The Well Project is a Not For Profit Corporation developed by and for women living with HIV, their health care providers and caregivers. Our website provides valuable resources and information in English and Spanish on the basics of HIV/AIDS, its treatment, women-specific issues and much more.
This web site requires JavaScript and Microsoft® Internet Explorer 5.0 or better to display and function properly. Please visit Microsoft http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/default.asp to upgrade your browser or you can adjust your security settings to enable your browser to read JavaScript. Click here to learn more.
Home : Womens Center :
Search
Advanced Search

Keyword(s):
Join our E-Mail List
Email:
Sitio de Español
You Can Help
Join us in the fight against HIV and AIDS: Donate to The Well Project.
Printer-friendly VersionE-mail to a Friend

Questions and Answers: Microbicides

Updated July 2010

What are microbicides?

Microbicides are new products being developed to reduce the spread of HIV and other sexually-transmitted diseases (STDs). Microbicides could come in many forms, including gels, creams, suppositories, films, lubricants, sponges, or vaginal rings. They could be used in the vagina or rectum.

 


Are microbicides currently available?

No. Scientists are testing many products to see whether they help protect against infection with HIV and/or other STDs. Some of these products have proven safe enough in lab studies that they are now being tested in people. However, no safe and effective microbicide is currently available to the public.

 


How would microbicides work?

Microbicides could work in three different ways:

  1. Killing or neutralizing germs such as bacteria and viruses.
  2. Blocking infection by creating a barrier between the germ and the cells of the vagina or rectum.
  3. Preventing the germ from multiplying after it has entered the body.

Would microbicides eliminate the need for condoms?

No. When used consistently and correctly, male or female condoms are likely to provide better protection against HIV and other STDs than microbicides, so they will still be the best choice. But for people who cannot or will not use condoms, microbicides would provide another option. This is especially true for women whose male partners refuse to use condoms. Using microbicides could save lives and have a major impact in reducing the spread of HIV.

 


Would microbicides protect against all STDs?

Many of the microbicides being tested work against HIV and at least one other STD. In time, a product that combines different microbicides might be developed that could prevent a wide range of STDs, including HIV.

 


What if a woman wants to get pregnant?

Some of the microbicides being studied would allow a woman to get pregnant. These are called non-contraceptive microbicides. They would offer women the option of getting pregnant while still protecting themselves from infection – an alternative that is not available with condom use. Contraceptive microbicides would prevent pregnancy and STDs. It is important to have both types available.

 


Would microbicides be safe?

Any new product must go through strict safety testing before becoming available to the public. Health activists and researchers are closely watching over the clinical testing of microbicides to make sure it is done correctly.

 


How would microbicides benefit men?

It is possible that an HIV+ woman’s male partner might be protected from infection if she used a vaginal microbicide. However, this would need to be tested in clinical trials. Microbicides may work if they are used rectally, but the safety and effectiveness of microbicides for rectal use must also be tested separately in clinical trials. Rectal safety studies of some products have started.

 


How would microbicides benefit women with HIV?

Microbicides could help protect HIV+ women from re-infection with other HIV strains and from other STDs.

 


Why do we need microbicides if we will eventually have an HIV vaccine?

Research on developing a vaccine to prevent HIV infection has not been successful so far. Microbicides may be available sooner than an HIV vaccine. Even if a safe and effective vaccine is discovered, vaccines and microbicides will both have roles to play in the prevention of HIV.

 


How much will microbicides cost, and will people be able to afford them?

Advocates are working with researchers and policy makers to make sure that any approved microbicide will be as affordable and accessible as possible.

 


What about Nonoxynol-9 (N-9)?

N-9 products are sold over the counter as spermicides that can prevent pregnancy. They cannot prevent the transmission of HIV or other infections. In fact, when used more than once a day, N-9 contraceptive products may actually increase HIV risk by irritating the skin of the vagina. Other studies show that N-9 is even more irritating to the rectum than to the vagina.

 

According to the World Health Organization (WHO):

  • N-9 is not effective at preventing the transmission of HIV or other STDs. It should NOT be used for disease prevention.
  • Women at risk for HIV, especially those having sex more than once a day, should NOT use N-9 for birth control.
  • Women who are not at risk for HIV can use N-9 for birth control purposes safely.
  • Condoms with N-9 provide no more protection against pregnancy or infection than plain lubricated condoms. Since N-9 condoms may cause irritation, they should not be used.
  • Products with N-9 should NEVER be used for anal sex.

 


Taking care of yourself

Until microbicides are available, the best way to protect yourself and your partner from STDs, including HIV, is by using a male or female condom. It is also important to avoid the use of nonoxynol-9 (N-9) products if you think there is any chance you may be exposed to HIV. Getting tested for STDs regularly and getting treatment promptly if you have an STD will also help reduce your risk of HIV infection if you are exposed to HIV.

Join our community!
Follow The Well Project on Twitter and Facebook to receive frequent updates!



A Girl Like Me
This online blog is a program of The Well Project and a place for HIV+ women to share stories and experiences. Read the stories of HIV+ women ranging from 25 to 59 years old...from Southern California to South Africa...discussing their strengths, their fears, their differences and their similarities.



Information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It is designed to support, not replace, personal medical care and should never be used as a substitute for personal medical attention, diagnosis, or hands-on treatment. We recommend all medical decisions be made in consultation with your personal health care provider.