Results from a recent study indicate that hormonal contraceptives double women’s risk of HIV acquisition and the risk of HIV transmission from women to men.

Based on their results, the authors emphasized the need to counsel women about the possible increase in HIV risk with hormonal contraceptive use, especially the shot Depo-Provera, and the importance of condom use to decrease risk of HIV.

“Women should be counseled about potentially increased risk of HIV acquisition and transmission with hormonal contraception, particularly injectable methods, and about the importance of dual protection with…

HIV specialists who reviewed contraceptive options available for HIV-positive women recommend a combination of condoms and intrauterine devices as the most effective method for preventing both pregnancy and HIV transmission.

The authors of the review also found that hormonal contraceptives remain a popular choice for women with HIV and are also a good option, if used with condoms and if adjusted for potential interactions with antiretroviral therapy.

They added that hormonal contraceptives and intrauterine devices should always be combined with regular condom use, since the use of hormonal contraceptives and…

Results from a large international clinical trial on an HIV preventative gel, PRO 2000, show no evidence that it decreases the risk of HIV infection in women.

This has been a disappointing finding for researchers and has likely brought an end to further research in this particular product.

PR0 2000 is a vaginal microbicide, which is a substance whose purpose is to reduce the infectivity of viruses. As of now, there are no microbicides that have been effective against HIV infection.

PRO 2000 is designed to be used by women…

A recently released report by the Pharmaceutical Research and Manufacturers of America (PhRMA) provides information about 97 new drugs and vaccines that are currently in the process of being tested for use towards the prevention or cure of HIV and AIDS.

These 97 medications include 23 vaccines and 54 antiviral drugs, all of which are currently in clinical trials or waiting for FDA approval.

“We are greatly encouraged by these critically important medicines and vaccines in development to treat and prevent HIV infection,” said Billy Tauzin, President and CEO of…

New York City’s Department of Health and Mental Hygiene recently announced plans to distribute the Female Health Company’s (FHC) second-generation FC2 Female Condom, which was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration earlier this year.

The second generation FC2 Female Condom is composed of nitrile, a synthetic rubber polymer, whereas the first generation FC1 Female Condom is composed of polyurethane.

Through various research studies, it was determined that nitrile can be manufactured with a less expensive process and still provide the same amount of protection as polyurethane. This change…