Home :: Ask Jen :: nonoxynol-9, virgin sex, and yeasty girls


Ask Jen
Number: 14 Published: October 18, 2004

jen talks about:

nonoxynol-9, virgin sex, and yeasty girls

Questions answered in this article:

Hello. Is it possible that pre-cum can contain live sperm that can impregnate a female?

Yes. Pre-cum is formally known as pre-ejaculate, and is simply liquid that leaks out of the urethra (usually in response to sexual arousal) before ejaculation occurs. It is a conducting fluid that coats the urethra and increases sperm motility. While pre-ejaculate is unlikely to contain as many sperm as normal ejaculate, it is definitely plausible that sperm are either still present in the urethra and are pushed out with pre-ejaculate, or sperm have combined with pre-ejaculate somewhere along the way.

As a side note? Semen contains an average of 20 MILLION sperm per milliliter. Even if pre-ejaculate contains less sperm, that's still a lot of sperm. This is why the rhythm method (as well as the more commonly known method of "pulling out", just before he ejaculates) is highly ineffective...99% of the time, a male has already released pre-ejaculate into the vagina before he pulls out.

(jump to question list)

Hello. Is it possible that pre-cum can contain live sperm that can impregnate a female?

Yes. Pre-cum is formally known as pre-ejaculate, and is simply liquid that leaks out of the urethra (usually in response to sexual arousal) before ejaculation occurs. It is a conducting fluid that coats the urethra and increases sperm motility. While pre-ejaculate is unlikely to contain as many sperm as normal ejaculate, it is definitely plausible that sperm are either still present in the urethra and are pushed out with pre-ejaculate, or sperm have combined with pre-ejaculate somewhere along the way.

As a side note? Semen contains an average of 20 MILLION sperm per milliliter. Even if pre-ejaculate contains less sperm, that's still a lot of sperm. This is why the rhythm method (as well as the more commonly known method of "pulling out", just before he ejaculates) is highly ineffective...99% of the time, a male has already released pre-ejaculate into the vagina before he pulls out.

(jump to question list)

I always have to pee when I'm done masturbating, and sometimes it stings when I pee. (This happens when I use conditioner as a lubricant in case that has anything to do with it.) I just want to know what's wrong and what to do to solve it. Thanks a lot!

If you are not sexually active, then it's easy to rule out the worrisome thought of an STD (which often causes pain during urination due to an infection). As for the conditioner, some people are extremely sensitive to lubricants of any nature that have fragrances in them, so you may want to discontinue use of the conditioner as a lubricant.

Finally, after some research, it seems that it's a fairly common problem in healthy males, and it seems to be alleviated to some degree by urinating before you masturbate, as well as drinking plenty of water. Urine can become rather more acidic if you a) don't urinate often, and b) don't drink enough water, which naturally dilutes the concentrates that are flushed out by your body.

If you are indeed sexually active, you may want to head over to a doc and get it checked out, just to eliminate the possibility of something as minor as a fungal infection or as major as an STD.

(jump to question list)

I always have to pee when I'm done masturbating, and sometimes it stings when I pee. (This happens when I use conditioner as a lubricant in case that has anything to do with it.) I just want to know what's wrong and what to do to solve it. Thanks a lot!

If you are not sexually active, then it's easy to rule out the worrisome thought of an STD (which often causes pain during urination due to an infection). As for the conditioner, some people are extremely sensitive to lubricants of any nature that have fragrances in them, so you may want to discontinue use of the conditioner as a lubricant.

Finally, after some research, it seems that it's a fairly common problem in healthy males, and it seems to be alleviated to some degree by urinating before you masturbate, as well as drinking plenty of water. Urine can become rather more acidic if you a) don't urinate often, and b) don't drink enough water, which naturally dilutes the concentrates that are flushed out by your body.

If you are indeed sexually active, you may want to head over to a doc and get it checked out, just to eliminate the possibility of something as minor as a fungal infection or as major as an STD.

(jump to question list)

Hi Jen. I was wondering, is it unlawful sex with a minor even if YOU'RE a minor?

According to SexLaws.org, it is indeed unlawful for minors to engage in sexual activity. There's a myriad of laws concerning the age of sexual consent (in most states it's either 16 or 18), the number of years between partners, and the charges that can be associated with such an act, consensual or not; charges range from misdemeanors to corruption of a minor to statutory rape.

(jump to question list)

Hi Jen. I was wondering, is it unlawful sex with a minor even if YOU'RE a minor?

According to SexLaws.org, it is indeed unlawful for minors to engage in sexual activity. There's a myriad of laws concerning the age of sexual consent (in most states it's either 16 or 18), the number of years between partners, and the charges that can be associated with such an act, consensual or not; charges range from misdemeanors to corruption of a minor to statutory rape.

(jump to question list)

I am 16 and I haven't hit puberty, is this normal? Also, my girlfriend and I don't believe in sex before marriage, but she told me she wants to get in my pants. What should I tell her, because I would like her to, but I am too embarrassed about my size.

There's that "normal" word again. Puberty doesn't happen all at once, it's a long (often annoying) process that spans several years. Some people go through tremendous growth spurts, others go along slowly until they're in their 20s. Don't stress, k? Give your body a few years to figure itself out.

As for sex, if you don't believe in sex before marriage, leave it at that. I can almost guarantee that this is not your one and only chance to engage in intercourse. If you decide that now is the time, remember to use a condom with a spermicidal lubricant, and don't let your size dictate how you feel about yourself. If you can't get over the size issue, then maybe it's okay to wait for your body to catch up with your mind.

(jump to question list)

I am 16 and I haven't hit puberty, is this normal? Also, my girlfriend and I don't believe in sex before marriage, but she told me she wants to get in my pants. What should I tell her, because I would like her to, but I am too embarrassed about my size.

There's that "normal" word again. Puberty doesn't happen all at once, it's a long (often annoying) process that spans several years. Some people go through tremendous growth spurts, others go along slowly until they're in their 20s. Don't stress, k? Give your body a few years to figure itself out.

As for sex, if you don't believe in sex before marriage, leave it at that. I can almost guarantee that this is not your one and only chance to engage in intercourse. If you decide that now is the time, remember to use a condom with a spermicidal lubricant, and don't let your size dictate how you feel about yourself. If you can't get over the size issue, then maybe it's okay to wait for your body to catch up with your mind.

(jump to question list)

Is there such thing as masturbating too much?

My opinion? Yes. I feel that if a masturbation habit is infringing on an active, healthy, engaged lifestyle, then it's time to put away the penis (or the electric toothbrush) and broaden your horizons. Masturbation should never infringe on the rights of others, nor should it inhibit your daily activities. To answer the next logical question (how much is too much? how much is normal?), it depends on the person. Some people are content with a few times a week, others enjoy masturbating a few times a day.

(jump to question list)

Is there such thing as masturbating too much?

My opinion? Yes. I feel that if a masturbation habit is infringing on an active, healthy, engaged lifestyle, then it's time to put away the penis (or the electric toothbrush) and broaden your horizons. Masturbation should never infringe on the rights of others, nor should it inhibit your daily activities. To answer the next logical question (how much is too much? how much is normal?), it depends on the person. Some people are content with a few times a week, others enjoy masturbating a few times a day.

(jump to question list)

Okay. My girlfriend and I have been wanting to have sex for awhile, but I want to feel the full effect of sex without a condom. I don't want to get her pregnant (she's not on the pill). I've heard that if you have sex in a pool with chemicals, it will kill the sperm. Is this true? If not, are there any other methods?

Alright. The down-low on the pool sitch: chlorine alters vaginal chemistry and may in fact kill sperm; however (and this is important) you're not ejaculating into the pool, you're ejaculating into your girlfriend. In which case, it's still a very risky proposition. Beyond that, sex in water is more uncomfortable than people realize. Water, especially chlorinated water, washes away the viscous lubricants our bodies produce, which can cause some uncomfortable friction.

Are there other methods for having sex without a condom and still protecting against pregnancy? Sure, but when you remove one method of birth control, you raise the chances of pregnancy. For her, there's the pill, the patch, an IUD, female condoms, or a diaphragm (most of these require a prescription from a doc). There's also spermicidal foams, lubricants, gels, or suppositories; however, 29 of 100 couples who rely on spermicides alone end up with accidental pregnancies. Those aren't good odds, and I would strongly suggest that you choose your path: high risk of pregnancy, or buying thinner condoms with spermicidal lubricants.

Beyond pregnancy, you also need to consider the transmission of STDs. The fact is, only the use of a latex condom has been shown to reduce the risk of transmitting (or contracting) an STD.

(jump to question list)

Okay. My girlfriend and I have been wanting to have sex for awhile, but I want to feel the full effect of sex without a condom. I don't want to get her pregnant (she's not on the pill). I've heard that if you have sex in a pool with chemicals, it will kill the sperm. Is this true? If not, are there any other methods?

Alright. The down-low on the pool sitch: chlorine alters vaginal chemistry and may in fact kill sperm; however (and this is important) you're not ejaculating into the pool, you're ejaculating into your girlfriend. In which case, it's still a very risky proposition. Beyond that, sex in water is more uncomfortable than people realize. Water, especially chlorinated water, washes away the viscous lubricants our bodies produce, which can cause some uncomfortable friction.

Are there other methods for having sex without a condom and still protecting against pregnancy? Sure, but when you remove one method of birth control, you raise the chances of pregnancy. For her, there's the pill, the patch, an IUD, female condoms, or a diaphragm (most of these require a prescription from a doc). There's also spermicidal foams, lubricants, gels, or suppositories; however, 29 of 100 couples who rely on spermicides alone end up with accidental pregnancies. Those aren't good odds, and I would strongly suggest that you choose your path: high risk of pregnancy, or buying thinner condoms with spermicidal lubricants.

Beyond pregnancy, you also need to consider the transmission of STDs. The fact is, only the use of a latex condom has been shown to reduce the risk of transmitting (or contracting) an STD.

(jump to question list)

I've asked all my friends this and they don't give straight answers. My boyfriend and I are both virgins and we want to have sex. The problem is, we don't know how and are very scared we may do something that hurts the other person. How do two virgins have sex?

I just want to preface my answer with a general link for everyone: the Sexual Readiness Quiz. I think it's important for everyone (no matter what age) to ask themselves a few questions before engaging in sex, whether it's the first time or the 21st time.

Second, I'd like to advise you to have safe sex. While you both are virgins, you can greatly reduce the risk of pregnancy as well as the transmission of STDs (which can be contracted through oral sex) with these 10 Simple Steps to Safe Sex. It's a smart article with excellent information.

Finally, the how-to. Communication is most important. Start slowly and take the time to explore each other's bodies. Foreplay is a key element because it arouses the senses and starts the natural responses, including lubrication and expansion of the vagina to accommodate a penis. Talk to each other, let each other know what feels good, and what feels uncomfortable.

I know you are apprehensive about penetration. All women experience first-time sex in a different way. Some women have absolutely no pain, others find themselves uncomfortable, and still others experience mild to moderate pain during first-time penetration. During foreplay, you may allow him to insert his fingers in your vagina and gently stretch the entrance to reduce the pain of penetration. Make sure that his hands are clean, his nails are trimmed, and you may want to invest in a water-based lube (others may break down latex condoms) for finger-play. As I said before, communication is extremely important. If you can let him know how you..9 are feeling, he can alter his pace to accommodate your needs.

Let's be honest: first-time sex is very rarely going to happen the way you expect, especially with two people who are inexperienced. It's awkward, it's tiring, it doesn't always seem magical and wonderful. It also changes how you feel about yourself, and how you interact in the world around you.

On the physical side, guys usually ejaculate fairly quickly because the stimulation is extremely intense for them. Girls have physical discomfort and rarely experience an orgasm; many women don't experience orgasm through penetration and first-timers are fairly unfamiliar with their bodies and how to stimulate themselves, or how to instruct someone to stimulate them. For an up-close look at someone's first time, check out one girl's memoirs of her first time, or visit a collection of first-timer stories.

(jump to question list)

I've asked all my friends this and they don't give straight answers. My boyfriend and I are both virgins and we want to have sex. The problem is, we don't know how and are very scared we may do something that hurts the other person. How do two virgins have sex?

I just want to preface my answer with a general link for everyone: the Sexual Readiness Quiz. I think it's important for everyone (no matter what age) to ask themselves a few questions before engaging in sex, whether it's the first time or the 21st time.

Second, I'd like to advise you to have safe sex. While you both are virgins, you can greatly reduce the risk of pregnancy as well as the transmission of STDs (which can be contracted through oral sex) with these 10 Simple Steps to Safe Sex. It's a smart article with excellent information.

Finally, the how-to. Communication is most important. Start slowly and take the time to explore each other's bodies. Foreplay is a key element because it arouses the senses and starts the natural responses, including lubrication and expansion of the vagina to accommodate a penis. Talk to each other, let each other know what feels good, and what feels uncomfortable.

I know you are apprehensive about penetration. All women experience first-time sex in a different way. Some women have absolutely no pain, others find themselves uncomfortable, and still others experience mild to moderate pain during first-time penetration. During foreplay, you may allow him to insert his fingers in your vagina and gently stretch the entrance to reduce the pain of penetration. Make sure that his hands are clean, his nails are trimmed, and you may want to invest in a water-based lube (others may break down latex condoms) for finger-play. As I said before, communication is extremely important. If you can let him know how you..9 are feeling, he can alter his pace to accommodate your needs.

Let's be honest: first-time sex is very rarely going to happen the way you expect, especially with two people who are inexperienced. It's awkward, it's tiring, it doesn't always seem magical and wonderful. It also changes how you feel about yourself, and how you interact in the world around you.

On the physical side, guys usually ejaculate fairly quickly because the stimulation is extremely intense for them. Girls have physical discomfort and rarely experience an orgasm; many women don't experience orgasm through penetration and first-timers are fairly unfamiliar with their bodies and how to stimulate themselves, or how to instruct someone to stimulate them. For an up-close look at someone's first time, check out one girl's memoirs of her first time, or visit a collection of first-timer stories.

(jump to question list)

I was wondering about yeast infections. I don't have any STDs, I'm a 'clean' person, and I don't use bubble bath or anything, but it seems I just keep getting them, about one every three months or so. I was wondering, could it have something to do with wearing a thong? Maybe it aggravates something?

Yeast infections are highly common in women. Woman maintain a natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, including candida. All sorts of things can upset this balance and result in a yeast infection (or more simply put, an overabundance of yeast). There are all sorts of causes: medications (antibiotics, including tetracycline, which is a very common treatment for acne), restrictive clothing or underwear made from non-cotton materials, allergic reactions to chemicals in your laundry detergent, allergic reactions to latex condoms or spermicides, sexual transmission, or even changes in diet.

Recurring yeast infections usually have an underlying cause, as opposed to being a reaction to an initial contact with an allergen. One-time over the counter treatments will not cure a recurring condition because something else is driving the infection; in fact, your body can become resistant to these treatments (similar to your body's ability to become resistant to antibiotics). I suggest you head to a gyn and let them know that you are having multiple episodes, so he or she can evaluate your situation.

To answer your question, thongs aren't the cause of your yeast infections. However, my gyn suggested that I sleep without underwear ("have to let her breathe!" ...her words, not mine), wear all-cotton panties/thongs/whatever, change underwear daily, and wash them thoroughly in hot water to kill any natural yeasts that may reside in your usual discharge.

For a TON of excellent information, take a look at the yeast infection home page.

(jump to question list)

I was wondering about yeast infections. I don't have any STDs, I'm a 'clean' person, and I don't use bubble bath or anything, but it seems I just keep getting them, about one every three months or so. I was wondering, could it have something to do with wearing a thong? Maybe it aggravates something?

Yeast infections are highly common in women. Woman maintain a natural balance of bacteria in the vagina, including candida. All sorts of things can upset this balance and result in a yeast infection (or more simply put, an overabundance of yeast). There are all sorts of causes: medications (antibiotics, including tetracycline, which is a very common treatment for acne), restrictive clothing or underwear made from non-cotton materials, allergic reactions to chemicals in your laundry detergent, allergic reactions to latex condoms or spermicides, sexual transmission, or even changes in diet.

Recurring yeast infections usually have an underlying cause, as opposed to being a reaction to an initial contact with an allergen. One-time over the counter treatments will not cure a recurring condition because something else is driving the infection; in fact, your body can become resistant to these treatments (similar to your body's ability to become resistant to antibiotics). I suggest you head to a gyn and let them know that you are having multiple episodes, so he or she can evaluate your situation.

To answer your question, thongs aren't the cause of your yeast infections. However, my gyn suggested that I sleep without underwear ("have to let her breathe!" ...her words, not mine), wear all-cotton panties/thongs/whatever, change underwear daily, and wash them thoroughly in hot water to kill any natural yeasts that may reside in your usual discharge.

For a TON of excellent information, take a look at the yeast infection home page.

(jump to question list)

I have a question about homosexual sex. My partner and I are in a monogamous relationship, have no sexual diseases, and are very healthy people. Is it safe to have anal sex without a condom?

I recommend that you and your partner go for a battery of STD tests before engaging in sex without a condom. Some diseases lay dormant and are without obvious symptoms, and your partner (or even you) may be unaware that you have contracted a disease, or are carrying a disease.

That much said, the anus is particularly susceptible to HSV (herpes simplex virus), HPV (genital and anal warts), gonorrhea, parasites, and syphilis. If both you and your partner are cleared of diseases by a doc, and are in a trusting, monogamous relationship, then it would appear safe to have anal sex without a condom. Condoms are the ONLY protection against STDs, and greatly reduce risk when used in a correct manner. Ultimately though, it's your decision

Check out the Gay Men's Health Guides; there are several informational pamphlets that you can download for more information.

(jump to question list)

I have a question about homosexual sex. My partner and I are in a monogamous relationship, have no sexual diseases, and are very healthy people. Is it safe to have anal sex without a condom?

I recommend that you and your partner go for a battery of STD tests before engaging in sex without a condom. Some diseases lay dormant and are without obvious symptoms, and your partner (or even you) may be unaware that you have contracted a disease, or are carrying a disease.

That much said, the anus is particularly susceptible to HSV (herpes simplex virus), HPV (genital and anal warts), gonorrhea, parasites, and syphilis. If both you and your partner are cleared of diseases by a doc, and are in a trusting, monogamous relationship, then it would appear safe to have anal sex without a condom. Condoms are the ONLY protection against STDs, and greatly reduce risk when used in a correct manner. Ultimately though, it's your decision

Check out the Gay Men's Health Guides; there are several informational pamphlets that you can download for more information.

(jump to question list)

I wanted to know: if I am comfortable being single and enjoy masturbating, is there anything to be concerned about regarding watching porn or masturbating? I don't masturbate excessively (normally about five times a week), but I do wonder if I am thinking about or watching porn too much?

You're an of-age male with a healthy sex drive who enjoys porn and pleasuring himself. Like I mentioned in a previous question, if these activities don't infringe on your health and well-being, there isn't an issue. However, only you can determine what's normal for you.

As an added note: porn has an occasional interesting side effect of creating unrealistic expectations or standards, both personal and interpersonal. Enjoy porn for what it is, entertainment that arouses. Remember that reality is a bit different, and while it can be just as good (or even surpass) what's playing in the DVD player, it's still reality. With quite a few less camera angles.

(jump to question list)

I wanted to know: if I am comfortable being single and enjoy masturbating, is there anything to be concerned about regarding watching porn or masturbating? I don't masturbate excessively (normally about five times a week), but I do wonder if I am thinking about or watching porn too much?

You're an of-age male with a healthy sex drive who enjoys porn and pleasuring himself. Like I mentioned in a previous question, if these activities don't infringe on your health and well-being, there isn't an issue. However, only you can determine what's normal for you.

As an added note: porn has an occasional interesting side effect of creating unrealistic expectations or standards, both personal and interpersonal. Enjoy porn for what it is, entertainment that arouses. Remember that reality is a bit different, and while it can be just as good (or even surpass) what's playing in the DVD player, it's still reality. With quite a few less camera angles.

(jump to question list)

Follow up:

Jen,
I'd like to comment on this question and your response:

Q: I was wondering if you can tell me of a good substitute for a condom that doesn't cost money.
A: Abstinence. I'm not kidding. There is NO substitute for a condom. Do everyone a favor, fork over a couple of bucks for a pack and move on.

I'd like you to comment on the use of spermicidal foams, creams, jellies and inserts as condom substitutes. It seems to me that for guys who don't like the feel of a condom, these could prove to be an effective substitute.

During my heterosexual period, I used the spermicidal insert, Encare (do a search), and it worked very well. In one case, my partner had an allergy to one brand of insert, but when I switched to Encare, she had no problem.

Also, the active ingredient, nonoxynol-9, not only effectively kills sperm, it also has been proven to kill the AIDs virus. (I don't know about it's effect on other STDs, so I wouldn't depend on it for those without doing some research.)

Now that I'm into a gay life style, I've always wondered whether spermicides couldn't be used during oral or anal sex.

Any comments on this? Are we missing something here? Could the possibility of contracting the AIDs virus be significantly reduced by using spermicides? Are there any studies that have explored this method of reducing the possibility of AIDS?

It seems to me that using something like this is better than using nothing at all, which, I'm sorry to say, is common practice among the gays where I'm living.

What say you, Jen?

Simple. You are completely misinformed. (Do a search.)

First, the question wasn't asking about alternative birth control methods, it was referring to "a good substitute for a condom that doesn't cost money". There IS no substitute for a condom that doesn't cost money, aside from abstinence.

Second, to deviate from the original question, yes, there are many viable alternative forms of birth control. Each one carries it's own measure of risk, though condoms with spermicide and/or the use of the pill are found to be the most effective for preventing pregnancy. I find it interesting, though, that as a male you were able to use a spermicidal insert designed for vaginal use *grin*

Third, Nonoxynol-9 has never, ever been used for the prevention of STDs or the HIV virus. N-9 is a spermicide, designed to kill sperm to prevent pregnancy. While it does kill germs, it does not kill or prevent the transmission of viruses. It is not a miracle ointment. The Center for Disease Control agrees; and it's worth saying again: spermicides are NOT effective against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Considering it for oral use approaches lunacy. Would you use an anal suppository in your mouth? N-9 is not designed for ingestion.

Fourth, N-9 has been found to abrade and irritate the lining of the rectum (as well as the lining of the vagina, which is about 40 cells thicker than the lining of the rectum). This abrading actually makes users of this spermicide more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

1.) From Global-Campaign.org: a dozen articles against the use of Nonoxynol-9

2.) From the Center For Disease Control: Findings from the International AIDS Convention, which states that women who used N-9 products had a 50% higher rate infection rate than those who used a placebo gel.

I understand the point you are trying to make. There are entirely too many people in all communities having unprotected sex, with complete disregard to the health dangers involved. Please be sure that you have all the facts, to protect both yourself and others.

(jump to question list)

Follow up:

Jen,
I'd like to comment on this question and your response:

Q: I was wondering if you can tell me of a good substitute for a condom that doesn't cost money.
A: Abstinence. I'm not kidding. There is NO substitute for a condom. Do everyone a favor, fork over a couple of bucks for a pack and move on.

I'd like you to comment on the use of spermicidal foams, creams, jellies and inserts as condom substitutes. It seems to me that for guys who don't like the feel of a condom, these could prove to be an effective substitute.

During my heterosexual period, I used the spermicidal insert, Encare (do a search), and it worked very well. In one case, my partner had an allergy to one brand of insert, but when I switched to Encare, she had no problem.

Also, the active ingredient, nonoxynol-9, not only effectively kills sperm, it also has been proven to kill the AIDs virus. (I don't know about it's effect on other STDs, so I wouldn't depend on it for those without doing some research.)

Now that I'm into a gay life style, I've always wondered whether spermicides couldn't be used during oral or anal sex.

Any comments on this? Are we missing something here? Could the possibility of contracting the AIDs virus be significantly reduced by using spermicides? Are there any studies that have explored this method of reducing the possibility of AIDS?

It seems to me that using something like this is better than using nothing at all, which, I'm sorry to say, is common practice among the gays where I'm living.

What say you, Jen?

Simple. You are completely misinformed. (Do a search.)

First, the question wasn't asking about alternative birth control methods, it was referring to "a good substitute for a condom that doesn't cost money". There IS no substitute for a condom that doesn't cost money, aside from abstinence.

Second, to deviate from the original question, yes, there are many viable alternative forms of birth control. Each one carries it's own measure of risk, though condoms with spermicide and/or the use of the pill are found to be the most effective for preventing pregnancy. I find it interesting, though, that as a male you were able to use a spermicidal insert designed for vaginal use *grin*

Third, Nonoxynol-9 has never, ever been used for the prevention of STDs or the HIV virus. N-9 is a spermicide, designed to kill sperm to prevent pregnancy. While it does kill germs, it does not kill or prevent the transmission of viruses. It is not a miracle ointment. The Center for Disease Control agrees; and it's worth saying again: spermicides are NOT effective against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases. Considering it for oral use approaches lunacy. Would you use an anal suppository in your mouth? N-9 is not designed for ingestion.

Fourth, N-9 has been found to abrade and irritate the lining of the rectum (as well as the lining of the vagina, which is about 40 cells thicker than the lining of the rectum). This abrading actually makes users of this spermicide more vulnerable to infectious diseases.

1.) From Global-Campaign.org: a dozen articles against the use of Nonoxynol-9

2.) From the Center For Disease Control: Findings from the International AIDS Convention, which states that women who used N-9 products had a 50% higher rate infection rate than those who used a placebo gel.

I understand the point you are trying to make. There are entirely too many people in all communities having unprotected sex, with complete disregard to the health dangers involved. Please be sure that you have all the facts, to protect both yourself and others.

(jump to question list)


About the Column:
» Ask Jen is a weekly question and answer column on Solo Touch. Each week Jen anonymously answers selected questions about masturbation and sexuality that have been submitted by Solo Touch readers like you. Use the Ask Jen Form to send your questions and comments about masturbation and sexuality to Jen.

About the Author:

Photo of Jen » Jen is a gypsy chick who is doing absolutely nothing of consequence with her undergraduate degree in sports medicine or her master's degree in education. At 31, she's found that living her life and enjoying the little things tend to be more important than having the Career or the Suburban Dream. Jen's been a "net-gurl" for 10 years, participating in several communities and avoiding online dating like the plague. Her varied sexual history allows for an open outlook on sexual orientation and practices, and she feels that experimentation and self-pleasure are healthy forms of expression as long as we respect each other's personal space. She also encourages and enjoys frank, informative discussions about all things sexual... hence the interest in writing this column. :-)
ICRA RTA

Solo Touch does not permit authors to include contact information in posts. Also, certain topics are not allowed on Solo Touch. For more information, please see: Rules and Why Rules. If you would like to share your contact information with others, chat live, exchange private messages, discuss topics in a forum and/or publish/read unedited stories, please check out Whispering Lily.

Privacy Policy ] [ Top of Page ] [ Advertising ] [ RSS Feeds ]

Copyright © 1997-2010 by SoloTouch.com. All rights reserved.