Scientists look to chemical barrier methods for women. Sexually transmitted disease (microbicides)
Sex weekly plus 1996(Sample No): 37
1996
ISSN/ISBN: 1090-8633 PMID: 12320369 Document Number: 299533
It is often true that women lack the autonomy to insist on condom use during intercourse, even when the men engage in behavior that facilitates the heterosexual transmission of HIV/AIDS and sexually transmitted diseases. Therefore, researchers are seeking new options for women in the form of female condoms and vaginal spermicides. In July 1996, the US Secretary of Health and Human Resources announced that the US government will devote $100 million to microbicide research over the next four years. The goal is to create inexpensive products that could be used without detection. An initial microbicide trial is nearing completion in Cameroon, where the ability of the contraceptive nonoxynol-9 to protect against HIV transmission is being studied in 1000 female prostitutes. Barriers to research into microbicides include a lack of resources, the unwillingness of major pharmaceutical companies to invest in the research, and ethical issues relating to testing products on humans.