
                         Roanoke Times
                 Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.

DATE: THURSDAY, May 17, 1990                   TAG: 9005170602
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL                    PAGE: A-10   EDITION: EVENING 
SOURCE: 
DATELINE: LOS ANGELES                                LENGTH: Short

STUDY LINKS SPERMICIDE TO WOMEN'S INFECTIONS

A widely used spermicide hailed for its ability to prevent AIDS and venereal disease can cause bladder and yeast infections in women, some of whom should consider another method of birth control, scientists say.

The spermicide, nonoxynol-9, is the active ingredient in most contraceptive foams, jellies and creams. Some condoms are packaged with the spermicide.

The research provides the first evidence that nonoxynol-9 can trigger the uncomfortable urinary and vaginal infections even when the spermicide is used without a diaphragm, vaginal sponge or condom, said Dr. Thomas Hooton, who conducted two studies at the University of Washington in Seattle.

Earlier studies suggested that diaphragms and sponges cause the infections. Spermicides had not been previously studied separately.

- Associated Press

by CNB