Use of Lubricant - nonoxynol-9 - in India

April 1, 2002

Dear ,

This is a query related to your posting. In India many SWs are using Government

free supply condoms " NIRODH " for oral sex. This condoms having lubricants added

with Nonoxinon- 9 . How safe this condoms for oral sex? Because when they used

it in oral sex , it will damage the normal bacterial flora of oral cavity and

make them more vulnerable for Respiratory tract infections. If HIV +SWs with

decline immunity use it regularly, what will happen to them? such studies are

available?

With regards,

Dr. Jayesh Kosambiya

B-7,Asstt. Professors' Qutrs,

New Civil Hospital Campus,

Majura Gate, SURAT 395001,

Gujarat, INDIA

email : jkkosambiya@...

_____________________________________

Dear Dr. Kosambiya--

This is a good question. I'm not familiar with any literature on the use

of condoms during oral sex. But I agree, the nonoxynol-9 is probably NOT a

good idea, even in this case. Particularly if there is " deep throating "

going on, and or the oral sex is very vigorous. The data I have read

suggest that the inflammatory effects of nony-9 are what tend to enhance

potential infection.

BUT--by contrast, it is probably better overall to reduce the HIV risks by

using the condom instead of abandoning it, esp. vis-a-vis anal and vaginal

sex.

If there is a way to convince the government to use lube and lubed condoms

without nony-9, that is the way to go. Which is why activism is always an

essential part of fighting AIDS. Maybe you could bring this up to the

group and see if there are others who would join with you in petitioning NACO or

others to secure those types of condoms for the future.

What do you think of these ideas?

Best,

___________________

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