HORMONAL CONTRACEPTION AND THE RISK OF HIV ACQUISITION

Abstract

AbstractIntroduction:More than 100 million women worldwide use hormonal contraceptive, including using DMPA ororal contraceptive. There is particular concern about a putative link between hormonalcontraception and HIV infection. The aim of this review article was to evaluate the associationbetween hormonal contraception use and risk of HIV infectionMethods:We were retrieved through a systematic search of electronic databases such as PubMed, ScienceDirect, Elsevier, BMJ, JAMA by utilizing keywords HIV prevention, hormonal contraception,women's` health, risk factors and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). This search conducted forrelevant literature published between 1989 and 2013.Finding:An estimated 40 million people live with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) globally. Most HIVinfected human are of reproductive age 15–49 years. Approximately 45% of women usinghormonal contraceptions. Long term used of Progestin-only Injectable such as DMPA and NETEN,may cause thinning of cervico-vaginal mucosa, it may lead to abrasions that facilitate access ofHIV to CD4+ target cells in submucosal tissue and increased simian immunodeficiency virusacquisition. Although the clinical significance of this thinning remains uncertain.Conclusions:The data do not support an association between use of oral contraceptives and increased risk ofHIV acquisition. Nonetheless, family planning services are an important venue for HIV preventionactivitiesKeywords:Hormonal Contraception, HIV, Risk Factors, Women Health