[The nonoxynol content in condoms is insufficient to inhibit the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)].

The seven makes of condom which are marketed in Denmark were examined for the nonoxynol content with the object of assessing whether the content of nonoxynol in the condoms is sufficient to present HIV spread in connection with use of the condom and assessed in relation to the defects in effectivity (tearing, holes, overflow of semen, sliding off). Compared with the declared content of nonoxynol of 40 mg (100%) per condom, the following nonoxynol quantities could be demonstrated by methanol/water extraction and subsequent high-performance liquid chromatography: One make of condom contained 65%, two 50-55% and four 25-33%. The nonoxynol content was found to be evenly distributed between the outer and inner surface of the condoms. With a theoretical distribution volume of 6 ml (tearing during vaginal coitus), it was found that three of the makes of condoms examined did not achieve the HIV-inhibiting nonoxynol concentration of 0.05%, by means of measuring the quantity of nonoxynol on the distal 5 cm of the condoms. In anal sex, the distribution volume is greater resulting in lower nonoxynol concentrations and thus increased risk for HIV infection. It is concluded that the nonoxynol content in the condoms marketed in Denmark should be increased in order to inactivate HIV in case of condom failure.