June 2006

Hormonal contraception and HIV: Is there a link?

Gynuity Health Projects, Reproductive Health Technologies Project, Ibis Reproductive Health. Issue Brief. Hormonal contraception and HIV: Is there a link? Ibis Reproductve Health: Cambridge, MA. December 2006 

With the AIDS pandemic taking a disproportionate toll on women around the globe, scientists have been exploring a host of issues that could influence women’s susceptibility to HIV/AIDS. A growing number of studies are exploring the complex question of whether using hormonal contraceptives – like “the Pill” or “the shot” – could affect a woman’s risk of being infected with HIV or developing AIDS. Researchers have investigated more than half a dozen theoretical “mechanisms” by which hormonal contraception might affect HIV infection – for example, by changing the cells or cell layers in the vagina, increasing the chances of having other  reproductive tract infections, or increasing how much virus an HIV-infected woman has in her vagina. The weight of the evidence available indicates that use of hormonal contraception does not increase a woman’s risk of HIV infection. Despite some contradictory results in the studies that have been conducted, no link between hormonal contraceptive use and HIV transmission has been proved to date. Hormonal contraceptives are excellent family planning methods, and are appropriate for all women who want to prevent an unintended pregnancy. Condoms, however, remain the only family planning method that also protects against HIV infection.