HIV infection and contraception.

HIV infection primarily affects women of childbearing age worldwide, in both developed and developing countries. With the advent of effective antiretroviral treatment, women are living longer and healthier lives, and the opportunity to have a child with minimal fear of vertical transmission is now a reality. For HIV-infected women, contraception and reproductive planning have become essential. Limited information is available on the variety of contraceptive options for HIV-infected women. It is important for all health care practitioners to educate themselves on contraceptive options so that they can provide optimal reproductive care to their HIV-infected female patients.