This evidence review outlines some contraceptive methods for women living with HIV/AIDS (WHA) and women at risk of HIV. This paper does not include all types of contraception as research related to HIV is lacking.
Highlights:
Dual protection – correct and consistent use of condoms in conjunction with another method of contraception – should be practiced to prevent HIV/STI transmission and unwanted pregnancies.
A wide range of contraceptive choices should be made available to women to promote consistent usage of contraceptives.
Hormonal contraceptives have not been found to be associated with either acquisition of HIV or HIV disease progression, and their use appears to be safe in HIV-positive women.
Integrative care, combining HIV treatment with family planning counselling and services, increases contraceptive use among WHA.