Condoms replacing IUDs: integrated family planning with STD/AIDS
Hafez, E.S.
Advances in Contraceptive Delivery Systems Cds 3(2-3): 117-165
1987
ISSN/ISBN: 1012-8689 PMID: 12268653 Document Number: 349049
This editorial overview is an update of recent research advances in the interrelationships between 1) contraception and family planning and 2) sexually transmitted diseases and acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS). In both developed and developing countries, family planning services should be integrated with the most urgent public health services, such as 1) clinics for sexually transmitted diseases, including AIDS; 2) centers of maternal and infant care; and 3) special local public health services, such as improved nutrition and parasite control. Special programs have been developed to serve teenaged parents and their children, including 1) recruitment, 2) organization of services, 3) technical assistance to service providers, 4) measures to help teens delay 1st births, and 5) program evaluation. In the US, approximately 1 million adolescents become pregnant each year, or 96/1000 girls aged 15-19. Some 50% of US adolescents have had sexual intercourse by age 17, but more than 25% have never used contraception. During the last decade, extensive research has identified potentially serious complications of IUDs. Recently, it was established that there are significant relationships between AIDS and IUDs. The association between IUD use and pelvic inflammatory disease is well established. In 1985-1986 in the US, condoms have been replacing IUDs. Except for Japan and China, condoms are not commonly used for contraception, but are greatly needed to prevent the spread of AIDS.