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  • Title: Spermicides for family planning and disease protection: an update.
    Author: Townsend S.
    Journal: Netw Res Triangle Park N C; 1991 Dec; 12(3):23-6. PubMed ID: 12284758.
    Abstract:
    As the AIDS epidemic continues growing in countries around the world, women are increasingly in need of ways to protect themselves from infection with HIV and other sexually transmitted diseases (STD). Although no conclusive data exists on whether spermicides used alone or with condoms effectively protect against STDs, use of vaginal spermicides should be considered a viable alternative for protection against both pregnancy and some STDs, especially among women whose partners refuse to use condoms. Despite some of the advantages and ease of using spermicides for family planning, only 3% of contraceptive users worldwide use this as their primary method. This low level of use may largely stem from perceptions of spermicides' comparative ineffectiveness among other contraceptive methods. As for preventing the spread of STDs, spermicides place a chemical barrier between infected fluids and vulnerable tissue. Lab studies demonstrate spermicides' ability to inactivate most STD pathogens, and additional data are building on human use. No published reports exist on whether spermicide use protects women against HIV infection, though anecdotal reports and unpublished findings suggest that inadequate protection may be rendered in actual field use. Speculation even exists over the potential role of frequent spermicide use in causing irritation of genital tissue. While women have complained of some spermicides' failure to properly disperse in the vagina, and vulva or penis irritation, spermicides are, however, generally acceptable to users. The gel capsule and film were particularly liked in 1 research study. In sum, spermicide use should be encouraged as appropriate especially for those with irregular sexual activity, those with partners refusing to use condoms, and those contraindicated to other methods. Even though data is lacking on method effectiveness, using this acceptable method of potentially moderate effectiveness is by far preferable to not using one which is more effective. Further research is, however, needed to assess the level of protection provided.
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