Lubricants containing N-9 may enhance rectal transmission of HIV and other STIs
Phillips, D.M.; Sudol, K.M.; Taylor, C.L.; Guichard, L.; Elsen, R.; Maguire, R.A.
Contraception 70(2): 107-110
2004
ISSN/ISBN: 0010-7824 PMID: 15288213 DOI: 10.1016/j.contraception.2004.04.008Document Number: 235105
It has been shown that men who have sex with men actively seek lubricants that contain nonoxynol-9 (N-9) because they believe that N-9 may help to prevent infection by HIV. However, indirect evidence suggests that N-9 may actually enhance infection. Microscopic examination of rectal lavage and biopsy specimens collected at different time points following rectal application of a lubricant containing 2% N-9 showed rapid exfoliation of the rectal epithelium. Because the rectal epithelium protects target cells in the submucosa from HIV, we conclude that lubricants containing N-9 should be avoided during rectal sex.
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