Brief Encounters
CONTRACEPTIVE CHOICE FOR HIV POSITIVE WOMEN
Worldwide an estimated 42 million people are living with HIV/AIDS; 50% of adults with HIV infection are women, the majority having acquired infection via heterosexual sex. HIV itself does not affect fertility, but lower conception rates may occur as a result of behavioural change, existing sub-fertility, low body mass index, and intercurrent illness, especially tuberculosis. HIV infected women, as other women, may wish to plan pregnancy, limit family size, or avoid pregnancy. Mitchell and Stephens review the contraceptive choices available for women with HIV infection, including the effects of different methods on the risk of sexual transmission of HIV. This article provides a valuable resource for health professionals caring for HIV infected women. See p 167
“OLD PROBLEMS AND MODERN CHALLENGES”—CONTROL OF STIs IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES
Up to 85% of an estimated 340 million annual new cases of curable STIs occur in developing countries, where they constitute a huge health and economic burden. In reviewing the extent of this burden, with particular …
