When teaching adolescents about condoms, which statement should be included regarding lubricants?

When teaching adolescents about condoms, which statement should be included regarding lubricants?

• A. the brands least likely to break during intercourse
• B. the application of petroleum jelly to prevent dry intercourse
• C. the use of oil based lubricants as safe lubricants
• D. nonoxynol-9 as a lubricant and spermicide

Answer: (D)

Lubricant choice with condoms matters for both safety and effectiveness. Latex condoms are weakened by oil-based products, so petroleum jelly, lotions, or cooking oils should be avoided because they can cause the latex to break during intercourse. The safer route is to use water-based or silicone-based lubricants that are designed to be compatible with latex. Nonoxynol-9, a spermicide that has been included in some lubricants, is not recommended. It can irritate vaginal and rectal mucosa and may actually increase the risk of infections, including HIV, rather than protect against them. Therefore, it isn’t advised as a lubricant or as a spermicide when used with condoms. For adolescents, teach to pick lubricants that are latex-safe (water- or silicone-based), avoid oil-based products, and avoid relying on nonoxynol-9 for STI protection.

Lubricant choice with condoms matters for both safety and effectiveness. Latex condoms are weakened by oil-based products, so petroleum jelly, lotions, or cooking oils should be avoided because they can cause the latex to break during intercourse. The safer route is to use water-based or silicone-based lubricants that are designed to be compatible with latex.

Nonoxynol-9, a spermicide that has been included in some lubricants, is not recommended. It can irritate vaginal and rectal mucosa and may actually increase the risk of infections, including HIV, rather than protect against them. Therefore, it isn’t advised as a lubricant or as a spermicide when used with condoms.

For adolescents, teach to pick lubricants that are latex-safe (water- or silicone-based), avoid oil-based products, and avoid relying on nonoxynol-9 for STI protection.