Meta-Analysis of Hormonal Contraception Use and HIV Risk
A meta-analysis of 12 studies showed an increased risk of HIV acquisition for women using Depo-Provera (depot medroxyprogesterone acetate) as birth control compared with women in the general population. In addition, there was no increased risk for those women using oral contraceptive pills or norethisterone enanthate. The use of Depo is fairly prevalent in sub-Saharan Africa and as such, further research is warranted to determine if the birth control benefits of Depo outweigh its HIV acquisition risk in this part of the world.
Citation:
Ralph LJ, McCoy SI, Shiu K, Padian NS. Hormonal contraceptive use and women's risk of HIV acquisition: a meta-analysis of observational studies. Lancet Infect Dis. 2015 Jan 8. pii: S1473-3099(14)71052-7. [Epub ahead of print]
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