After the discovery that latex condoms were able to prevent the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STI's), sexually active individuals were able to protect themselves from a number of unwanted repercussions.
However, a recent study finds that women who use condoms or other contraceptives containing the spermicidal agent nonoxynol 9 (n-9) may not be as protected as they think.
Nonoxynol 9, which is designed to work as a contraceptive by damaging the cell membrane of sperm, has been found by studies performed by the World Health Organization (WHO) to also irritate the cells of the vaginal walls making the individual more susceptible to HIV infection.
Some students who were unaware of the findings of the WHO study said that it was cause for concern.
"I haven't heard a lot about it, but the little that I've heard is very upsetting," said Rochelle Kemp, a sophomore international business major. "The fact that it does increase (chances of contracting HIV) and it's still out there is upsetting."
The Food and Drug Administration proposes that condoms and spermicidal contraceptives containing n-9 be sold with warning labels about the possible hazards.
According to other parts of the FDA's proposed warning, the FDA has found nonoxynol 9 to be beyond simply ineffective as a contraceptive.
"The proposed label warnings would also advise consumers that the use of vaginal contraceptives containing nonoxynol 9 can increase vaginal irritation, which may actually increase the possibility of transmitting the AIDS virus and other STDs from infected partners," stated "Talk Papers" an online newsletter designed to keep FDA personnel informed and updated on new findings.
Ellen Christensen, the director of Health and Human Services said students do not need to react hastily to the findings of the WHO study because they may not be applicable to the average person.
"The studies were originally done on sex workers who used nonoxynol 9 up to nine or 10 times a day," she said. "Whether the irritation occurred from nonoxynol 9 or the number of times isn't clear."
Titilayo Fagbenle, a junior majoring in management information systems and finance said the FDA has an obligation to keep the public informed about any product that may be detrimental to any of its users.
"The FDA should actually ban the condoms using nonoxynol 9," she said. " Their goal should be to decrease the number of Americans with HIV not to potentially increase it."
Christensen suggests that the warnings may not be helpful to the average person if they decide not to use nonoxynol 9 as a result.
"We know that nonoxynol 9 sufficiently kills or weakens sperm so they can't impregnate an egg, it kills and weakens bacterial and viral sexually transmitted infections," she said, adding that a woman should test the spermicide to see if it causes irritation.
Along with any irritation that might occur, Christensen said that the number of times a woman plans to have sex should also be a factor in her decision to use n-9 products.
" If you're going to have sex 10 times in one weekend we suggest that you don't use it."
Some students, such as Phil Ker, a senior geology major, said that the findings of the study would not affect his sexual practices.
" I'm going to have sex with who I want, when I want, using whatever condom I want," he said.
Wilson Bautista, a senior communication major, said as long as the experts are divided, he would choose products that do not contain n-9.
" I just want to know which ones don't have nonoxynol 9 so that I can use that one," he said.
A trip to the prophylactic section of the pharmacy will reveal that some popular condom brands like LifeStyles and Trojans contain the spermicidal agent nonoxynol 9.
" I stick with Trojans," said Mike Maslyn, a freshman undecided about his major.
When asked if he was bothered by the fact that Trojans sometimes contain n-9, Maslyn was terse in his reply.
"Well I don't have AIDS yet," he said.
Until the expert agree on the results of the study or subsequent studies are carried out, the decision of whether or not to use contraceptives containing nonoxynol 9 is left to the consumer.
Photo: Courtesy of Laron Fomby
