Does Pregnancy Pose an HIV Infection Risk for Men?

Previous studies have demonstrated that pregnant women are at greater risk of HIV infection. However, a new study, presented at the International Microbicides Conference in Pittsburgh in May seems to demonstrate that men have almost double the risk of HIV infection if their partner is pregnant and HIV+. The study, conducted in 7 countries in Africa, involved over 3,300 serodiscordant (one partner is HIV+ and the other is not) couples. Over two years and 800+ pregnancies it was demonstrated that pregnancy increased the risk of HIV infection for both males and females. The study reports that several factors other than pregnancy, such as sexual behavior, probably contributed to the increased risk for women. However, even when accounting for those factors and even circumcision, the heightened risk for men seemed much more direct. The researchers theorized that certain physiological and immunological changes that occur in a woman during pregnancy may be behind this remarkable finding. Therefore, further study to zero in on these changes is warranted. However, for those who may feel that pregnancy gives one a 'free pass' as far as the concern of the woman getting pregnant, this study demonstrates that it is even more imperative to use protection, especially if HIV status is unknown.

Why Not Female Condoms?

Studies have repeatedly shown that although female condoms are widely accepted and that many women prefer them to male condoms, policy makers often fail to promote and invest in their use. The result has been the limited us of a powerful weapon to help fight HIV, other sexually transmitted infections and unwanted pregnancy. According to an Oxfam report presented Thursday at the XVII International AIDS Conference in Mexico City, titled "Failing Women, Withholding Protection," there are about three billion male condoms sold worldwide annually, compared with about 26 million female condoms.

Part of the problem is that female condoms are much more expensive than male condoms. However, why couldn't governments or businesses get together to develop a lower cost version. Or, what about governments using there considerable economic and political power to force manufacturers to lower their prices by offering to buy large quantities in bulk. Either way, this is another area crying out for real leadership.