What is a microbicide?
A microbicide (mi-KRO’-bi-sid) is a substance that can substantially reduce transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) when applied either in the vagina or rectum. A microbicide could be produced in many forms, including gels, creams, suppositories, films, lubricants, or in the form of a sponge or a vaginal ring that slowly releases the active ingredient. The word “microbicides” refers to a range of different products that share one common characteristic: the ability to prevent the sexual transmission of HIV and other STI pathogens when applied topically.
