Even if hormonal contraception doesn’t cause HIV infection, can it increase a woman’s chances of contracting HIV?
The answer isn’t clear, at present. Some studies have shown no association between hormonal contraceptive use and HIV transmission, while other studies (which were conducted among sex workers rather than among women in general)suggest that using HC results in a small increase in risk. The question is very difficult to study, however, in part because it involves sex and sexuality, which are difficult to research. So at this point, it is hard to be certain what is true and what isn’t. However, World Health Organization guidelines continue to place no restrictions on the use of hormonal contraceptives for women at risk of acquiring HIV. There is yet no compelling reason to conclude that HC has an effect on HIV transmission among women in general.
Related Questions
- Even if hormonal contraception doesn’t cause HIV infection, can it increase a woman’s chances of contracting HIV?
- I’ve heard that hormonal contraception – things like the Pill and Depo – can cause HIV infection. Is this true?
- Can a woman who has Dubin-Johnson syndrome (DJS) use hormonal contraception?
