Hormonal contraceptives increase HIV risk

Women using hormonal contraception methods for birth control may increased risk for HIV, according to a new study conducted in Africa.

LOS ANGELES, CA (Catholic Online) - The study found that women who used hormonal contraception had twice the risk of acquiring HIV or transmitting it to their male partners as those who did not use hormonal contraception.

Hormonal contraception includes both oral and injectable options. Those at greatest risk are the ones using injectables such as Depo-Provera, according to the study.

Study researcher Jared Baeten of the University of Washington said, "These findings have important implications for family planning in HIV-1 prevention programs, especially in settings with high HIV-1 prevalence."

Study researcher Renee Heffron, also from the University of Washington, said, "Recommendations regarding contraceptive use, particularly emphasizing the importance of dual protection with condoms and the use of non-hormonal low-dose hormonal methods for women with or at risk for HIV-1 are urgently needed."

While doctors have made clear that injectable and oral contraceptives do not reduce the risk for sexually transmitted diseases, they may not have previously considered that these contraceptives may actually increase the risk for STDs including HIV.

More than 140 million women worldwide use hormonal contraceptives. Many of those women, living in sub-Saharan Africa, have HIV.

The study included 3,790 heterosexual couples in which one partner was HIV positive and the other was not. The couples were selected from among seven African countries.

The study found that women using the hormonal contraceptives were two times as likely to become infected with HIV-1. The study also found that women using the contraceptives were twice as likely to pass it on to their male counterparts.

Researchers are not sure what should be done. While many advocate the use of birth control in sub-Saharan Africa they also do not want to contribute to the spread of HIV. 

In any case it should be clear to all that the safest way to protect oneself from HIV is for all people to practice abstinence until marriage, and once married, to remain in a monogamous relationship with one's spouse.

Women who use hormonal contraceptives and engage in high-risk sexual behavior are encouraged to get tested, and to consult with their physician, and most importantly, to consider a lifestyle change.

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