Safety of hormonal and intrauterine methods of contraception for women with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review.
OBJECTIVE
To determine from the literature whether HIV-infected women who use hormonal or intrauterine contraception are at increased risk of HIV disease progression, other adverse health outcomes, or HIV transmission to uninfected sexual partners.


METHODS
A systematic review.


METHODS
We searched PubMed for articles published in peer-reviewed journals through August 2009 for evidence relevant to all hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive methods and HIV/AIDS.


RESULTS
Eight observational studies reported no increased risk of HIV disease progression with hormonal or intrauterine contraceptive use, whereas one randomized controlled trial found increased risks of declining CD4 cell count and death for hormonal contraceptive users compared with intrauterine device users. Women with HIV who used hormonal contraception had increased risks of acquiring sexually transmitted infections compared with women not using hormonal contraception, similar to the risks reported among uninfected women. One study found no association between hormonal or intrauterine contraceptive use and increased risk of HIV transmission to uninfected partners, whereas findings from nine studies examining contraceptive use and viral shedding from the genital tract were inconsistent.


CONCLUSIONS
Evidence regarding the safety of hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use among women with HIV remains limited, but generally reassuring regarding adverse health effects, disease transmission to uninfected partners, and disease progression; however, one randomized trial raised concerns about enhanced disease progression among women using hormonal contraception. Preventing unintended pregnancy among women with HIV remains a high priority in public health, both for the health of the woman as well as for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.
Curtis
Kathryn M
KM
Division of Reproductive Health, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, MS K-34, 4770 Buford Highway NE, Atlanta, GA 30341, USA. Kmc6@cdc.gov
Nanda
Kavita
K
Kapp
Nathalie
N
D018791:CD4 Lymphocyte Count; D003270:Contraceptive Agents / Q000009:adverse effects*; D018450:Disease Progression; D005260:Female; D015658:HIV Infections / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000628:therapy / Q000821:virology; D015497:HIV-1; D006801:Humans; D007434:Intrauterine Devices / Q000009:adverse effects* / Q000821:virology; D011247:Pregnancy; D012307:Risk Factors
D003270:Contraceptive Agents