Abstract

Over 50% of the 33.3 million HIV-positive persons are women within the reproductive age group. With increasing availability and use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), the prognosis, life expectancy and quality of life of infected persons has improved. HIV-positive women, like their uninfected counterparts, may desire to plan pregnancies, limit their families, or avoid pregnancy. The effective use of contraception by HIV-positive clients can contribute significantly to reduction in both sexual and vertical transmission of the virus. HIV-positive clients can use most of the available contraception methods including barrier, hormonal, intrauterine devices and sterilization. However, some antiretroviral drugs interact with hormonal contraceptives with potentials for reduction in efficacy. Dual protection with concomitant use of a more effective contraceptive method and male or female condom to prevent HIV and Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) is the standard. It is necessary to make provision for contraceptive service as part of comprehensive care for the HIV-positive client.

Links

Aggregator Full Text

Authors

Agboghoroma CO

Institution

Department of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, National Hospital, Abuja, Nigeria. agboschris@yahoo.com

Source

African journal of reproductive health 15:3 2011 Sep pg 15-23

MeSH

Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Adult
Africa
Anti-HIV Agents
Contraception Behavior
Contraception, Postcoital
Contraceptive Agents, Female
Counseling
Drug Interactions
Female
HIV Infections
Health Behavior
Humans
Intrauterine Devices
Male
Pregnancy
Spermatocidal Agents

Pub Type(s)

Journal Article
Review

Language

eng

PubMed ID

22574489