FAMILY PLANNING AND CONTRACEPTION FOR WOMEN LIVING WITH HIV
Methods of contraception include:1e
BARRIER METHODS block sperm from reaching an egg3a
- Condoms (male and female)
SHORT-ACTING HORMONAL METHODS interfere with ovulation, fertilisation or implantation of a fertilised egg3b
- Oral Contraceptives
- Injection
LONG-ACTING REVERSIBLE HORMONAL METHODS stop ovulation, fertilisation or implantation of a fertilised egg3c
- Intrauterine Contraceptive Devices (IUCDs)
- Implant
EMERGENCY CONTRACEPTION can be used after unprotected sex or when another form of contraception fails3d
- Emergency pill or IUD
STERILISATION suitable for a woman with no desire for a child now or in the future.2b
- Sterilisation (male or female)
PREVENTION OF PREGNANCY – A PARTNERSHIP
The health and co-operation of both partners is important for safe contraception.1e The contraceptive choice depends on if or when the woman may want to fall pregnant in the future.1f If a woman does fall pregnant, she and her partner should continue using condoms consistently during pregnancy and the breastfeeding period.1g
THE ‘DUAL METHOD’
All women living with HIV, who wish to avoid pregnancy, should consider a dual method of effective contraception consisting of:
- a hormonal method or IUCD of their choice to prevent pregnancy, and
- a barrier method (male/female condoms) to prevent STIs and HIV transmission1d
ADDITIONAL PROTECTION
ARE THERE ANY INTERACTIONS BETWEEN CONTRACEPTION AND HIV MEDICINES?
There are some concerns that hormonal contraceptives may have reduced efficacy when combined with certain HIV medicines, e.g. if you are taking a regimen containing efavirenz, then an implant is not recommended.1h Always consult a health care professional to determine which contraceptive options is best for you and continue to use condoms correctly and consistently.1h