Vaginal spermicides are available without a prescription, in the following dosage forms:
Benzalkonium chloride
Suppositories (Canada)
Nonoxynol 9
Cream (U.S. and Canada)
Film (U.S.)
Foam (U.S. and Canada)
Gel (U.S. and Canada)
Jelly (U.S.)
Suppositories (U.S. and Canada)
Octoxynol 9
Cream (U.S.)
Jelly (U.S. and Canada)
Here is a list of the three most common spermicides. Non-9 is by far the most common. Benzalkonium is beginning to show up in other products. Among the jellies, foams, suppositories, films you can find one without non-9 if you are concerned.
The issue came forward about three years ago. During studies of condom protection against HIV, it was discovered that there was a possibility that the non-9 could cause a breakdown of the epithelium and admit the virus. The problem is worse for anal sex - the tissues of the rectum and vagina are quite different.
Non-9 has been the most common spermicide for half a century with little problem. The current warning is governments and companies bending over backwards to be on the safe side. If you experience discomfort with non-9, stop using it and switch brands of spermicide to one without it. In male-male anal sex, contraception is irrelevant; don't use it. The coated condoms do not have enough to be effective at anything other lubrication. I recommend dry polyurethane condoms and use the spermicide in the vagina.
My allusion to sex marathons was inappropriate. My point was, I have gone for days with the stuff in me and if you are not on the pill and having a "sex weekend" or whatever, you are better off with it than without.
Brandye
Posted: 27 Sep 23:53