Dear Seb, Could you please tell me about N-9 in personal lubricants. I read on one of your websites that you do not recomend using lubricants that contain it. How do you know if lube contains it. Kev, London..

Hello Kev, N-9 (nonoxynol-9) was first added to condoms and lubricants after laboratory tests showed it killed HIV in the test tube. Subsequent studies, (e.g. World Health Organization June 2002) have shown that it has the opposite effect because it strips away the protective cells in your ass, therefore actually increasing the risk of HIV transmission. Most manufacturers have now removed N-9 from their condoms and lubes. You should also avoid lubes that contain benzalkonium chloride (BZK), FD& C Blue #1, Iron Oxide, P-hydroxyanisole, Lead acetate, Triethanolamne, Toluene, Diethanolamine, Dibutyl phthalate, Acetone, Coal Tar, Phenol, Sodium Saccharin, Sodium Carrageenan, or Chlorhexidine, as these ingredients break down cell membranes in your ass.

You know when you go supermarket shopping and you check the ingredients to see what certain foods contain, you should do the same with lubricants. If it doesn't clearly state what the ingredients are, don't buy it. You can get more advise about lubricants at your local sexual health clinic.

A big hug 4 U, Seb Cox