The most common spermicide which is sometimes found as part of the lubricant on condoms is Nonoxynol-9. Spermicides are detergents which kill and immobilize sperm. The small quantity found on most condoms may not be adequate to protect against unwanted pregnancy if the condom leaks or breaks. Spermicides may be used with latex, skin, or polyurethane condoms. In test tubes, Nonoxynol-9 seems to kill HIV and organisms causing gonorrhea, genital herpes, hepatitis B, trichomoniasis, syphilis and maybe other sexually transmitted diseases.
Human studies are less conclusive.
In fact, recent research suggests that spermicide may increase a female's risk of acquiring HIV, but . . . Although most people tolerate spermicide products quite well, some users develop allergic reactions. This takes the form of rashes or irritation, and there may be a discharge from the penis or vagina. Latex condoms are sold in several shapes and sizes. Barring anatomical anomalies, there isn t a man alive whose erect penis cannot be accommodated by the stretchiness of a standard size latex condom.