Safe sex: Encyclopedia II - Safe sex - Ineffective methods

Safe sex - Ineffective methods

Note that most methods of contraception (birth control) other than the barrier methods mentioned above are not effective at preventing the spread of STIs.

The spermicide Nonoxynol-9 has been claimed to reduce the likelihood of STI transmission. However a recent study by the World Health Organisation [1] has shown that Nonoxynol-9 is an irritant and can produce tiny tears in mucous membranes, which may increase the risk of transmission by offering pathogens more easy points of entry into the system. As a result condoms with a Nonoxynol-9 lubricant are not to be promoted. However it is better to use a condom with Nonoxynol-9 than no condom at all.

Coitus interruptus (or "pulling out"), in which the penis is removed from the vagina, anus, or mouth before ejaculation, is not safe sex and can result in STI transmission or pregnancy. This is because of the formation of pre-ejaculate, a fluid (which may contain sperm) that oozes from the urethra before actual ejaculation. In addition, open sores on either partner can permit transmission. This does reduce the chance of STI transmission, however, and is sometimes recommended as a harm reduction strategy for those habitually engaging in unsafe intercourse.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Ineffective methods", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki