FHI - March 6, 2002

A Nonoxynol-9 Gel Does Not Protect Women Against Gonorrhea and Chlamydia --March 6, 2002

FHI researchers study the effect of nonoxynol-9 on urogenital gonorrhea and chlamydial infection in a randomized controlled trial

RESEARCH TRIANGLE PARK--Sexually transmitted infections (STI) have important effects on health and are a major cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. New research suggests that nonoxynol-9, the most commonly used spermicide worldwide, does not protect against urogenital gonorrhea and chlamydial infection.

In a study published in this week’s Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), Family Health International (FHI) researchers and Cameroonian colleagues found that nonoxynol-9, when used with condoms, did not protect women from the bacteria that cause gonorrhea and chlamydial infection any better than condoms used alone.

Members of the research team included:

Ronald E. Roddy, P.A., M.P.H., Senior Epidemiologist, FHI

Léopold Zekeng, Ph.D., Laboratoire de Santé Hygiène Mobile, Ministry of Public Health, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Kelley A. Ryan, B.A., Senior Clinical Research Manager, FHI

Ubald Tamoufé, M.Sc., Care and Health Program, Yaoundé, Cameroon

Kathryn G.Tweedy, M.Sc., Biostatistician, FHI

This study was supported with funds from the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID). Advanced Care Products provided the nonoxynol-9, Conceptrol gel, used in the study.

Family Health International is a nonprofit research and technical assistance organization dedicated to improving lives worldwide through a diverse program of research, education and services in family health. FHI also designs, manages and evaluates international HIV/AIDS prevention and care programs. Its many research initiatives include work to identify vaginal microbicides: substances that when used vaginally can protect against HIV and other STIs.

To read this article, visit the Web site of the Journal of the American Medical Association at http://jama.ama-assn.org/issues/v287n9/toc.html. For more information on Family Health International’s research and programs on reproductive health, family planning and HIV/AIDS, see http://www.fhi.org.

See Also: