Safety of hormonal and intrauterine methods of contraception for women with HIV/AIDS: a systematic review.

OBJECTIVE

To determine from the literature whether HIV-infected women who use hormonal or intrauterine contraception are at increased risk of HIV disease progression, other adverse health outcomes, or HIV transmission to uninfected sexual partners.

DESIGN

A systematic review.

METHODS

We searched PubMed for articles published in peer-reviewed journals through August 2009 for evidence relevant to all hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive methods and HIV/AIDS.

RESULTS

Eight observational studies reported no increased risk of HIV disease progression with hormonal or intrauterine contraceptive use, whereas one randomized controlled trial found increased risks of declining CD4 cell count and death for hormonal contraceptive users compared with intrauterine device users. Women with HIV who used hormonal contraception had increased risks of acquiring sexually transmitted infections compared with women not using hormonal contraception, similar to the risks reported among uninfected women. One study found no association between hormonal or intrauterine contraceptive use and increased risk of HIV transmission to uninfected partners, whereas findings from nine studies examining contraceptive use and viral shedding from the genital tract were inconsistent.

CONCLUSION

Evidence regarding the safety of hormonal and intrauterine contraceptive use among women with HIV remains limited, but generally reassuring regarding adverse health effects, disease transmission to uninfected partners, and disease progression; however, one randomized trial raised concerns about enhanced disease progression among women using hormonal contraception. Preventing unintended pregnancy among women with HIV remains a high priority in public health, both for the health of the woman as well as for the prevention of mother-to-child transmission of HIV.