Network 20(4): Family Planning and STIs
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Greetings and apologies for any cross-postings!
Network Vol. 20, No. 4 is now on-line. This issue of Family Health
International's (FHI) quarterly scientific bulletin focuses on family
planning and sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
Read the full text of Network 20-4 on FHI's Web site at:
English: http://www.fhi.org/en/fp/fppubs/network/ntgroupng.html
French: http://www.fhi.org/fr/networkf/ntgrpngf.html
Spanish: http://www.fhi.org/sp/networks/ntgrpngs.html
Here is a brief summary of the articles it contains:
Network: Family Planning and STIs
Vol. 20, No. 4, 2001
Many family planning clients need services related to sexually trans-
mitted infections (STIs). This issue of Network includes an article
about ways to provide dual protection, against both pregnancy and
STIs. Other articles address the needs of HIV-positive women, ways to
reach youth and men, and a contraceptive method table that compares
each method's ability to protect against STIs.
Many Clients Need Dual Protection
For sexually active people who need contraception and are at risk of
a sexually transmitted infection (STI), there are two ways to reduce
both risks: Two contraceptives can be used (one highly effective for
pregnancy prevention and the male or female condom), or a condom can
be used for both purposes.
HIV-positive Women Have Different Needs
In settings where HIV prevalence is high, family planning providers
should discuss with clients how HIV can affect family health. "Coun-
seling HIV-positive Women" offers a concise list of key points to
discuss with women who are already infected. "HIV-infected Women Less
Fertile" discusses the fertility of HIV-infected women.
Reaching Youth, Men May Improve Services
Serving more men and adolescents in family planning and maternal
health programs is one way programs can help prevent the spread of
STIs, including HIV.
Does Circumcision Reduce HIV Risks?
While there is some evidence to support the belief that circumcision
can reduce HIV infection risks, promoting circumcision as a way to
guard against infection may not be appropriate. "Removing Specialized
Cells May Explain Protective Effect" offers a summary of research on
how circumcision may reduce HIV infection risks.
Condom Offers STI Protection
Among barrier contraceptive methods, the male condom offers the best
protection against STIs, including HIV. "Do Contraceptives Protect
against Sexually Transmitted Infections?" is a chart of each contra-
ceptive method and whether each offers protection against specific
viral and bacterial infections.
N-9 Protection against HIV Doubtful
A recent study raises concerns about the ability of nonoxynol-9 (N-9)
to protect against HIV. A related article reviews studies that indi-
cate "Anal Intercourse Presents Serious HIV/STI Risks."
Do Hormonals Affect STI Risks?
Largely due to study design difficulties, research is conflicting on
whether hormonal methods of contraception affect the acquisition of
STIs, including HIV.
Contraceptive Update: Oral Contraceptives and Breast Cancer Risks
A recent study suggests a link between high-dose combined oral con-
traceptives that were discontinued years ago and an increased risk of
breast cancer among women with a strong family history of the dis-
ease.
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More than 1,700 full-text materials in English, Spanish and French
are available on our Web site:
http://www.fhi.org
FHI is committed to helping women and men have access to safe, effec-
tive, acceptable and affordable family planning methods to ensure
that they achieve their desired number and spacing of children; pre-
venting the spread of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted dis-
eases (STDs); and improving the health of women and children.
David Hock
Senior Information Projects Coordinator
Family Health International
mailto:dhock@fhi.org
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