CONTRACEPTION AND SEXUALLY-TRANSMITTED DISEASES - INTERACTIONS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Today ''safe sex'' means protection from both unintended pregnancy and sexually transmitted disease and human immunodeficiency virus. These parallel complications of sexual activity have serious biologic and cl inical sequelae that should be considered at the time of contraceptive selection. In addition, there is ongoing debate regarding potential i nteractions between antibiotic intervention and contraceptive steroids . This article assesses the impact of hormonal contraception, spermici des, barrier methods, intrauterine devices, and douching on the pathog enesis of sexually transmitted disease and the human immunodeficiency virus infection. It discusses the direct and indirect effects of contr aception methods on clinical physiology and host immune responses whil e also considering the possible consequences on maternal and infant he alth if pregnancy results from the use of ineffective contraception. C ounseling and care for both family planning and infectious disease pro tection must be provided to all sexually active individuals.