Who are microbicides for?
Microbicides will help advance sexual and reproductive health and rights by providing an HIV prevention option that can be used by people who cannot or do not use condoms consistently.
Microbicides are likely to be of most immediate benefit to women, particularly those who are unable to insist on condom use and presently have no way to reduce their HIV risk that is under their direct control. Gender inequality, physiological susceptibility to infection and complex cultural factors combine to fuel the rapidly rising rate of infection among women. Microbicides, as a user-controlled technology, could give women greater power to protect themselves against HIV, without having to rely on partner cooperation.
Some microbicide candidates appear to have a 'broad spectrum' effect which means they will be able to reduce the risk of some sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), in addition to HIV. This broad spectrum effect could substantially benefit both HIV negative and HIV positive women seeking to avoid challenges to their immune systems.
Several of the candidates are likely to offer bi-directional protection - reducing transmission risk for both partners. The development of rectal microbicides, for use in anal intercourse for both men and women, is not as advanced as vaginal microbicides but could also be highly beneficial for a wide range of sexual activities.
Microbicides are likely to be of most immediate benefit to women, particularly those who are unable to insist on condom use and presently have no way to reduce their HIV risk that is under their direct control. Gender inequality, physiological susceptibility to infection and complex cultural factors combine to fuel the rapidly rising rate of infection among women. Microbicides, as a user-controlled technology, could give women greater power to protect themselves against HIV, without having to rely on partner cooperation.
Some microbicide candidates appear to have a 'broad spectrum' effect which means they will be able to reduce the risk of some sexually-transmitted infections (STIs), in addition to HIV. This broad spectrum effect could substantially benefit both HIV negative and HIV positive women seeking to avoid challenges to their immune systems.
Several of the candidates are likely to offer bi-directional protection - reducing transmission risk for both partners. The development of rectal microbicides, for use in anal intercourse for both men and women, is not as advanced as vaginal microbicides but could also be highly beneficial for a wide range of sexual activities.
Recommended readings
- The case for microbicides: a global priority
- ( International Family Health, UK , 2001)
- Recommended reading
- This report from The Population Council and International Family Health presents the case for microbicides, discusses recent progress and developments, and notes outstanding challenges. It goes on to ...
- Women's lack of control over STI risks drives microbicide search
- ( H. Brown / Population Reference Bureau , 2003)
- This paper analyses the current search within the health community for a vaginal microbicide - a cream, gel, suppository, or other product that can protect against HIV and other sexually transmitted i...
