WHO upholds guidance on hormonal contraceptive use and HIV

16 February 2012 - The World Health Organization (WHO) has concluded that women living with HIV or at high risk of HIV can safely continue to use hormonal contraceptives to prevent pregnancy, but emphasized the need to also always use condoms to prevent HIV acquisition and transmission. They also stressed the need for further research on the issue and the importance of offering a wider choice of contraceptive options.
The recommendation follows a thorough review of evidence about links between hormonal contraceptive use and HIV acquisition.

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Family planning allows people to attain their desired number of children and determine the spacing of pregnancies. It is achieved through use of contraceptive methods and the treatment of infertility. It is estimated that over 200 million couples do not use contraceptives, despite wanting to space or limit their childbearing.

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• Contraceptive prevalence
• Unmet need for family planning

• World contracptive use 2010

The UNDP/UNFPA/WHO/World Bank Special Programme of Research, Development and Research Training in Human Reproduction (HRP) continues to play an important role in the development and evaluation of the safety, efficacy and effectiveness of contraceptives.

As the needs of couples for reliable and acceptable methods of contraception and infertility services increase, and considering the varying involvement of the private sector, the role of WHO and its public sector and academic partners becomes increasingly significant.

• Emergency contraception
• Male contraception

A consensus is growing that access to care may not be enough to improve poor reproductive health indicators and that quality of services may be a key determinant of reproductive health outcomes.

• Addressing the unmet need for family planning
• Engaging community in strengthening FP services
• Exploring barriers to family planning