Contraceptive options for women living with HIV

Document Type

Article

Department

Obstetrics and Gynaecology (East Africa); Centre of Excellence in Women and Child Health

Abstract

Women living with HIV are often of reproductive age, and many desire effective contraceptive options to delay or prevent pregnancy. We review the safety of various hormonal and non-hormonal contraceptive methods for women living with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Additionally, we discuss drug interactions between contraceptive methods and antiretrovirals and the safety of methods with respect to onward transmission to HIV-negative partners for women in sero-discordant partnerships. In general, most methods are safe for most women living with HIV. An understanding of the reproductive goals of each individual patient, as well as her medical condition and medication, should be taken into account when counselling women on their contraceptive options. Further research is needed to understand drug interactions between contraceptives and antiretrovirals better and how to fulfil the contraceptive needs of HIV-positive women.

Comments

This work was published before the author joined Aga Khan University.

Publication (Name of Journal)

Best Practice & Research Clinical Obstetrics & Gynaecology

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