The Pros and Cons of Spermicidal Lubricant External Condoms

A spermicide is any compound that can be used to kill sperm. Spermicides are used in many contraceptives and come in several forms.

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.

External condoms with spermicidal lube used to be a pretty common option for safer sex. However, that began to change once people started to become aware of the potential dangers of N-9 use.

This article looks at the pros and cons of using external condoms with spermicidal lubricant.

What Is Nonoxynol-9?

N-9 is basically a type of detergent. It disrupts the plasma membranes (outer barrier) of sperm and other cells. Most spermicide products in the U.S. contain the chemical N-9.

Scientists once believed N-9 to be effective at destroying sexually transmitted infection (STI) 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 acquiring or transmitting an STI.

When used frequently or in high amounts, 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 STIs and the likelihood of transmitting them.

Regular use of N-9 may increase your risk of HIV, herpes, and other STIs. Some people may experience problems with even infrequent use. It's also possible to have a sensitivity or allergy to spermicides containing N-9.

N-9 and Safer Sex

Not everyone needs to worry about N-9. However, it's good to have other options for practicing safer sex. That's particularly true if you have frequent sex. It's also true for people who are at high risk of STIs.

If you have frequent sex, consider using non-lubricated external or internal condoms with your own N-9-free lubricant, or non-spermicidal external or internal condoms. This is particularly important if you have sexual intercourse more than once or twice a day.

Lubricant is an important component of safer 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 STI risk may be less of a concern since STIs are passed from one partner to another. If you choose to use condoms with spermicide on them, keep in mind that spermicide products are for vaginal use only and should not be used for anal sex.

Uses of Spermicidal Lube Condoms

If you're at high risk of pregnancy and low risk of STIs, spermicidal-lubricated external condoms may still be a reasonable choice. To help you decide, information about external condoms with spermicidal lubricant is provided below:

• Price: Spermicidal-lubricated external condoms don't cost more than other external condoms.
• Ease of acquisition: External condoms with spermicidal lube are available over the counter at most drug stores and online. They can also be found at some family planning clinics.
• Use during penile-vaginal intercourse: External condoms with spermicidal lubricant may have an advantage for people in monogamous heterosexual relationships who are more concerned with pregnancy than STIs. Otherwise, they have no advantage over other external condoms.
• Use during oral sex: External 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. External condoms without N-9 are probably a better idea for anal sex.

A Word From Verywell

Spermicidal-lubricated external condoms are, most often, latex condoms lubricated with N-9. Although spermicide should increase the contraceptive efficacy of the external 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 STIs. Because of this, few sex educators recommend using spermicidal-lubricated external condoms.

Their only really appropriate use is for preventing pregnancy in low-risk relationships.