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Should spermicides be used with condoms?

By , About.com Guide

Updated December 15, 2003

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

In test tubes, a spermicide called nonoxynol-9 (a chemical used to kill the man's sperm for birth control) has been shown to kill the germs that cause sexually transmitted diseases. Some experts believe nonoxynol-9 may kill the AIDS virus during intercourse, too.
So you might want to use a spermicide along with a latex condom as an added precaution in case the condom breaks during intercourse.

Condoms with spermicides have an experation date. Pay attention to that date.

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Reprinted from the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

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