Vol 34, (10): 805 - 896
Contraception and sexually transmitted infections
Belinda Sheary, BMed, is a general practice registrar, Charlestown, New South Wales.
Linda Dayan, BMedSc, MBBS, MM (VenSci), DipRACOG, MRCMA, FChSHM, is Director, Sexual Health Services, Northern Sydney Health, Head of the Sexual Health Department, Royal North Shore Hospital, Clinical Lecturer, Department of Public Health and Community Medicine, University of Sydney, and a general practitioner,Darlinghurst, New South Wales.
BACKGROUND Many women seek contraceptive advice from general practitioners. These consultations provide an opportunity to discuss the prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) including human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
OBJECTIVE This article discusses the effect of various contraceptive methods on the transmission of STIs and HIV. It also highlights issues relevant to achieving both contraception and STI/HIV prevention, with a focus on younger women.
DISCUSSION There is no ideal method to achieve protection against both pregnancy and STIs/HIV. Counselling about risks of STIs/HIV, providing the option of being tested for bacterial STIs, hepatitis B and HIV at the start of new relationships and promoting condom use for casual sex and concurrent sexual relationships is to be encouraged.
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