Re. Roddy et al., A RANDOMIZED CONTROLLED TRIAL COMPARING NONOXYNOL-9 LUBRICATED CONDOMS WITH SILICONE LUBRICATED CONDOMS FOR PROPHYLAXIS, SEXUALLY TRANSMITTED INFECTIONS, 74(2), 1998, pp. 116-119
Objective: We tested the effect of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) in condom lubrica
tion on the risk of acquiring STD and genital discomfort. Methods: The
study was a triple masked, randomised controlled trial comparing N-9
lubricated condoms with plain silicone lubricated condoms among Domini
can female sex workers. Results: Randomisation provided two groups (31
3 for N-9 and 322 for plain) similar in baseline characteristics, but
extensive loss to follow up occurred (56 women in each group completed
the 24 week follow up). Most vaginal acts with clients were protected
with condoms (99% of vaginal sex) but fewer acts with non-clients wer
e protected (43% of vaginal sex). No significant differences occurred
in rates of cervical infections (N-9 = 3.4 per 100 person months v pla
in = 2.8), trichomoniasis (N-9 = 2.8 v plain = 3.6), or discomfort rat
es (N-9 = 0.82 v plain = 0.92). Conclusions: Plain silicone lubricated
condoms are as effective as N-9 lubricated condoms, cost less, have l
onger expected shelf life, and therefore may be the better condom to p
rovide.