DMPA Birth Control Shot Linked To Risk Of HIV Infection

It is suggested that the transitioning women away from the use of depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate birth control shot as their method of contraception may help protect women in high risk regions from becoming infected with HIV according to a study review published in the Journal Endocrine Reviews.

Depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception shots are the most predominant form of contraception in Africa, DMPA shots are administered every 3 months. Studies have suggested that depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate may increase the risks of becoming infected with HIV by 40%, other forms of contraceptive shots do not exhibit the same correlation.

It is most important to ensure that women in areas with a high rate of HIV infection and risks have access to affordable contraception in order to protect public health. Increasing the availability of contraceptives which use a different form of the hormone called progestin other than the one that is used in depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate may help reduce the risk of HIV transmission. The increased rate of HIV infection in women using depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate shots is likely due to multiple factors including decreases in immune function and the protective barrier function of the female genital tract.

The authors also examined cell, animal and biochemical research on the form of progestin that is used in the depot-medroxyprogesterone acetate contraception shot in addition to reviewing these clinical studies. The findings showed that medroxyprogesterone acetate acts differently than other forms of progestin that is used in contraceptives, behaving like the stress hormone cortisol in the cells of the genital tract that may come in contact with HIV.

36.7 million people worldwide are living with HIV infection according to UNAIDS.