There are a variety of different methods of contraception available but only two will also protect women from HIV and STIs: the condom and female condom which are both associated with ‘safer sex’.

Choosing to have ‘safer sex’ means choosing sexual activities which reduce the risk of HIV transmission. Condoms (both male and female) can reduce the risk of transmission of HIV if used correctly. However, not all couples choose to have ‘safer sex’. For example, in relationships where monogamous partners are untested or have tested HIV-negative other methods of contraception may be used. Some couples where both partners are HIV-positive have also made this choice although this is not recommended as they risk being infected with different strains of the virus or with other STIs. A survey of positive people published in 2002 showed almost a quarter of one sample of positive people reporting that they practised safer sex less often since the arrival of new treatments as HIV was somehow seen as ‘less serious’ than previously and the perception that an individual with an undetectable viral load was less likely infective. (Demmer 2002) The risk of sexual transmission may be reduced if a person’s viral load is undetectable, however, there is still a risk associated with unprotected penetrative vaginal sex as HIV can be present at different levels in the genital fluids than in blood.

Positive women are often recommended to adopt a 'belt and braces' approach, that is, to use a condom or female condom for safer sex and another form of contraception to avoid pregnancy.

There is no method of contraception that will offer 100% protection against pregnancy or STIs. A brief guide to different forms of contraception follows. However, best informed advice about contraception can be obtained from Family Planning and Well Woman Clinics. Positive women may wish to seek advice from their HIV doctor.

References

Demmer C.  Impact of improved treatments on perceptions about HIV and safer sex among inner-city HIV-infected men and women, Journal of Community Health 27(1): 63-73, 2002.

Anderson W, Weatherburn P, Keogh P and Henderson L.  Proceeding with care. Phase 3 of an on-going study of the impact of combination therapies on the needs of people with HIV, London, Sigma Research, 2000.