Does hormonal contraception modify the risk of STI acquisition?
Provider brief
In 2004, an Expert Working Group reviewed a number of studies on hormonal contraception and the risk of STI acquisition. Additionally, in 2005, a new study (Morrison et al.) was reviewed. As a result of these two consultations, no changes were made to the existing recommendation, namely that there are no restrictions on the use of combined oral contraceptices and DMPA by women at high risk of acquiring an STI. (This recommendation was subsequently confirmed by a 2008 Expert Working Group review.) This brief was produced to help clarify the current guidance on this issue for health-care providers.