Birth Control Ring to Prevent HIV Transmission Being Developed

A new contraceptive vaginal ring is gaining attention because it could be the first birth control device developed that will release not only contraceptive agents but also release substances that will prevent the transmission of HIV. Researchers at Weil Cornell Medical College have recently published the results of a study after laboratory testing. It is believed that if future clinical trials support the evidence found so far, then the vaginal ring will have tremendous potential to help combat the 5 million new cases and 3 million deaths from HIV/AIDs that occur worldwide.

The experimental vaginal ring contains compounds to prevent conception by limiting sperm motility, increasing vaginal mucous viscosity and maintaining an acid level that sperm are unable to live. No hormones are used in the ring so increased risk of cancers or other side effects present in other birth control methods are avoided. There are also no spermicides or latex used in the vaginal ring which should reduce the risk of irritation. Previous testing in animals has shown the ring to be effective as a contraceptive device.

HIV protection in the new vaginal ring is to be accomplished through a mixture of multiple newly developed antiviral drugs that would be released over a 28 day period. These microbicides, which are special gels specifically intended to combat and block the HIV virus in the vaginal environment, were found to be effective when tested on human cells in the lab.

Currently, the only vaginal ring used for birth control is the "NuvaRing", which has no protection against STDs and uses hormones to control conception. The NuvaRing is inserted for 3 weeks and removed for a week so menses can occur. Controversy surrounds the use of the NuvaRing because the hormones used are considered to be a third generation contraceptive. Grassroot organizations have requested the FDA pull all third generation contraceptives off the market due to their higher risk of causing blood clots. Lawsuits have been filed regarding injuries claimed to be due to the use of the NuvaRing.

An additional benefit the new vaginal ring will have, besides not containing hormones and their accompanying side effects, is that women will be able to control their exposure and occurrence of a disease for which there is no cure and where treatments are expensive or unavailable. There are no long term studies to tell us what problems constant exposure to anti-virals absorbed by the vagina will cause. However, without a vaccine to combat HIV/AIDS, this may be the only thing we will have to slow down this disease until we can find one.

According to Dr. Jeffrey Laurence, co-author of the study and attending physician at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weil Cornell Medical Center as quoted in Science Daily, "No one has ever conquered a viral epidemic with treatment, so prevention is the most effective option."

Sources:

Science Daily. New Contraceptive Device Is Designed To Prevent Sexual Transmission Of HIV. May 23, 2009. http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/05/090519172159.htm

Public Citizen. Petition to the FDA to Ban Third Generation Oral Contraceptives Containing Desogestrel due to Increased Risk of Venous Thrombosis (HRG Publication #1799) February 6, 2007. http://www.citizen.org/publications/release.cfm?ID=7503

http://www.nuvaring.com/Consumer/index.asp