Research shows link between contraceptives, higher HIV risks

July 18, 2012

A Brown University Medical School professor has confirmed “serious concerns” about studies that suggest the use of contraceptives may increase the risk of contracting the HIV virus.

Dr. Timothy Flanigan told the National Catholic Register:

New research raises serious concerns about whether hormonal contraception--Depo-Provera and oral contraception pills--actually doubles the risk of a woman acquiring HIV if she is exposed. And if an HIV positive woman is on oral contraception, it may double the risk that she can transmit it to her partner.

In light of those research findings, Dr. Flanigan argues, it is time to reconsider programs providing contraceptives to women in impoverished nations. He suggests that instruction in National Family Planning (NFP) could help couples space their children without increasing their risk of contracting a deadly disease.

 

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Further information:

• Expert Notes 'Alarming Data' Connecting Hormonal Contraception and HIV Transmission (National Catholic Register)
• Injected contraceptive may increase AIDS risk for African women (CWN, 7/13)