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
<http://www.fhi.org/en/fp/fppubs/network/ntgroupng.html>
French: http://www.fhi.org/fr/networkf/ntgrpngf.html
<http://www.fhi.org/fr/networkf/ntgrpngf.html>
Spanish: http://www.fhi.org/sp/networks/ntgrpngs.html
<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 transmitted
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. "Counseling
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 contraceptive 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 indicate "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
contraceptives that were discontinued years ago and an increased risk of
breast cancer among women with a strong family history of the disease.
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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. <http://www.fhi.org/>
FHI is committed to helping women and men have access to safe, effective,
acceptable and affordable family planning methods to ensure that they
achieve their desired number and spacing of children; preventing the spread
of HIV/AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases (STDs); and improving
the health of women and children.
David Hock
Senior Information Projects Coordinator
Family Health International
e-mail: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
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