Investigating widely available substances as vaginal microbicides.

Wendy Holmes

Journal: Sexual health 2006;1(2):73-9

PMID: 16334988

Abstract

Microbicides to protect women from HIV are urgently needed. Several potential pharmaceutical microbicides are now undergoing obligatory clinical trials to check safety, acceptability and efficacy before approval for use. Microbicides may have side-effects and, paradoxically, their use may increase the risk of acquiring HIV. Several widely available substances have been suggested as microbicides, including substances with a low pH such as lemon juice, vinegar, soft drinks and lactobacillus dairy products. Because of the potential for harm it is important that these substances are tested before their use is widely promoted. After small scale safety and acceptability studies, their promotion needs to be evaluated as a communication intervention.

Address: Macfarlane Burnet Institute for Medical Research and Public Health, GPO Box 2284, Melbourne, Vic. 3001, Australia. [email protected]

DOI: 10.1071/sh04013

Link outs

Free resources

Medical:

https://medlineplus.gov/hivinwomen.html

Other Literature Sources:

https://www.lens.org/lens/search/patent/list?q=ref...

MeSH Terms: Acetic Acid, Administration, Intravaginal, Anti-Infective Agents, Local, Carbonated Beverages, Citrus, Drug Evaluation, Female, HIV, HIV Infections, Humans, Mucous Membrane, Phytotherapy, Plant Preparations, Safe Sex, Treatment Outcome, Vaginal Douching