Lubricants containing N-9 may enhance rectal transmission of HIV and other STIs
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Updated: Aug 23, 2026

Ex Vivo Infection of Human Lymphoid Tissue and Female Genital Mucosa with Human Immunodeficiency Virus 1 and Histoculture
Published on: October 12, 2018
David M Phillips1, Kristin M Sudol, Clark L Taylor
1Population Council, 1230 York Avenue, New York, NY 10021, USA. dphillips@popcouncil.org
Abstract:
It has been shown that men who have sex with men actively seek lubricants that contain nonoxynol-9 (N-9) because they believe that N-9 may help to prevent infection by HIV. However, indirect evidence suggests that N-9 may actually enhance infection. Microscopic examination of rectal lavage and biopsy specimens collected at different time points following rectal application of a lubricant containing 2% N-9 showed rapid exfoliation of the rectal epithelium. Because the rectal epithelium protects target cells in the submucosa from HIV, we conclude that lubricants containing N-9 should be avoided during rectal sex.
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