Needle points to HIV risk – Times LIVE

At least 75% of South African women on birth control use the injection method. File photo.
Image by: ©Wallenrock/shutterstock.com

A study released today in the Lancet Infectious Diseases Journal found a link between contraceptive injection use and a higher likelihood of contracting HIV.

The oral contraceptive does not increase women’s risk of acquiring HIV.

But health experts say women must remain on birth control, even the injection, as the risk of unwanted pregnancy or maternal mortality outweighs the risk of contracting HIV.

At least 75% of South African women on birth control use the injection method.

Drug manufacturer Pfizer has long denied any link between Depo-Provera and HIV.

Researchers from the University of California School of Public Health analysed 12 studies of 39,500 participants, most of them from sub-Saharan Africa.

They found that the average woman studied was 31% more at risk of getting HIV if they injected hormonal contraceptive.

High-risk women, such as sex workers, had a 40% higher chance of getting HIV.

“This is not a 40% chance, but a 40% increased risk above any risk they might otherwise have,” explained Professor Christopher Colvin, head of the University of Cape Town’s division of social and behavioural sciences.

Study author Lauren Ralph, epidemiologist at University of California, said: “The moderate elevation in risk observed in our study is not enough to justify a complete withdrawal of the Depo-Provera contraceptive injection for women in the general population.

“Banning Depo-Provera would leave many women without immediate access to alternative and effective contraceptive options.”

An extensive contraception trial is planned for this year and will include thousands of South Africans. Scientists will follow groups of women who are on the injection and other methods of contraception and compare HIV acquisition rates over time.

Mitchell Warren, director of AVAC, an HIV prevention advocacy group, said: “All women choosing hormonal contraceptives, especially those at higher risk for HIV, should be counselled and offered male and female condoms. ”