WHO Concludes Review of Hormonal Contraceptives and HIV Infections
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iStockphoto/Thinkstock(GENEVA) — The World Health Organization (WHO) advised women with or at risk for HIV to continue using hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy.
WHO officials held a meeting with 75 experts from Jan. 31 to Feb. 1 to review several epidemiological studies on hormonal contraception.
In October 2011, a study published in Lancet Infectious Diseases suggested the use of hormonal contraceptives may cause HIV infections to increase in woman. At the conclusion of the WHO meeting, the Guidelines Review Committee said the contraceptives were safe but recommended the use of condoms and other contraceptions for women who have HIV or are at risk for infection.
“The group noted the importance of hormonal contraceptives and of HIV prevention for public health and emphasized the need for individuals living with or at risk of HIV to also always use condoms, male or female, as hormonal contraceptives are not protective against HIV transmission or acquisition,” according to the report.
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