An HIV-positive school teacher wins a lawsuit against a school that abruptly ended his contract. (Photo : Getty Images)
Recent studies show that in 75 percent women, the spread of the AIDS virus can be prevented with the use of vaginal ring that is infused with antiviral drugs. The study was conducted on the women who took part in ASPIRE.
The vaginal ring developed by the researchers for the purpose of the study contained an antiviral drug called dapirivine, which is released to stop the virus from infecting women. This ring can be used in an inconspicuous way by the women to safeguard themselves, especially in situations when the other human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevention methods, such as a condom is not used.
According to News-Medical.net, the risk associated with women getting infected with HIV can be reduced by approximately 56 percent, with the use of this vaginal ring. The study suggests that for the ring to be effective, it must be used consistently.
However, another study, which was conducted on 120 women, states that a type of bacteria living in the woman's body interferes with the working of the ring and contributes to the success or failure of the ring. Women with the overgrowth of the Prevotelle bivia bacteria are at a higher risk of being infected with HIV as compared to women, who had lower levels of the bacteria.
Another research conducted on a group of 3000 women suggests that women with a healthy balance of vaginal bacteria responds in a better way to the drug, tenofovir, when used as a microbicide.
NBC News states that currently, there is only one drug, which, when taken every day, can provide protection against the virus. Available since 2012, the pill is recommended by the Centers for Diseases Prevention and Control (CDC) and it also reduces the risks associated with being infected with the HIV virus by 90 percent. But it is pretty expensive and without consistency, it might not give the same results as expected.
Apart from this, there are no vaccines available for HIV. UNAIDS, the United Nations AIDS Agency, states that about 36.9 million people are infected all over the world. Each year, about two million more people get infected.
Experts feel that there is a pressing need for something which will provide protection against HIV. With the vaginal ring as well as microbicides, the aim is to help women as well as men to protect themselves.
The following video talks about HIV prevention with the help of vaginal ring:
