Depo-Provera Birth Control Shot Linked To Increased Risk Of HIV

The Depo-Provera birth control shot has been linked to an increased HIV risk in a new study, which is taken by an estimated 41 million women worldwide. Recent findings are published in the journal Lancet Infectious Diseases.

For the study, researchers analyzed 12 studies including about 40,000 women who were HIV-negative when the studies began. In two studies, the woman's partner had already been diagnosed with HIV. All of the studies were conducted in Africa, where the form of birth control is critically dependent on protection. 

"Within each specific population, some groups are affected more than others. DMPA users were 40 percent more likely to be infected than nonusers, even though the risk of HIV in both groups remains low," said lead study author Lauren Ralph, via Medscape. 

Researchers noted that birth control should still be used as the risk of HIV is high--particularly in areas such as Africa where birth control methods can be different.

However, health officials predict that Depo-Provera could potentially increase a woman's odds of contracting HIV as the shot involves hormone combinations that may alter vaginal bacteria and the overall immune system that, in turn, could change the likelihood of contracting the HIV. Yet the reason for an increased risk of contracting HIV is not discussed in the review.

Also, as childbirth remains life-threatening in many developing countries, more women could die if they lost access to Depo-Provera.

Depo-Provera's maker "is not aware of any scientific evidence showing a causal association between use of hormonal contraceptives and an increase in HIV transmission rates," according to a statement.

For more great nature science stories and general news, please visit our sister site, Headlines and Global News (HNGN).