Otherwise, they have no advantage over other condoms. Use during oral sex: Condoms with a spermicidal lubricant are particularly bad for oral sex. N-9 not only can make your tongue numb, but it also tastes horrible. Use during anal sex: N-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. What Is the Risk of HIV From Anal Sex? A Word From Verywell Spermicidal-lubricated condoms are, most often, latex condoms lubricated with N-9. Although spermicide should increase the contraceptive efficacy of the condom, that may be offset by the disadvantages of a spermicidal personal lubricant. There's evidence that use—and particularly frequent use—of a spermicidal lubricant containing N-9 may actually increase your susceptibility to STDs. Because of this, few sex educators recommend using spermicidal-lubricated condoms. Their only really appropriate use is for preventing pregnancy in low-risk relationships. What to Do If You Suspect an STD Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! Sign up for our Health Tip of the Day newsletter, and receive daily tips that will help you live your healthiest life. Sign Up You're in! Thank you, {{form.email}}, for signing up. There was an error. Please try again. What are your concerns? Other Inaccurate Hard to Understand Submit Article Sources Verywell Health uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. World Health Organization. Nonoxynol-9 ineffective in preventing HIV infection. Zalenskaya IA, Cerocchi OG, Joseph T, Donaghay MA, Schriver SD, Doncel GF. Increased COX-2 expression in human vaginal epithelial cells exposed to nonoxynol-9, a vaginal contraceptive microbicide that failed to protect women from HIV-1 infection. Am J Reprod Immunol. 2011;65(6):569-77. doi:10.1111/j.1600-0897.2010.00964.x World Health Organization. Nonoxynol-9 ineffective in preventing HIV infection.