Journal of women's health
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2019
Factors Affecting Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis Implementation for Women in the United States: A Systematic Review.
Oral HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) is a highly effective pill that HIV-negative individuals can take once daily to prevent HIV infection. Although PrEP is a private, user-controlled method that empowers women to protect themselves without relying on a partner's behavior, women's PrEP use has been extremely low. We systematically reviewed the literature to identify and summarize factors that may be affecting PrEP implementation for women in the United States. ⋯ However, women and providers generally have positive views when aware of PrEP, including a willingness to use or prescribe PrEP to women. Most of the implementation barriers highlighted in studies were social or structural factors (e.g., access). Additional studies are needed to address research gaps, including studies of PrEP adherence and discontinuation.
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Journal of women's health · Sep 2019
ReviewCharacterization and Treatment of Recurrent Bacterial Vaginosis.
Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is a common but treatable condition, with a number of effective available treatments, including oral and intravaginal metronidazole and clindamycin and oral tinidazole. However, as many as 50% of women with BV experience recurrence within 1 year of treatment for incident disease. Some reasons for recurrence include the persistence of residual infection, resistance, and possibly reinfection from either male or female partners. ⋯ Secnidazole may be an attractive new option due to one-time dosing. Initial studies on biofilm disruption, use of probiotics and prebiotics, and botanical treatments have shown some promise, but must be studied further before use in the clinic. Despite limitations, antimicrobial therapy will remain the mainstay of treatment for recurrent BV for the foreseeable future.