AIDS and Contraception

Several contraceptive methods have been associated with altered rates of transmission of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). Barrier contraceptive users (condoms, diaphragms, spermicides) have generally lower prevalence rates of STDs than individuals using other forms of contraception or no contraception. Women with intrauterine devices (IUDs), on the other hand, have an increased risk of acquiring certain STDs and pelvic inflammatory disease. Recent attention has been focused on the potential role of contraceptive methods in the AIDS epidemic. It is hoped that current or improved barrier methods will be effective at reducing the sexual transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type I (HIV-1), the virus thought to cause AIDS. However, there is concern that other contraceptive methods such as steroid hormones that are immuno-suppressive and cause menstrual irregularity in women, and IUDs, vasectomy, and chemical spermicides that can cause genital tract inflammation, may actually promote the transmission of HIV-1. There is also concern that use of certain contraceptives may be associated with unusual side effects (i.e., increased prevalence of STDs or opportunistic infections) in women who are immunosuppressed as a consequence of infection with HIV-1.