Article Text

Download PDFPDF
Effectiveness of female controlled barrier methods in preventing sexually transmitted infections and HIV: current evidence and future research directions
  1. A M Minnis,
  2. N S Padian
  1. Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, CA, USA
  1. Correspondence to:
 Alexandra M Minnis
 PhD, MPH, Department of Obstetrics, Gynecology and Reproductive Sciences, University of California San Francisco, 74 New Montgomery, Suite 600, San Francisco, CA 94105, USA; aminnispsg.ucsf.edu

Abstract

Objectives: To evaluate evidence for the effectiveness of female controlled physical and chemical barrier methods in preventing STI/HIV transmission, to examine recent reviews on microbicide development, and to highlight promising research directions. To discuss challenges in conducting effectiveness research and in translating results to public health intervention.

Methods: Systematic review of articles that examined the disease prevention effectiveness of at least one female controlled barrier method. Review of conference abstracts that presented clinical and preclinical microbicide data.

Results: Randomised controlled trials provide evidence that female condoms confer as much protection from STIs as male condoms. Observational studies suggest that the diaphragm protects against STI pathogens. Several microbicide effectiveness studies are under way and new directions, such as adaptation of therapeutic agents as preventive products, are being examined. Substantial attention is now given to product formulation and novel delivery strategies. Combining microbicide products with different mechanisms of action as well as combining chemical and physical barriers will be necessary to maximise prevention effectiveness.

Conclusions: Increased investment in the development and identification of female controlled barrier methods offers promise that additional products will be available in the years ahead. Generalising trial results to a community setting, promoting products that may be less effective than male condoms, and bringing an effective product to scale introduce public health challenges that warrant attention. The need for female controlled barrier methods that provide women with the opportunity to take an active role in reducing their STI/HIV risk are urgently needed and constitute an essential tool to prevent continued spread of these infections.

  • HEC, hydroxyethylcellulose
  • HSV, herpes simplex virus
  • IUD, intrauterine device
  • N-9, nonoxynol-9
  • PEP, post-exposure prophylaxis
  • PID, pelvic inflammatory disease
  • PSA, prostate specific antigen
  • SIV, simian immunodeficiency virus
  • STI, sexually transmitted infections
  • female contraception
  • HIV
  • sexually transmitted infections

Statistics from Altmetric.com

Request Permissions

If you wish to reuse any or all of this article please use the link below which will take you to the Copyright Clearance Center’s RightsLink service. You will be able to get a quick price and instant permission to reuse the content in many different ways.

Footnotes

Linked Articles

  • Brief Encounters
    Helen Ward Rob Miller