HIV This Week

Baeten JM, Lavreys L, Overbaugh J. The influence of hormonal contraceptive use on HIV-1 transmission and disease progression. Clin Infect Dis. 2007 Aug 1;45(3):360-9.

Women account for nearly one-half of new human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infections worldwide, including the majority of infections in Africa. Biological and epidemiological studies suggest that hormonal contraceptive use could influence susceptibility to HIV-1, as well as infectivity and disease progression for those who become infected. However, not all studies have shown this relationship, and many questions remain. Safe and effective contraceptive choices are essential for women with and at risk for HIV-1 infection. Thus, understanding the effect, if any, of hormonal contraception on HIV-1 disease among women is a public health priority.

Editors’ note: Epidemiological and laboratory data suggest biologically plausible effects of hormonal contraception on HIV susceptibility, infectiousness, and disease progression but the findings are inconsistent. What is clear now is that hormonal contraception offers no protection against HIV. This underscores the importance of dual protection with condoms, greater involvement of men in reproductive health, and integrated sexual and reproductive health programming.