Use of hormonal contraceptives and risk of HIV-1 transmission

Abstract

Renee Heffron and colleagues'1 finding of an association between hormonal contraceptive use and acquisition and transmission of HIV-1 has profound implications for policies on family planning in countries with high HIV risk, such as sub-Saharan Africa. Therefore, potential problems should be considered in the interpretation of this observational study. All observational studies of contraception and risk of HIV and sexually transmitted infections are open to potential bias and confounding because women choosing hormonal contraception might have higher HIV risk behaviours than do those not using these methods.