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A new type of contraception will protect against HIV and STDs
Last reviewed: 01.07.2025
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Vaginal rings are one of the contraceptive methods. But, in addition to the fact that they can help avoid unwanted pregnancy, the rings can also become a reliable protection against AIDS. Before this, scientists identified the only 100% method of protection against sexually transmitted infections - a condom.
The results of research by microbiologists, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, give hope that a vaginal ring impregnated with an antiviral microbicide gel will help protect against HIV infection.
Experiments using a vaginal ring treated with the microbicide gel MIV-150 were conducted on macaques.
One group of macaques was given rings with the gel, while the other group was given rings with a placebo, either 24 hours before infection with the monkey variant of HIV, the SHIV virus, or two weeks before. The rings were removed either immediately before infection or two weeks after. In this way, the specialists tried to determine the most effective scheme for using the microbicide.
It should be noted that previous trials of an antiviral vaginal gel for women, which was used immediately before intercourse, failed. According to experts, mainly because the drug must be used for a certain period of time.
This hypothesis is confirmed by current research.
In the case of using the gel for experiments on monkeys, the vaginal ring allowed for maximum release of the drug and its entry into the vaginal tissues and mucous membranes.
Of the 17 infected animals given rings treated with the gel, only two became infected. Of the 16 macaques given rings with a placebo, 11 became infected.
The scientists found the best results in those subjects whose rings remained in the vagina for a long time before and after infection.
Scientists believe that such an effect will allow this method to find wide application. It is the vaginal ring that will transport the drug into the vagina, and the woman will not have to worry about following the gel use regimen. To do this, it is enough to insert the vaginal ring and leave it for a while.
The revealed effectiveness of the MIV-150 microbicide gel will make it possible to develop combined gels, where this component will be contained in a smaller dose, which will make it available to everyone, as well as ensure the safety of its use. In addition, such results make us think about new possibilities and means of protection against other sexually transmitted infectious diseases.
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